Mohawk College announced its intention to expand its academic operations into the City of Burlington.
Hamilton-based Mohawk College has formalized a Letter of Understanding with the City of Burlington and Burlington Economic Development to establish new Mohawk College learning hubs and campuses in Burlington.
"Burlington is a vibrant and growing community, with impressive residential, commercial and industrial growth, but is not currently home to a public community college," said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. "For 57 years, Mohawk College has been educating and preparing highly skilled graduates for success. We are excited to extend the college's world-class post-secondary training into Burlington."
The recent launch of Mohawk College's School of Climate Action, the continuing shortages in Ontario's healthcare system, and growing demand for more people and training in skilled trades and technology are all priorities for the college. Additional classrooms, labs, shops and applied research facilities will be required to meet the demand in these growth areas. Burlington is an ideal location to achieve this growth. Many locations within the city are easy to access through public transit and it is closer to home for many Mohawk College students who commute to Hamilton campuses from other communities.
The college already has a presence in Burlington through its partnership with Schlegel Villages, with a Living Classroom located at The Village at Tansley Woods. The site is used to deliver the Personal Support Worker (PSW), Practical Nursing (PSW to PN Bridging Stream), and Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA) programs.
The proposed expansion aligns with the City of Burlington's Strategic Plan. Burlington City Council has identified the attraction of a post-secondary institution as an objective that will contribute to the overall health of the city. It supports Burlington's goals of developing complete communities, expanding its youth population, and providing an educational environment to attract startups and grow businesses. The City is supportive of post-secondary opportunities for its residents.
"Burlington is open for business," said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. "We welcome post-secondary institutions and satellite programming as one way to boost local employment and support business. We're partnering with Mohawk College to ensure our future is as bright, innovative, and as forward-looking as our community."
"There are promising opportunities in Burlington in healthcare, in industry, and across the regional economy," said President Armstrong. "Students are looking for rewarding, fulfilling careers in desirable communities and employers are looking for well-educated and well-trained workers. Mohawk College is excited to create pathways to employment, preparing future-ready graduates for bright careers in Burlington and beyond."
This planned expansion will roll out in phases over several years, with a variety of programs being offered in different locations. Mohawk will work with Burlington Economic Development to explore potential locations and uses. More specific information will be provided in the coming months as plans take shape and the requisite agreements are finalized.
"Mohawk College's plan to expand their facilities into Burlington is very exciting news," said Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development. "Mohawk College has supported our local business community for a long time, through access to applied research areas, experiential learning hubs, and of course connecting employers to top talent. We look forward to working with them in the coming months to find the ideal location for their students, faculty and staff to thrive here."
