Amidst a surge in student enrollment at CEGEPs this year, there is a growing concern about the shortage of professional and support staff. The staff unions’ federation emphasizes the importance of CEGEPs as drivers of regional development.
During a press conference in Montreal, Éric Gingras, the president of the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), along with the presidents of the college education federations, highlighted the challenges faced by CEGEPs as they navigate increased enrollment, a partially lifted hiring freeze, and a decrease in international student numbers.
Despite a 4% rise in student enrollment this year, professionals and support staff are feeling the strain, especially with budget cuts impacting resources. Enrollment trends vary across CEGEPs, with declines in programs like graphic design and computer science, which are impacted by the emergence of artificial intelligence.
Differences are also observed between institutions, with some CEGEPs experiencing drops in international student enrollments. As the election campaign approaches, Gingras urges political leaders to acknowledge the vital role CEGEPs play in fostering regional development.
Keyphrase: CEGEP enrollment trends
