Door opens for new and expanded programming including additional applied degrees and bridging courses
Kitchener, ON – February 10, 2003 - Conestoga College has been designated an Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (ITAL) by the provincial government, as announced today at the Doon campus of the College by the Hon. Dianne Cunningham, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. This designation allows Conestoga College to offer new and expanded programs, an important part of the College’s strategy to help meet the community’s increasing demand for skilled labour. ITALs can offer up to 15 per cent of the programs as applied degrees in addition to bridging courses that enable diploma and certificate holders to earn degree designations in their areas of study.
“Conestoga is a leader in the provincial college system. We have a record of exceptional programming and academic excellence, and a reputation for outstanding service, both to our student body and the local area,” says Dr. John Tibbits, Conestoga College president. “The ITAL designation reflects this success and enables us to continue to meet this community’s unique education and training needs.”
ITAL designations are another government step in differentiating institutions within the College system, in response to evolving post-secondary education needs. In 2002, the provincial government launched an assessment program for applied degrees at Ontario colleges. Conestoga College is one of only three colleges in the province to receive approval for the maximum number of applied degrees per college in each assessment round – two last March and two more in November.
“To continue to fuel community prosperity we must be able to increase both the quantity and quality of skilled labour we produce. As an ITAL we will be able to reach these goals through expanded programming and innovative course offerings,” says Tibbits.
The Economic and Social Value of Conestoga College, a study recently published by Essential Economics Corporation, revealed that more than 40 per cent of the local labour force has been trained by Conestoga College. Additionally, through Continuing Education activities alone, Conestoga College helps upgrade the skills of an estimated 36 per cent of the local labour force. The College also offers more Training and Development opportunities customized for local employers than any other local educational institution.
"Conestoga College plays a critical role in our ability to compete globally," says Klaus Woerner, President and CEO of ATS Automation Tooling Systems. "Conestoga students graduate with a combination of skill, competency and commitment. We are pleased to hire many of these graduates every year. In addition, the College provides ongoing skills upgrades to our workforce through seminars and workshops, helping us ensure our skills base remains on the leading edge of technology. The ITAL designation is exciting news not only for the College but also local business, industry and every member of the community."
About Conestoga College
Established in 1967 as one of the Ontario Government's Colleges of Applied
Arts and Technology, Conestoga College is located in Canada's Technology
Triangle, embracing the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph.
These cities, with a combined population of 500,000, make up a growing,
dynamic community where advanced technology is complemented by state-of-the-art
manufacturing facilities and a vibrant service industry. Conestoga College
grants three- and two-year diplomas and one-year certificates. There are
over 5,000 full-time students and 33,000 part-time registrants enrolled
in Conestoga College programs, courses and activities. Conestoga College
has a respected reputation for academic excellence and is considered one
of the leading colleges in Ontario and Canada. Conestoga’s programs
in Engineering Technology, Business and Business Administration, Information
Technology, Communications and Media, Health Sciences, Community Services
and the skilled trades are well recognized and graduates are in demand
by local and international companies.