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University of Lethbridge (left) and Lethbridge College (right). (Supplied by U of L and Lethbridge College)

Lethbridge College and U of L react to “Alberta 2030” post-secondary plan

May 3, 2021 | 11:06 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta’s post-secondary schooling system is in for a shakeup in the coming years.

Last week, the Alberta Government announced the “Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs” plan with the goal of better preparing people for their careers.

READ MORE: Alberta 2030 plan to reconstruct the future of post-secondary education

Alberta 2030 has six goals:

  • Improve access and student experience
  • Develop skills for jobs
  • Support innovation and commercialization
  • Strengthen internationalization
  • Improve sustainability and affordability
  • Strengthen system governance

Dr. Mike Mahon, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lethbridge, also serves as the Chair of the Council of Post-Secondary Presidents of Alberta (COPPOA).

COPPOA supports the vision of Alberta 2030 and he is looking forward to putting together a plan on how they can implement a number of actions outlined in the report.

“Alberta’s post-secondary institutions are critical to the future prosperity of all Albertans and this framework will enable us to move forward with more certainty. Alberta’s post-secondary institutions generally support the goals as presented and are eager to implement initiatives and actions that will strengthen our system for the benefit of our students and the communities we collectively serve.”

Another group, representing Alberta’s 11 Comprehensive Community Colleges, says the post-secondary plan supports the work already being done by their institutions.

Lethbridge College’s President and CEO, Dr. Paula Burns, adds that this will further enhance colleges’ abilities to work closely with industry partners to ensure applied degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeship programs both meet the technical skills and the employability competencies needed to prepare students for their careers.

“The Alberta 2030 strategy allows us to reflect on the work already being done to support students and industry, and to explore opportunities for increased support and collaboration. We are proud of our industry-driven education and applied research, and we know we are well-positioned to deliver on the province’s post-secondary needs now and into the future.”

You can learn more about Alberta 2030 on the Alberta Government’s website here.