The future of the Aviation Business Diploma Program at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) is up in the air.
The program has been offered at the Vanderhoof campus since September of last year in partnership with Guardian Aerospace in Vanderhoof, but has only ever had one student.
There were incorrect reports the program was cancelled, but this has in fact not yet been determined.
However, the college board will be looking at the aviation program, as well as many other budget related decisions, at upcoming board meetings Feb. 22 and March 22, with final decisions on the 2013-14 budget being made at the April 26 board meeting.
“It is important to note that CNC is dealing with a projected $1 million shortfall for next year’s budget, which means the viability of undersubscribed programs must be considered,” said Randall Heidt, director of communications and development for CNC.
There are currently no students registered in the aviation program at the Vanderhoof campus and only one student taking business courses related to aviation at the Prince George campus. There is only one applicant for the aviation program for September 2013.
“Given the extremely low numbers, it would be irresponsible for the college not to look at the cost of delivering the aviation program in Vanderhoof during this time of fiscal restraint and a projected $1 million budget shortfall,” Heidt said. “However, no official decision on the future of the aviation program has been made.”
CNC in Vanderhoof still has flight simulators, according to Heidt, and may be looking at offering different course options to make use of the technology.
