A new report on college education prepared for the Manitoba government provides advice on how to develop a coordinated strategic approach that leads to improved student outcomes and better alignment with labour market needs.
“The Manitoba Colleges Education Review highlights several opportunities to enhance and modernize college education in our province by building on existing strengths,” said Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart. “Many of its recommendations are in line with this government’s strategic direction, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to create a more robust education system for all Manitobans.”
The report, prepared by Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA), looked at governance, efficiency, student outcomes, programming relevance to the labour market, financial management, system coordination, partnerships and client services.
“This document is the end of a long process of data-gathering and consultation across the province, and we thank the college officials and board members who worked with us, the public servants and civic and business leaders who took the time to talk to us, and especially the many former students who took part in the alumni survey,” said HESA president Alex Usher. “We hope these recommendations, taken as a whole, will assist institutions in achieving their missions of bringing high-quality vocational and professional education to the people of Manitoba.”
The minister noted the province will work towards implementing several key recommendations in the coming months, including:
- increasing participation rates and graduation rates for all students;
- establishing a performance-based funding formula;
- developing college-specific mandate letters;
- increasing rural and regional coordination to meet local needs;
- streamlining the program approval process;
- introducing an external quality assurance mechanism; and
- focusing capital funding priorities to make strategic improvements.
The review also provides institution-specific reports and recommendations for Assiniboine Community College, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Red River College, Université de Saint-Boniface and University College of the North (UCN), the five post-secondary institutions in Manitoba that offer college-level programs.
“University College of the North welcomes the colleges review and accepts its recommendations,” said Doug Lauvstad, president and vice-chancellor of UCN. “UCN looks forward to working cooperatively with government and other colleges to help strengthen applied trades and technical-vocational education in Manitoba.”
The minister said the province will develop a comprehensive long-term action plan that reflects the broader scope of the report in partnership with post-secondary institutions, industry and communities across Manitoba.
“Manitoba is well-positioned to build on and enhance the college experience for students and strengthen partnerships with industry,” said Wishart.
The Manitoba Colleges Education Review is available for download.
