College enrolment nearing eight-year high

New programming is behind skyrocketing registration at the local campus of Confederation College.
Currently, 52 first-year students are confirmed for the fall semester, said campus director Anne Renaud. Add in the returning students and enrolment is expected to reach 80 students, she noted.
Interest in the college’s new Electronic Technician and Entrepreneurship programs, as well as the always-popular paramedic course, are credited with this year’s increase.
“It’s looking really positive,” Renaud enthused.
In fact, there currently are 17 students on the wait list for the college’s very competitive paramedic program, which Renaud said is typical for all Ontario schools offering the course.
But new programs cannot claim all the glory for Confederation’s popularity. Always a big draw is the Social Service Worker program, which is nearly at capacity.
In her eight years at Confederation College, Renaud said she cannot recall a school year with such high enrolment. And despite her current estimate of 80 students, “We might hit 100 by the time the dust settles,” she remarked.
“This hasn’t happened in a long time.”
A typical enrolment of first-year students averages around 30, meaning this year’s numbers already are nearly doubled from last year.
“It is quite a bit higher,” Renaud admitted.
Anyone hoping to get in last-minute at Confederation College had better not waste a moment as soon there may be no more spaces left.
“At this point, it’s basically a first-come, first-served basis based on meeting the admission criteria,” Renaud explained.
She said most students enrolled at the post-secondary institution are local residents intending to apply their new skills in the community. However, she said it’s always a welcome thing for non-locals—like those attending the paramedic program—to join the college.
“It’s good for the community,” Renaud said, adding when Confederation College is looking to implement new programs, “we’re always touching base with the community” in consultation of what should be offered.