Peterborough employers question Fleming College move to slash 29 programs [Video]

Some employers in Peterborough, Ont., say they’ll feel the impact of the decision by Fleming College to cut 29 programs this fall.

In late April, the college announced 29 programs would be suspended mainly due to funding shortfalls including a new federal cap on international students and the end of some private partnerships.

Nearly 30 per cent of Fleming’s student population is from outside of Canada, attending Fleming’s campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton.

Businesses in the area that rely on Fleming graduates say they’ll feel the impact, too. Among them is Jamie Molloy, president and owner of Iron Equipment, a heavy equipment company.

He said he’s “at a loss” on the college’s decision, which will also impact electrical power generation and heavy equipment techniques courses.

Molloy said the decision will further strain an industry that is need of more trades workers.

“It’s local people who want to stay and work locally who we end up …