Holland College opens West Prince campus

P.E.I.'s Holland College welcomed its first students to its new West Prince campus in Alberton Wednesday.

About 80 students have registered in the six programs offered at the downtown campus: administrative assistant, outdoor power equipment operation, welding, sport and leisure management, small business management certificate program, and adult education courses.

Campus manager Paula Foley said it's a chance for the students in western P.E.I. to go to school closer to home.

"For the older student there's certainly a benefit," said Foley.

"They probably wouldn't be able to go to school if it wasn't in their area because they have children, commitments and so on."

The new campus is also an opportunity for people who are taking teaching positions. Sherry Roberts is an instructor in the administrative assistant program.

"It's pretty exciting to have it up here at the Alberton campus. It will be a learning experience for us all," said Roberts.

"[I'm] very excited, because I wouldn't have the opportunity if it wasn't in West Prince."

Foley said the campus will provide an economic boost for the town, with new jobs and students coming into the community daily.