Holland College celebrated the grand opening of its West Prince Campus Alberton today. The new 21,400 square-foot, two-storey building includes two trades shop spaces, a lecture theatre, classrooms, a student lounge and lunchroom, a staff lounge, two computer labs and a resource room.

The student lounge will be available for use as a community kitchen outside of regular hours, and there are other bookable rooms that will be available to the community as well.

Six programs will be offered at West Prince Campus starting in September: the nine-month Administrative Assistant, Outdoor Power Equipment, and Welding Level 1 certificate programs; a two-year Sport and Leisure Management diploma program, a 35-week Small Business Management certificate program; and Adult Education courses.

The $6 million facility, which can accommodate up to 100 students and 14 full and part time staff, will provide training for residents in the entire West Prince area, Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan said.

"Holland College is committed to ensuring that all residents of Prince Edward Island have access to high-quality training in areas relevant to the industries in their communities," he said. "The programs offered at West Prince Campus and in our centres in Tignish and O'Leary, were selected after consulting with local businesses and community members. Because of the support of our community partners, I am confident that these programs will be successful."

Premier Robert Ghiz said the opening of the West Prince Campus is an important investment in the community and a major step forward for the delivery of higher education province-wide.

"Our government is happy to support Holland College as it expands its presence throughout the Island community. We believe that improvements to our college system are an important investment in Islanders," said Premier Ghiz.

The O'Leary Centre will offer a two-year Practical Nursing program starting in September, and the Tignish Centre will continue to offer Adult Education courses, and will offer a seven-month Resident Care Worker program in October.

Paula Foley, Manager of West Prince Campus, said that she is looking forward to welcoming students in September.

"West Prince Campus gives learners of all ages in the West Prince region the opportunity to further their education and pursue their career goals while staying in the area," she said. "That's something that they weren't able to do before, and it's a great benefit to West Prince."