Loyalist College is working to expand training programs for fields that are in demand in the surrounding community.
President and CEO of Loyalist College, Mark Kirkpatrick, made a deputation to Prince Edward County’s Committee of the Whole during Thursday’s meeting. During his deputation, Kirkpatrick spoke about expansions to their skilled trades offerings and healthcare programs.
Kirkpatrick said the college has 13 new programs approved in their healthcare department, set to begin within two years. In addition, three new skilled trades programs are proposed, but have not yet been approved by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario.
While talking about the programs, Kirkpatrick stressed the importance of training people for these careers locally, so that potential workers don’t move away for an education and never return.
He also touched on the recent limits on international students being imposed, and the struggles it has caused. He said that the limits on international students will reduce tuition revenue, while also making it harder to promote a diverse campus.
The committee received the deputation, but took no action at this time.
