By Morgan Davy
BELLEVILLE – Loyalist College has introduced two new programs that offer winter start dates.
The first is a one-year technical trade preparation program that begins in February to accommodate high-school exam schedules.
“Students who may have decided to complete their high school through the fall semester would be able to do that and then come into the program,” Loyalist president Maureen Piercy said at a meeting of the college’s board of governors Thursday.
Students will sample electrical, welding, construction and other trades. The goal is to better prepare them for whatever trade program they decide to enrol in.
“If people are interested in skill trades, it’s a great chance to get your feet wet and figure out which area you want to specialize in,” said Piercy.
The other program is a post-diploma baking course designed to give culinary students specialized skills. The intense 14-week course begins in January.
At the board of governors meeting, Piercy also announced that the number of students registered for programs that offer a January start is up over last year.
Loyalist has 15 programs that give students the chance to begin college in the winter semester. Of those 15, 14 have shown a definite increase in enrolment, Piercy said.