Margaret Imrie

Aurora, the only public college in the north, has for over 35 years had the mandate to provide skills to adults in the NWT, skills defined by labour market demands. Aurora consists of three main campuses and 21 Community Learning Centres. The challenges are not only geographical; they are also related to the expectation that the college can be all things to all people. At this time in the north, there is a need for specialized training yet if there are not enough clients in a region, training programs cannot be sustained. As a result, Aurora has chosen to focus on high demand areas such as education and nursing, and to partner with other institutions in neighbouring parts of the country. Aurora also has to be flexible and to reduce barriers to access; this means better articulation with other training deliverers but in such a way that standards are maintained.

Some of the specific challenges Aurora faces include:

• Lack of technological infrastructure in some areas of the north
• Lower enrolments which means any drop-outs impact program viability
• Low literacy rates which create access issues
• 40% of programming devoted exclusively to adult academic upgrading
• funding issues (currently, the NWT Government provides 80% of Aurora’s funding but financial support for Adult Basic Education must be expanded if demands are to be met.)
• lack of employment opportunities in small communities making relocation necessary
• need for funding to provide access to newcomers requiring advanced skills training. These individuals require ESL training and formal recognition of their qualifications; currently funds are not available to pursue either.

Some possible solutions include:

• More partnerships with industry, government, Aboriginal groups, and other trainers (both nationally and internationally) in areas, for example, such as mineral processing and aviation.
• Introduction of unique delivery approaches such as video conferencing and e-learning.
• Increasing staff development and re-framing administrative structures

The Community Learning Centres offer advantages as well. Supported by the GNWT according to population levels, these Centres provide Adult Basic Education and specific program delivery, and are in an ideal situation to integrate essential skills into all training offered. Completing this integration is a priority for Aurora at this time.

Despite the challenges, there is certainly optimism at Aurora College due to the increase in employment opportunities for learners and the opportunity to create a highly skilled workforce for the north.