Sault College says it welcomes funding from the Ontario government for 136 additional seats in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The funding will support the college’s role in connecting students with meaningful careers while helping respond to the workforce needs of employers and communities across the region, the school said in a news release Tuesday. “This investment is a pivotal step in supporting the continued sustainability of Ontario’s colleges and strengthening the workforce our communities and province need,” said Sault College president Sherri Smith. 68 seats are being allocated to STEM programs, 36 in health and 32 for trades, the college said “For Sault College and northern Ontario, growth in priority areas such as the skilled trades and health care is foundational to our region’s economic vitality,” said Smith. The allocation is part of $60 million from the province to fund 2,946 additional seats at eight post-secondary institutions across Northeast Ontario. The Ontario government said it identifies institutional capacity, local industry needs and student demand as key considerations in allocating the seats, aligning investment in postsecondary education with workforce development and economic growth.
