Additional seats for LC’s CIT program approved

The Government of Alberta has approved an additional 19 seats for the Lethbridge College Computer Information Technology (CIT) program as part of the government’s initiative to grow technology programs throughout the province.

“We are very pleased that the provincial government has recognized the value we can provide to Alberta’s technology sector,” said Samantha Lenci, Lethbridge College provost and vice-president academic, in a news release. “These increased seats will enhance not only our student access, but also our community access. It will help grow our industries and increase our visibility in the technology sector.”

The additional seats will help service the demand for the CIT program which is traditionally filled to capacity, with lengthy waitlist for admission. The new seats will also help add to the college’s reputation as a leader in the technology field with a wide variety of program areas.

“This program is unique and extremely successful in southern Alberta,” said Lenci. “We have instructors who are invested in students and student success, but we also have support from industry, the community and alumni that come back and stay involved in the program. This increase in our program size and investment from the province will show the community that southern Alberta has a lot to offer as far as technology goes.”

Lethbridge College followed other institutions across the province in creating proposals for 404 new technology-based seats. Most of the additional seating is being added to already existing tech-related postsecondary programs that offer degrees, diplomas or certificates with a one- to two-year program.

The programs accepted were selected because of the high demand for students and in the labour market.

“Our government is making sure more students can train, grow and graduate with the expertise needed for good jobs in Alberta’s changing economy,” said Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education, in the release. “Investing in more seats will ensure our booming tech sector gets the support of more highly skilled Albertans, and will help our province continue to be an economic leader.”

The Government of Alberta has selected the additional seating as part of a $50-million investment in improving Alberta’s tech sector. By 2023, around 3,000 new tech-related seats will be added to post-secondary institutions across the province.

The recently established Talent Advisory Council on Technology (TACT) will work with students, the tech industry, labour and post-secondary institutions to advise the government on the best training opportunities to prepare Albertans for more diversified and tech-savvy economy.