30
March
2011
|
05:59 AM
America/New_York

In the news: Hamiltonian vies to be Sheen's intern

Mohawk College applauds the province for investing in literacy, instructional equipment and 60,000 new postsecondary places.


“The government is equipping Mohawk and Ontario’s other 23 public colleges to prepare the future-ready graduates who will play a key role in driving our regional and provincial economy,” President Rob MacIsaac said in response to today’s provincial budget.


“It’s essential that colleges help students achieve basic skills and literacy and provide the equipment they'll use to develop and hone leading-edge job skills needed by employers.”


Funding commitments to postsecondary institutions and students include:



  • $44 million over three years for literacy and basic skills

  • $20 million in instructional equipment for 2011-2012

  • $64 million in 2011-2012, rising to $309 million in 2013-2014 for operating grants for an additional 60,000 postsecondary places by 2015-2016

  • An additional $22.5 million this year for the Summer Jobs Strategy for youth in high-needs neighbourhoods


“The government is acting now to address growing labour shortages and a widening skills gap,” said MacIsaac. “This budget will increase the number of people in our community and across the province who can earn the postsecondary credentials needed to drive future economic growth and prosperity.”


The provincial budget also includes a commitment to create enhanced multi-year accountability agreements that will ensure postsecondary institutions continue to operate efficiently and transparently.


“We look forward to working with government to create Mohawk’s agreements,” says MacIsaac. “As a college committed to financial sustainability and a balanced budget, Mohawk will continue to demonstrate that we are a responsible and responsive partner with government.”


Mohawk College delivers a quality education to more than 16,000 full-time and apprenticeship students, 1,000 international students and 42,000 continuing education registrants at campuses in Hamilton and Brantford. Mohawk has completed a $27 million transformation of its skilled trades campus and is carrying out the largest renewal project in its history at the Fennell Campus.