The fall term at Assiniboine starts next week, with many students entering classrooms, labs and shops this September and thousands more starting or returning to programs throughout the academic year.
This month, the college welcomes the second ever cohort of Mechatronics Engineering Technology students the first to begin their studies in the newly completed robotics, electronics and automation labs at the North Hill campus. Also new this year is Environmental Resource Management a refresh of the former Land & Water Management diploma program.
"With the introduction of new and renewed programs and learning spaces, our college is constantly evolving to stay on pace with the labour market needs of Manitoba today and tomorrow," said Danielle Adriaansen, Vice President of Students and Enrolment. "It's a great time to be a student at Assiniboine, and this is one of the best times of year for us as staff members, seeing so many new and returning faces."
Longstanding programs including Practical Nursing and Early Childhood Education (ECE) continue to see strong enrolment. The college has expanded these programs to rural sites in recent years, thanks to new provincial investments, with recent investments in ECE also providing the ability for students to continue working while they learn through our Workplace Mentorship delivery. This winter will see Practical Nursing intakes in Beausejour, Morden and Neepawa and ECE intakes in Melita and Neepawa.
"Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build their future right here in Manitoba," said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. "We're proud to support Assiniboine College as it expands programs that respond to the needs of students and communities across the province. These investments help more Manitobans access education close to home and build rewarding careers in the communities they love."
The college anticipates total student enrolment for the year will be on par with the previous academic year, reaching around 10,000. New student enrolment in on campus programs is down slightly for the fall term compared to last year among both domestic and international, while returning student counts are expected to be on par with the year prior. The decrease in new domestic students is explained by two things: difference in programs and intake locations on offer this year and fewer first-year students in some programs.
While the college see its largest volume of students begin their studies in September, many more programs and courses, in addition to those rural nursing and ECE programs, will begin throughout the academic year on campus, in communities and online.
A new Primary Care Paramedic program launches at our Parkland campus in January. Also in Dauphin, a series of trades courses (drywall, painting, finishing, concrete) will run every three weeks starting in October; and a 6-month Applied Building Construction program starts in February.
"We're excited for students throughout Manitoba to learn with us this year, expanding their skills, knowledge and opportunities," said Adriaansen. "Even better when they're able to do that close to home - whether it's at one of our campuses or a community-based site."
In addition to campuses and rural rotating sites, the college will have programs in Nations throughout Northern Manitoba, including Peguis First Nation, Garden Hill First Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Minegoziibe Anishinabe. Assiniboine also recently announced new adult learning sites in Minnedosa and Neepawa.
Further on the horizon, Assiniboine has new programs soon to launch, including Medical Laboratory Technology and Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology next fall, a new Cybersecurity advanced diploma, and a Bachelor of Nursing accelerated degree.
Assiniboine has many programs starting year-round, and applications remain open. For program details and upcoming intakes, visit assiniboine.net/programs.
