In recognition of significant industry demand for machinists, this year, College of the North Atlantic decided to try a new dual-campus delivery model for its machinist program between the Placentia campus and the Prince Philip Drive (PPD) campus in St. John’s. Enrollment in the machinist trade weakened in recent years, often not exceeding five or six students. Through this new delivery approach, enrollment is full for the first time since the 2007-2008 academic year.
Under this model the program is being delivered equally at both campuses, with the theory component delivered at PPD and the majority of the hands-on practical work done at the specialized machinist shops in Placentia. The 16 students receive return bussing from St. John’s to Placentia as part of the program, meaning they need not worry about transportation for the practical portion.
“We have conducted dual-campus delivery in the past through the use of distance learning technology; however the practical side of this program means students need time in the workshops to complete their program requirements,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of College of the North Atlantic. “We know the labour market demand for these students in high and the cost of developing a new machine shop is quite prohibitive, hence the decision to provide bussing for students. It is this type of creativity and innovation in program delivery that ensures maximum access for students while recognizing the cost constraints for the college.”
College of the North Atlantic works closely with a broad range of industry sectors, staying in tune with their needs as labour force demands change. It is because of that responsiveness that the program delivery model was re-evaluated for the 2013-2014 academic year.
“Industry representatives contacted us and voiced a need to have a trained work force in this sector. So we know there are career opportunities for individuals interested in this field, and now we have provided an additional method for them to take advantage of those opportunities,” said Robin Walters, the college’s Dean of Industrial Trades. “The delivery of the machinist program between Prince Philip Drive and Placentia campus is an example of how the college is changing its delivery of programs to meet the industry, student and demographic needs of the province, while maintaining programs and infrastructure in the rural campuses.”
First year student Kyle Tucker, from Conception Bay South, says the idea of the dual-site delivery appealed to him and has already shown to be a positive experience for the class.
“I love it - it’s been fun for all of us. It’s given us a chance to get to know our classmates better (bussing from St. John’s) and it also means that I don’t have to pay for gas or use my car,” he said, noting that he’s been working in the trade for a year, but now wants to earn his Red Seal and start a full-time job, with full-time pay. “This trade is full of really interesting aspects and when you’re working in this field you never know what’s going to come through the door. There’s nothing better than looking at something and a few years later saying, ‘I made that’, it’s a great feeling.”
For more information on the machinist program or any of the college’s other program offerings, visit www.cna.nl.ca or contact the campus nearest you.
College of the North Atlantic is Newfoundland and Labrador’s only public college with 17 conveniently located campuses throughout the province. With a tuition rate of just $726 per semester, CNA is also the most affordable post-secondary option in Atlantic Canada.
-30-
Media Contact:
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca