The Alberta government is providing more than $3.4 million to Lakeland College to increase its capacity to accommodate 600 additional learners in trades and industrial training programs, and to upgrade existing structures. The province has also provided funding for a sign language interpreter diploma program to start in 2008.
“Lakeland College is an excellent learning resource, and we’re pleased to further its success by making room for even more Albertans to get quality post-secondary education and training,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “Our government is committed to responding to Albertans’ learning desires and the province’s workforce needs.”
To increase capacity for trades and industrial training, additional classrooms and lab space will be developed in the college’s Trades Centre at the Vermilion campus. This investment enables Lakeland College to now offer more than 1,300 seats in apprenticeship training programs in 2007-08, an increase of 77 per cent in the past three years. To maintain current structures, money will also go toward roof repairs for the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses.
Lakeland College will admit 16 students into the new sign language interpreter diploma program in 2008-09. The program will be offered in Edmonton and will be the only one of its kind in Alberta. It fits under the college’s mandate to provide skill-based, career-related training and education. It will include a 60-credit course load, as well as practicum placements.
“Previously, students had to travel to BC, Manitoba, Ontario or Nova Scotia for this type of program,” said Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Vice President of Academics at Lakeland College. “We know if students are educated in Alberta, they often start their careers in the province as well. The sign language interpreter program is an excellent solution for employers who need to accommodate the communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing persons.”
Increasing access to post-secondary learning opportunities is part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building our communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.
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Media enquiries may be directed to:Donna Babchishin
Communications
Advanced Education and Technology
780 422 1562
Colleen Symes
Communications Coordinator
Lakeland College
780 853 8544
