About CNA

Our History

History of the College Structure in Newfoundland and Labrador

The current College of the North Atlantic grew from several important stages in Newfoundland and Labrador's post-secondary education and training system. From vocational schools and specialized training centres to regional colleges and, eventually, one provincial college, this timeline shows the key milestones that led to the college we know today.

History at a Glance

1963 District Vocational Schools open

1987 Institutes and community colleges formed

1992 Five colleges restructured

1997 CNA is formed

Timeline of Key Milestones

1963

District Vocational Schools open around the province

District Vocational Schools open around the province. Over the next few years, schools open in a number of communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, and the College of Trades and Technology opens in St. John's.

Baie Verte Bell Island Bonavista Burin Carbonear Clarenville Corner Brook Gander Grand Falls (Grand Falls-Windsor 1990) Happy Valley-Goose Bay Labrador City Lewisporte Placentia Port aux Basques Seal Cove Springdale St. Anthony Stephenville Crossing St. John's

1967

New training centres open in Stephenville

The Adult Upgrading Centre opens in Stephenville, and the Heavy Equipment School also opens in Stephenville.

1977

Bay St. George Community College is established

Bay St. George Community College is established in Stephenville, encompassing the District Vocational School in Stephenville Crossing, the Adult Upgrading Centre, and the Heavy Equipment School.

1987

Two institutes and five community colleges are formed

The former District Vocational Schools, the College of Trades and Technology, and Bay St. George Community College are restructured into two institutes and five community colleges.

Cabot Institute Fisher Technology College Avalon Community College Eastern Community College Central Newfoundland Community College Labrador Community College Western Community College

1991

Institutional names are updated

The Fisher Technology College is renamed the Fisher Institute of Applied Arts and Technology, and Western Community College is renamed Western College of Applied Arts and Technology.

1992

Five Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and Continuing Education are formed

The two institutes and five community colleges are restructured into five colleges.

Cabot College Eastern College Central Newfoundland Community College Westviking College Labrador College

1997

College of the North Atlantic is formed

College of the North Atlantic is formed from the five previous colleges, marking the beginning of the province-wide institution as it exists today.

Historic image representing the evolution of College of the North Atlantic

From early training centres to one provincial college

This history reflects decades of change in post-secondary education and skills training across Newfoundland and Labrador. The timeline can also be paired with archival campus imagery, historic logos, or a short institutional history video.

From then to now

Today, College of the North Atlantic serves communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with campuses, programs, student supports, and workforce development across the province.

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