The new economy needs people with the right skills and attitudes - the kind of practical, career-related skills and emphasis on teamwork taught at a college. College offers reasonable tuition, hands-on learning, project-based experiences, instruction from professional practitioners, small class sizes and excellent employment prospects.
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning will open its doors to applicants and prospective applicants for fall 2010 admission, their families, business and industry representatives, and the general public at three Saturday events, called Explore Conestoga.
Explore Conestoga consists of three campus open houses - at Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo and Guelph.
The Saturday campus events are scheduled as follows: March 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Doon campus, 299 Doon Valley Dr. in Kitchener, and April 10 at the other two locations - 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Waterloo campus, 108 University Ave. E., and 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Guelph campus, 460 Speedvale Ave. W.
Increasingly, the value and productive purpose of college-based education is coming to the fore, as governments and business leaders realize the strong link between economic development, sustained global competitiveness and prosperity, and a well-educated population that has a full range of practical skills.
Conestoga is increasingly seen as an excellent first choice for post-secondary education. Enrolment has risen dramatically the last four years and is expected to rise again for 2010-2011. Conestoga has increased its number of academic programs to nearly 300, will open this spring a new roofing skills centre in Waterloo and a power trades centre in Ingersoll, and will start construction on a large expansion of the School of Health and Life Sciences at Doon and the first stage of the major new campus in Cambridge.
At Doon on March 27, visitors have the opportunity to meet faculty and current students, see student projects, learn about resources and services available to students, and visit labs and shops. On hand will be Conestoga admissions officers to explain application/admission procedures and to facilitate the process for any visitors who may wish to apply. The main activities will be in the E Wing foyer at the main Doon campus building (adjacent to the Recreation Centre). Information sessions about specific undergraduate programs start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 noon. Postgraduate program information sessions begin at 12 noon.
At Waterloo on April 10, the focus is on two campus specialties - construction-related trades and the hospitality/culinary/tourism sector. There will also be an overview of available College services, campus tours and information on academic upgrading/career retraining opportunities.
At Guelph on April 10, the emphasis will be on the trades, apprenticeship and technology programs featured at the campus - motive power trades, welding technology, industrial mechanics, millwright and others. The Guelph campus is also adding three business diploma programs this fall, as well as an introductory certificate program called Business Foundations. As at the other campus-based Explore Conestoga sessions, there will be campus tours, an overview of available College services and information on academic upgrading/career retraining opportunities.
CONTACT: Paul Osborne, 519-748-5220, ext. 3419, posborne@conestogac.on.ca