Small but mighty

Principal Marcel Cottreau points out the new online library information technology program as an example.

“There are 121 students registered online for this. It’s something that’s growing with potential for development,” he said.

“The Shelburne campus has the capacity for this. There are different aspects to online study and this school has the support that students need.”

There are 135 part time and 89 full time students at the Shelburne campus, compared to 531 full time students at the NSCC Burridge campus.

Cottreau says they are also looking to expand the trades they offer. The electrical program provided at Shelburne was originally offered on a four-year rotational basis however because of its continued full enrollment it’s become part of their regular curriculum.

A plumbing course is now being offered on the rotational basis and is also very popular.

“What we’ve been seeing with Shelburne is that they really service all of Southwest Nova Scotia,” said Cottreau.

NSCC faculty is reporting a strong need for trades people in several industries and businesses.

“A large portion of our welders used to head out west. Last year they all found employment in the area,” said Cottreau.

Filling business and office administration programs from the local population remains a challenge because they are offered at every campus. It’s another reason for Shelburne to work towards offering them online says Cottreau.

Another area where the college is seeing interest is continuing care. With more beds announced as part of the province's Continuing Care Strategy, there is increasing demand for workers in the health care field.