Camosun president addresses skills gap to Chamber of Commerce January 29

January 29, 2013

Camosun President Kathryn Laurin will address the role of Victoria's community college as a key economic driver for business and our region, at the Chamber of Commerce's Business Leaders Luncheon, Victoria Marriott Hotel, 11:30am, Tuesday, January 29.

Looming skills shortages in ship building, construction and mechanical trades, health care, and technology are much in the news. Camosun College is poised to meet those future demands.

Camosun recently received over $35 million from the provincial and federal governments, and global industry leaders to help build and equip a new Centre for Trades Education and Innovation at the Interurban campus to address growing demands for well qualified trades and technical workers. The new centre will focus on marine, aerospace, mechanical and construction training, as well as expanding Camosun's applied research and technology services for local industry including: product prototyping, design, technical consultation and innovation research.

Registered nurses, athletic therapists, continuing care assistants, community mental health specialists – Camosun is also focused on emerging health care employee shortages, training more than 1,300 health professionals each year with a 95% employment success rate.

Besides delivering knowledgeable, highly skilled future employees, Camosun is a major economic engine for the region. With 20,000 learners, 160 programs and 1,000 employees, Camosun injects more than $816 million into the local economy every year.

At the Chamber luncheon, President Laurin outlines how vital Camosun is in shaping our region's working landscape and how important the community college is in supporting and advancing local business.

Contact

Joan Yates
Executive Director, Communications & Advancement
Camosun College
Cell: 250–516–7266
yates@camosun.bc.ca