D. PROGRAM PLAN
NWC’s multi-year program plan outlines initiatives to meet the diverse needs of the region and the provincial economy. This plan was challenging to develop given the province continues to be in a State of Emergency due to the impacts of the pandemic. There continues to be significant external influence on program design, delivery, student participation and success as well as revenues/expenses incurred. The College reviewed several sources data to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the economy in the short and medium term to identify labour market needs 34,35. We also consulted with business and industry, Indigenous organizations, students and communities throughout our region, as well as provincial sector organizations. Success indicators such as enrollment, retention, graduation and employment in previous program years also helped inform this program plan. NWC delivers quality programs investing in students and employers. The College will deliver the majority of our programs in a blended delivery format in 2021/22 as we continue to adjust and adapt based on the evolving impacts of the pandemic. Our plan focuses on accessibility (i.e., proposing programming in 21 communities), responsiveness (i.e., Meeting the needs of local, regional and provincial workforce), and accountability (i.e., through our evidence-based approaches towards program selection). Our program plan maximizes government and partner resources to meet our economic challenges and contribute to a strong rural Saskatchewan. The programs planned for 2021-24 demonstrate accountability by maximizing the resources provided by the Ministry of Immigration & Career Training, which align to the workforce needs of the region and the province. NWC continues to invest in innovative and diversified program delivery. As illustrated in this plan, students will have the opportunity to access a variety of quality programs at NWC that will lead to learner success, long-term attachment to the labour market and career achievement. With an Indigenous student population of 61% (82% full-time student compliment), NWC invests significant time and resources focusing on Indigenous students and their respective communities. The fact that many of these students live in their home reserve community adds risk to the program plan, student forecasts and student success. Transportation has always been a significant barrier as is access to reliable childcare; however, during the pandemic the lack of access to affordable stable internet became further accentuated the various challenges our student base face on a regular basis. To assist with public safety under the current State of Emergency, many of our First Nations communities continue to remain in lock down which impacts students’ ability to apply to programs and/or actively access/participate in programming. Salary and benefit costs are the primary fixed expense of program delivery. These are known for the first year of the multi-year business plan but with the CBA, expiring on August 31, 2022 there is significant risk in the remaining years of the plan. NWC has made reasonable assumptions based on historical factors; however, even the slightest of factors impacting cost variations regardless of our assumptions could have significant consequences to the program plan. In the pages to follow, there is an overview of programs and services to be delivered in 2021-24. Appendices B and C provide a detailed breakdown of programs forecasted to be delivered for all 34
North West College, Global and Canadian Market Trends (April 2021)
North West College, Regional LMI overview- Use of EMSI data to determine opportunities in the NWC region (April 2021) 35
NORTH WEST COLLEGE
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2021-24 BUSINESS PLAN
