With the 2016-17 academic year nowunderway, the 11 Colleges across the province are reporting increased enrolmentsin credit program areas.

"The enrolment numbers are looking bright for Colleges in our province," says Joel Ward, Red Deer College President & CEO. "When we look at the numbers collectively, comparing this year's enrolment numbers with those from the 2015-16 year, the 11 institutions are showing exceptional enrolment growth in credit programming, with an increase of over 9%," says Ward.

Ward attributes the strong growth in part to the number of Albertans who lost their jobs, reentering post-secondary to reskill and retrain in preparation for when the economy rebounds. "Government funding increases over the past two years has also enabled Colleges to offer new programs which contribute to strong growth.

"Some general trends can be found when comparing enrolment numbers, as six institutions reported increases in business and business administration programs. Other areas of growth included health and human service programs, university transfer programs and upgrading.

"Portage is pleased to see an increase of 16% of total enrolments this year," says Dr. Trent Keough, President & CEO of Portage College. "The program areas that have shown the most dramatic increases have been University Transfer Studies and Business.

"About Alberta's Colleges: For local perspectives, please contact any of Alberta's Colleges which include: Bow Valley College, Grand Prairie Regional College, Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge College, Medicine Hat College, NorQuest College, Northern Lakes College, Olds College, Portage College and Red Deer College.