Fleming College has suspended its Heavy Equipment Techniques and Generator Technician programs.
In April, the Peterborough, Ontario-based school’s board of governors made the decision to suspend 29 programs at the college, including the two construction related courses.
Current students are not affected by the program suspensions, according to the school. As well, the college said its “priority” is to enable program completion for any student currently enrolled in one of the 29 suspended programs.
The college cites low domestic enrollment, or even zero projected domestic enrollment, as the cause for the program suspensions. As well, some of the programs affected are not financially sustainable, as enrollment levels are unable to cover the cost of delivery.
“Program suspensions were based on a number of considerations, particularly relating to the international student government policies, enrolment and financial sustainability,” Chris Jardine, Fleming College’s Acting Associate Vice President, Marketing and Advancement, said in an email to Equipment Journal.
“We are currently engaging our unions in a confidential process under our Collective Agreements, whose intent is stability of employment for our staff and faculty. The college intends to respect the confidential nature of the process and is unable to offer further comment at this time.”
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The three semester Heavy Equipment Techniques Program educated students on the overhaul, maintenance and repair of heavy equipment on the latest machines.
The four semester Generator Technician Program taught students to install, maintain and test electrical power generation units up to 10,000 kilowatts.
Jamie Molloy, Owner of Iron Equipment, a heavy equipment repairs company based in Fraserville, Ontario, said his company found repeated success hiring graduates from Fleming College’s heavy equipment and generator technician programs.
“The decision by Fleming College to terminate these programs has sent shockwaves through our local business community. Not only does it jeopardize the prospects of aspiring technicians, but it also poses a severe setback to the region’s economy,” Molloy said.
“The ripple effects of this decision are profound, impacting not only businesses like mine but also the livelihoods of countless individuals in our community.”
