Keyano campus, supplied image
FORT McMURRAY — Keyano College says it is bracing for a sharp drop in enrolment and potential job losses as it adjusts to shifting student numbers and funding pressures.
Chantal Beaver, associate vice president of public engagement, said the college is “navigating a rapidly evolving post-secondary landscape shaped by shifting enrolment patterns and the resulting funding pressures.”
The college says its full load equivalent enrolment stood at just over 2,500 in March 2025 but is projected to fall to fewer than 1,500 for the 2026–27 academic year.
Beaver said the institution is taking “disciplined steps to rebalance” and remains “stable, accountable, and focused on long-term sustainability.”
Keyano is still finalizing its budget, with approval expected later this spring, and anticipates workforce reductions on a scale similar to last year, though exact numbers are not yet known.
“Based on current planning, we anticipate workforce impacts on a scale similar to last year, and they will not be isolated to any single bargaining unit or employee group,” Beaver said, adding the college is focused on “minimizing workforce impacts and thoroughly reviewing all responsible options before final decisions are made.”
In the previous academic year, Keyano initially projected cuts of between 70 and 90 full-time equivalent positions but ultimately reduced staffing by 42 positions after mitigation efforts.
The institution says staffing levels increased by about 23 per cent between March 2023 and March 2025 to support enrolment growth and service needs.
Beaver said international students contributed to that increase, but “it was not the sole driver of staffing increases,” noting some roles were temporary and are scheduled to conclude by June 2026.
She said the college is taking a people-first approach to workforce changes, including “transparent communication, respectful and consultative decision-making,” along with supports such as counselling services and voluntary departure incentives.
“There is no fixed end date,” Beaver said of potential layoffs, adding decisions will be made as part of the ongoing budget process.
Keyano is also reviewing its program offerings to better align with domestic demand and regional labour needs.
Beaver said the goal is to ensure programs “have strong domestic student demand, align with local and regional workforce needs, and are sustainable under today’s enrolment conditions.”
Several programs identified for suspension earlier this year had not been launched, while others, including carpentry and office administration, were discontinued due to low enrolment.
The college says the changes are aimed at maintaining long-term sustainability while ensuring students can access programs leading to employment in the region.
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