New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) has established a new fundraising campaign.
The Going Beyond campaign was announced at the college’s Trades Education Centre in Saint John on Thursday.
The $16-million campaign will aim to transform the province’s workforce, as a third of the province’s labour force is set to retire in the next few years, and New Brunswick has the lowest percentage of post-secondary attainment in Canada.
President and CEO of the college, Mary Butler, mentioned it is a bold plan to respond to New Brunswick’s “critical moment.”
“We’re accelerating skills development by creating faster, and more flexible programming to meet the needs of employers, we’re innovating education delivery through the use of new tools, technology, spaces, and partnerships.”
“As well, we’re reaching more learners than ever before by breaking down barriers for post-secondary education,” continued Butler.
$12.9 million has already been committed to the campaign, including $1 million from J.D. Irving, Ltd.
“Keeping and growing talented young people here at home in New Brunswick with valued skills and expertise is important,” said Jim Irving, owner and co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Ltd., in a release.
Irving is also the chair of the Going Beyond campaign.
“NBCC is foundational in developing young New Brunswickers. We are happy to step up and kick-start the private sector fundraising for this important institution in the province,” added Irving.
Looking to the future, Butler added NBCC has huge aspirations, so there is no doubt that the Going Beyond campaign is just a starting point.
Full house for an announcement at NBCC in Saint John. pic.twitter.com/apkAImxl7j
— Tim Herd (@timherdradio) June 2, 2022
