CAL sites to open in Neepawa, Minnedosa

Assiniboine College is expanding its adult learning opportunities into two more Westman communities this fall.

The college is opening new Centre for Adult Learning (CAL) sites in Minnedosa and Neepawa.

The expansion is being supported by a new $367,000 investment from the Manitoba government announced in May.

CAL director Karen O’Gilvie said the new centres have been designed to provide high-quality learning in a community setting while allowing flexibility to grow.

“Our physical classroom in Neepawa can accommodate up to 25 students, while the Minnedosa classroom can accommodate up to 15 students for in-person instruction,” O’Gilvie told the Sun on Friday.

“In addition, many of our courses are offered through a synchronous online model, which can accommodate up to 35 students and provides greater flexibility for learners across the region.”

The new centres will begin operating in September and will provide adult learners with opportunities to earn a Grade 12 diploma, upgrade high school courses, complete prerequisites for post-secondary programs or improve their qualifications for employment.

The Neepawa Centre for Adult Learning will be located at the Neepawa Training Centre at 239 Mill St., while the Minnedosa site will operate from Minnedosa Collegiate at 74 Armitage Ave.

“We are pleased to partner with the school division to continue and expand those opportunities for adult learners,” O’Gilvie said. “Our goal is to strengthen educational access, create pathways to further learning, and support the long-term workforce and economic vitality of the communities we serve.”

Expanding into Minnedosa and Neepawa reflects Assiniboine College’s commitment to making education more accessible for rural Manitobans, she said.

“We will continue to monitor enrolment and community demand as the programs develop,” she said. “If demand exceeds our initial capacity, we will explore opportunities to expand programming in collaboration with our partners.”

The announcement comes as Manitoba continues to focus on addressing workforce needs, including shortages in areas such as health care and other skilled occupations. O’Gilvie said earning a high school diploma is often an important first step for adults looking to pursue further education or career opportunities.

While the sites have only recently been announced, the college is beginning its outreach to potential students.

“We have just announced the opening of these sites so our promotion of them and our information sessions have just started,” O’Gilvie said. “We look forward to connecting with community members and future students through the next few weeks leading into fall and beyond.”

Assiniboine is hosting information sessions for residents interested in learning more about the new centres. Online sessions will take place Aug. 12 at noon and 4 p.m., followed by an in-person session in Minnedosa on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. and a Neepawa session on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.

Assiniboine now operates adult learning centres in Brandon, Dauphin, Minnedosa and Neepawa, while also delivering community-based adult learning programs in several First Nations and rural communities across Manitoba.

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