Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg and Dave Thorlakson, President and CEO, Winnipeg Technical College join forces- February 24, 2010/photo by: Bruce Thomas Barr
WINNIPEG, MB – For the first time in their histories, The University of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Technical College (WTC) are joining forces to give students who want both an academic and technical foundation a seamless and relevant education in a number of key disciplines such as information technology, theatre and film, and business. It means, for example, that a university theatre student interested in stage design could earn college carpentry credits; or a college student training as an internet specialist could apply credits towards a university degree in applied computer science. It also means adults already in the workplace who want to strengthen their credentials or change careers can find easy entry-points back into the education stream.
A memorandum of understanding was signed today by Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg and Dave Thorlakson, President and CEO, Winnipeg Technical College outlining areas of study where the two institutions are developing new joint certificate/diploma-degree programs*. It is anticipated that students could begin taking advantage of the new programs within a few months. (*see attached Backgrounder).
Flexibility for students
“We recognize that today’s careers are complex and that flexibility is critically important for students to be successful,” said Axworthy. “Students who combine hands-on, applied training with critical thinking and a broader degree are well-positioned to take on multiple challenges and leadership roles, whatever field they enter. This partnership is also good for our community, because it means more options for adult learners and well-rounded graduates who will strengthen the Manitoba economy.”
“This agreement offers a viable pathway to higher education for WTC secondary and post-secondary students which will subsequently enhance the image of technical training and the number of students choosing skilled trades and technologies,” said Thorlakson. “Just as importantly, this initiative gives students at UWinnipeg access to applied technical training leading to a wider variety of career opportunities. We work closely with industry and are responsive to the marketplace. More than 90% of our grads are employed within six months. That matters to today’s students.”
The two institutions have made a general commitment to work more closely on program and facility development going forward to maximize efficient use of infrastructure, facilities and financial resources.
In addition, UWinnipeg’s high school on campus, The Collegiate, and Winnipeg Technical College will jointly develop a program to allow flexible crossover of high school credits and classes for domestic and international students. Areas of joint interest include Culinary Arts & Design, Electrical Applications, Production Art and Industrial Electronics.
Find out more
Winnipeg Technical College delivers applied skills training for careers in Health Care and Human Services, Information and Business Technology, and Skilled Trades. Since the doors first opened in September 1985, the number and variety of programs, courses, and services has grown to meet the needs of over 12,000 full-time, part-time and Enterprise Services clients every year. http://www.wtc.mb.ca.
UWinnipeg is consistently ranked in the Top-10 in the country on an annual basis by both Maclean’s Magazine and The Globe & Mail newspaper. The University of Winnipeg is a leader in academic excellence, Aboriginal education, environmental studies & sustainability, and theatre & the arts. www.uwinnipeg.ca.
For more information about the Winnipeg Technical College and University of Winnipeg joint programs please contact: Tammy Sigurdur at 204.982.1160 or t.sigurdur@uwinnipeg.ca
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
P: 204.989.6516, E: brekur@wtc.mb.ca
