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Thunder Bay college axing three programs

Lack of jobs and low enrollment cited for decision to shutter programs at Confederation College.
College entrance
An entrance at Confederation College entrance. (Matt Vis, tbnewswatch.com/FILE)

Confederation College is retooling its mix of programs for the fall semester.

On Jan. 26, the Thunder Bay school announced it will drop three planned programs next school year, including power engineer technician, civil engineering technology and child and youth care.

A variety of reasons were given for the decision.

A lack of work placement opportunities and a significant change in employment opportunities in Northwestern Ontario was cited for ending the power engineering technician program.

Declining enrolment and low retention rates was cited for canning the civil engineering technology and child and youth care programs.

Students in the first or second years of the programs in question will be able to finish their diplomas, while school officials say no layoffs are anticipated as faculty and staff have skill sets that are transferable to other programs.

"At this time, Confederation College does not anticipate any further changes to our program offerings for the 2018-19 academic year,” outgoing school president Jim Madder said in a statement issued by Confederation College.