by Ruby Arsenault
West Prince Campus in Alberton has lots of celebrating to do these days as it welcomes its new manager, Heidi Morgan. They are also at the beginning stages of introducing a new program called Pathways.
Heidi previously held the role as Principal at Westisle Composite High School for seven years and taught there for 18 years. “I am very excited to bring my skills and knowledge to the West Prince Campus.
“I took over the previous manager role temporarily during the last school year, which gave me insight into what the job entails. Now I am fortunate to be offered the position and I look forward to contributing to our college in West Prince and to our students.”
The West Prince Campus offers the following programs:
- Resident Care Worker (RCW)
- Small Business Manager
- Welding Pre-Fabrication year 1
- Administrative Assistant
- Human Services – “Currently, we don’t have an intake in our calendar for 2023, but conversations around that need are ongoing at the moment.”
“Each program offers graduates an excellent opportunity to enter the workforce in their fields of study, as well-trained employees are in demand in each field.
“All our programs are strong with regards to enrollment, and we had to add a few more seats to the RCW program to help meet the demand. Our RCW program runs every other year, but we added an additional intake in October 2022 to meet the demands of the labour market.
“The administrative assistant program has been a large success with students gaining employment upon graduation.
“There has been a large demand for Human Services for many years. This program gives our graduates employment opportunities in schools and community programs Island-wide. Currently, we don’t have an intake in our calendar for 2023, but conversations around that need are ongoing at the moment.
“The Small Business program has been around for a while, but the demand is still proven by the intake of students and the successful graduates as well. There is now an opportunity for students to transfer into the second year of the Business Administration program and then take degree pathways into one of our partner institutions and work towards a university degree.
“And of course, our popular Welding program offers excellent hands-on training. Many graduates continue on to obtain Level 2 and Red Seal certification.”
New Pathways program
Heidi says the Pathways program is currently awaiting government approval, but they aim to have it ready to start in 2023.
“This program, which has the support of the college and the community, will be a pathway to career choices for students who have completed grade 12 and are unsure of what career choice or post-secondary field is of interest to them.
“A great deal of thought and planning has been involved in preparing this amazing program, which will be offered in West Prince for the first time.”
Some of the areas the program will cover:
- Confidence building
- Transferable skills
- Introduction to job search/resumés
- Professionalism
- Social media
- Work ethics
- Workplace opportunities/tours
- Introduction to college programs
- Work placements
- Work preparedness
- Mentorship & student supports
Heidi says Pathways is a pilot project for the West Prince Campus and will offer Holland College credits which can be transferred to a diploma/certificate program, providing students meet the criteria and required marks.
“Once completed, they could potentially acquire four credits that could transfer to a Holland College program.
“We are planning for an intake of applicants in the fall of 2023. We will accept 15 to 20 students for the one-year program. Applicants need a grade 12 diploma or GED equivalency.”
