Lethbridge College has received provincial approval for 19 additional seats in its Computer Information Technology (CIT) program as part of a Government of Alberta initiative to grow technology programming across the province.
“We are very pleased that the provincial government has recognized the value we can provide to Alberta’s technology sector,” says Dr. Samantha Lenci, Lethbridge College Provost and Vice President Academic. “These increased seats will enhance not only our student access, but also our community access. It will help grow our industries and increase our visibility in the technology sector.”
The college’s CIT program traditionally fills to capacity, with lengthy waitlists for admission. These seats will help to service that demand, while adding to the college’s reputation as a leader in the technology field in a wide variety of program areas.
“This program is unique and extremely successful in southern Alberta,” says Lenci. “We have instructors who are invested in students and student success, but we also have support from industry, the community and alumni that come back and stay involved in the program. This increase in our program size and investment from the province will show the community that southern Alberta has a lot to offer as far as technology goes.”
Lethbridge College joined other institutions across the province in making proposals for 404 new technology-based seats. Most additional seats are being added to existing tech-related post-secondary programs that offer certificates, diploma or degrees and are one to two years in duration. Accepted programs also had high student and labour market demand.
“Our government is making sure more students can train, grow and graduate with the expertise needed for good jobs in Alberta’s changing economy,” says Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education. “Investing in more seats will ensure our booming tech sector gets the support of more highly skilled Albertans, and will help our province continue to be an economic leader.”
The additional seats are part of the government’s five-year, $50-million investment in growing Alberta’s tech sector. By 2023, at least 3,000 new tech-related seats will be added to post-secondary institutions across the province. The recently established Talent Advisory Council on Technology (TACT) will work with the tech industry, students, labour and post-secondary institutions to advise government on the best training opportunities to prepare Albertans for a more diversified and tech-savvy economy.
Learn more about Lethbridge College’s Computer Information Technology program at lethpolytech.ca/CIT.
LISTEN: Dr. Samantha Lenci, Lethbridge College Provost and Vice President Academic discusses Lethbridge College's new technology seats.