Advanced Education and Skills
May 25, 2016

Supporting Students Through Higher Learning

New Legislation Will Allow College of the North Atlantic to Offer Applied Degrees

Legislation was introduced in the House of Assembly this week that will allow College of the North Atlantic to offer applied degree programs, which will expand the college's course offerings and enhance its abilities to compete in a global market.

"Supporting College of the North Atlantic to develop and deliver applied degree programs demonstrates this government's commitment to the college's success while increasing educational opportunities for students. Awarding applied degrees will give the college a competitive edge and better prepare graduates to meet the challenges of an evolving labour market."
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Applied degrees are offered in a range of subject areas, including business, science and technology. Applied degree programs are technical in nature and typically include the theoretical training required to expand skill sets and advance in the workplace. They are offered extensively in the college system in Canada and are increasingly required by employers world-wide.

Providing College of the North Atlantic with legislative authority to develop and grant applied degrees will assist in expanding programming, increasing enrolment and revenue, and help to ensure the college's competitiveness on the national stage and in other countries such as Qatar and China.

Applied degrees are offered by colleges in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.

QUICK FACTS

• Legislation was introduced in the House of Assembly this week that will allow College of the North Atlantic to offer applied degree programs, which will expand the college's course offerings and enhance its abilities to compete in a global market.
• Applied degrees are offered in a range of subject areas, including business, science and technology.
• Providing College of the North Atlantic with legislative authority to develop and grant applied degrees will assist in expanding programming, increasing enrolment and revenue, and help to ensure the college's competitiveness on the national stage and in other countries such as Qatar and China.
• Applied degrees are offered by college-level institutions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
• Budget 2016 includes approximately $63 million to enable the continuation of low tuition rates for students at College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University, and an investment of approximately $24 million for needs-based student grants and loans.

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Media contact:

John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2016 05 25                              12:45 p.m.