It may be the height of summer, but the hallways and classrooms are bustling with activity at Cambrian College.
Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in the spring semester, a new record.
Sidratu Lafleur and Tanya Aldred are two of those students. Lafleur and Alfred are both in the second semester of the Personal Support Worker Program.
“When I was doing my research for this program, Cambrian was the first college I found which offered it. I like being on campus in the spring and summer,” said Lafleur, who is originally from The Bahamas.
“It’s quieter and you have easier access to the facilities and faculty.”
“I began my program in January, and by being here this summer, I can finish quicker and don’t have to wait for the September semester, which is one of the reasons I chose this program,” said Aldred, who is from Greater Sudbury.
Approximately 650 domestic students and 750 international students from 22 countries are enrolled in programs from the schools of Business, Community Services, Creative Arts, Engineering, General Studies, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Law and Justice, and Skilled Trades. Of those students, about 370 are enrolled in their first semester, in eight different programs.
“We are a truly a 12-month operation now,” said Cambrian College President Bill Best.
“Our programs are in demand, and we have moved to a year-round academic calender to ensure students can pursue their college education, no matter what time of year it is. Our faculty and support staff have been amazing at embracing our 12-month model and they are working very hard to ensure our students succeed and are ready for a job market that is looking for skilled workers.”
One of those faculty members is John Allen, a professor in Cambrian’s Powerline Technician program.
“Because our program is based outdoors, It’s nicer weather to teach in, that’s for sure,” said Allen, who also teaches during the Winter semester. “It’s a more laid back atmosphere in the summer and easier to get classroom space, and I have more one-on-one time with my students.”
Second-year Powerline Technician program student Alex Yeomans says going through the summer program gives him a leg up when it comes to getting a co-op position.
“Another advantage to going through the summer is it makes it easier for me to get a co-op placement," said Yeomans. "I’m not competing with as many students in the semester."
For more information about programs at Cambrian College, visit cambriancollege.ca/programs/. There is still time to apply for classes starting in September.
