Provincial budget strengthens Mohawk's role in training future-ready graduates

Mohawk College President Rob MacIsaac says the 2009 Ontario Budget is good news for the College's students and the regional economy.

"The funds allocated to colleges in last week's provincial budget will support the work of Mohawk in transforming students into future-ready graduates with the skills and experience to create and carry out the jobs of tomorrow," says MacIsaac.

Provincial investments in key areas such as skills training will further strengthen Mohawk's ability to stay responsive and relevant to workforce needs.

Mohawk also applauds the $50 million annual proposed enhancements to the Co-operative Education Tax credit and to the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit, making the latter the most generous in Canada. Mohawk is the largest trainer of apprentices in Ontario, with 3,650 apprentices at the Mohawk STARRT Institute for Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Research, Resources and Training.

Additional funding announcements benefiting Mohawk and Ontario colleges include:

• Infrastructure - $780 million committed to capital funding for Ontario colleges and universities.
  
  
• Operating - for 2008-2009, $150 million in operating funds for colleges and universities. A portion of this funding recognizes enrolment growth in the college system.
  
  
• Applied Research -$10 million over three years for the Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation.
  
  
• Skills Training - $90 million over two years to assist new Canadians with training and mentorship.
  
  

"We look forward to working with our partners in provincial government to leverage federal funds and renew the infrastructure of our campuses," says MacIsaac. Mohawk has put forward a bold plan to renew the College's largest and oldest campus with extensive renovations and new construction. "An immediate investment in college facilities is a long-term investment in the success of our students and in the prosperity of our community."

MacIsaac also said the $10 million investment in Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation will strengthen Mohawk's ability to translate innovative ideas into competitive advantages for industry partners. "Mohawk is earning a national reputation for our ability to engage students and faculty in hands-on applied research projects with our industry partners. Moving forward, Mohawk will foster a College-wide culture of innovation that unlocks tomorrow's jobs by unleashing the full creative potential of all our students."

Mohawk serves 10,000 full-time students, 42,000 continuing education registrants and 3,650 apprentice students from four campuses in Hamilton and Brantford. As one of Ontario's largest public colleges, more than 85,000 students have graduated from Mohawk.