Lakeland College became Alberta’s third post-secondary institution in 1913 and has since expanded to two campuses, Vermilion and Lloydminster, in east central Alberta. While it holds true to its beginnings as an agricultural training hub, today Lakeland offers 50 programs ranging from interior design to power engineering and was Canada’s first institution to offer a degree program in agriculture technology.
To ensure students have safe and reliable learning environments, and more options to train and learn closer to home, Alberta’s government is dedicating $13.3 million to revitalize the Bentley Building on the Vermilion campus. An additional $2.7 million will support other capital maintenance and renewal projects at the college.
“Investing in local communities encourages students to stay close to home while they develop the skills, knowledge and competencies they need for the most in-demand jobs. It also benefits the local economy, as students graduate and use their talents to continue building strong and prosperous communities.”
The Bentley Building is home to Lakeland College’s award-winning interior design technology and early childhood education programs. It also houses growing human services programs that produce graduates who fill important and in-demand roles that support children, youth, seniors and at-risk families, and advocate for mental health. Many graduates of these programs are women or Indigenous Peoples. This is the first substantial modernization of the building since opening in 1969.
“This investment will really go a long way not just for our college community but for everyone in the region. More homegrown talent will mean more opportunity and a better quality of life for everyone in our community.”
“Modern and interactive learning environments are essential for helping prepare students for the real world. Our thanks to the Government of Alberta for investing in the transformation of the Bentley Building, ensuring Lakeland can continue to produce skilled graduates who will go on to enhance our communities.”
Quick facts
- Features of the renovated Bentley Building:
- A child development centre and labs with observation rooms.
- Seamless access to an outdoor natural playscape lab.
- A modern design studio for the award-winning interior design technology program.
- A smudge-safe Indigenous lounge.
- Government investments at Lakeland College:
- In 2022, Lakeland College received $993,062 in funding for 135 new seats.
- 24 seats for animal health technology programming
- 111 seats for health care aide programming
- In 2022, Alberta’s government provided funding to nine post-secondary institutions for pilot programs using the apprenticeship learning model, including $106,000 to Lakeland College to establish an agriculture sales and customer relations certificate program.
- In 2022, the WHT Mead Building at the Vermilion campus reopened after a modernization project for which Alberta’s government provided $17.3 million in funding in Budget 2020.
- In 2020, Lakeland College was approved to offer a bachelor of agriculture technology – Canada’s first degree program in agriculture technology.
- In 2022, Lakeland College received $993,062 in funding for 135 new seats.