The Ontario government’s 2018 budget investments will ensure more students have access to college programs that open the door to rewarding and meaningful employment.
“The budget delivers some important investments in student success,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Niagara College graduates are driving the growth of key industries in Niagara, and this will help us produce more grads who provide the skills and knowledge that is pivotal to success in today’s economy.”
Highlights of the 2018 Ontario Budget include:
- An increased investment of $500 million in capital improvements at colleges and universities. Funding will grow from $10 million in 2020-21 to more than $60 million by 2022-23.
- An increase in the funding for college equipment and renewal to $20 million a year over the next three years from the current level of $8 million per year.
- An investment of $170 million over three years to modernize apprenticeship training.
- An investment of about $40 million per year over three years to develop post-secondary education programs that respond to the changing needs of students and employers.
- Affirmation of the $2.1 billion investment in a ‘whole of community’ approach to mental health services that will improve the support available to students.
- The budget also reaffirms the province’s commitment to ensure students from low- and middle-income families pay little or no tuition and have easier access to student assistance.
As well, the budget supports students’ career planning with investments that allow high schools to hire more guidance counsellors.
“It’s essential that graduates entering today’s workforce are equipped with the qualifications and expertise to pursue meaningful careers,” Patterson said. “The new investments announced today allow more students to develop that expertise by strengthening the quality of our programs.”
Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
