Offerings respond to labour shortages being experienced in two of Canada’s rapidly growing sectors

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) has received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer two new degree programs which will address labour shortages being experienced in two of Canada’s hottest job sectors – construction management and artificial intelligence.

Following the success of DC’s first degree programs launched in 2017 and 2019, the new Honours Bachelor of Construction Management (HBCM) and Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (HBAI) are currently accepting applications for September 2021.

“Now more than ever, our construction and technology sectors need skilled workers who can take on specialist roles right out of the gate as the infrastructure of both our digital and physical world evolves and advances,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “Graduates of these degree programs will be in-demand, armed with the necessary skills to create meaningful change in their industries and solve complex, real-world problems while contributing to Ontario’s economic future.”

The HBCM program is the first DC program to be offered collaboratively across three of the college’s academic schools, including the Schools of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (START); Science & Engineering Technology (SET); and Business, IT & Management (BITM). Through this multi-disciplinary approach, students will gain a firm grounding in the theory, principles, and practices of construction science as well as the business acumen and leadership skills to effectively facilitate the management of construction projects to successful completion, with the opportunity to synthesize their learning through two 14-week field placements.

Offered through BITM, students in the HBAI program will focus on learning technical theory with an emphasis on Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning, as well as the legal, social and corporate responsibility that comes with designing and developing AI-driven solutions. A field placement and capstone project will guide students in project management and assist in the development of critical and analytical thinking skills.

“The next generation of graduates are entering a workforce that requires a unique skillset – one that favours innovation, leadership and problem-solving,” says Don Lovisa, president.  “The work done by our researchers and experts in our AI Hub over the past several years, including launching an AI graduate certificate in 2019, has well-positioned Durham College as the natural choice for training the next cohort of leaders in machine learning and AI implementation. In addition, our excellence in trades education puts the futures of tomorrow’s construction professionals in great hands.”

In addition to the degree programs, DC has also launched a new graduate certificate in Pharmaceutical Science for students with previous post-secondary experience. In this three-semester program, students will prepare for a career in Canada’s strong pharmaceutical sector, a rewarding field that is seeing continuous job growth and demand. Featuring a 240-hour field placement, this program will set graduates on the path for a life-changing career that allows them to make a positive impact in the lives of millions of Canadians who rely on pharmaceutical products to improve and maintain their health, while helping to ensure access to better, safer drugs and consumer products. This new program will compliment DC’s current pharmaceutical and food science advanced diploma program offered through the School of Science & Engineering Technology.

Learn more about these exciting new programs at DC’s Program Information Sessions on February 9 and 11 or Virtual Open House on Saturday, March 27.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 11,000 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including four honours bachelor degree and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction continues on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others. 

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

Media contact:
Shelly Totino
Communications Officer
Communications, Marketing + Student Recruitment
Durham College
c: 905.626.0675

New course for health care providers explores rapidly-evolving medical cannabis use in Canada 

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is partnering with NorQuest College in Edmonton, Alta. and Okanagan College in Kelowna, B.C. to deliver the two-day Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals course. Facilitated live online over the weekend of February 6 and 7, this unique introductory course is aimed at new and experienced health care professionals across Canada seeking to better understand medical cannabis in the context of client-centered care.

During the two-day course, participants will learn about the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, terpenes, cannabis consumption methods, pharmacokinetic action and cannabis strains, gaining practical information that allows them to understand medical cannabis treatment plans, including dosing, titration and identification of client risk factors.

“With research related to medical cannabis continuously evolving, its crucial for health care professionals to be aware of how medical cannabis may be used as possible treatment options for various conditions,” said Debbie Johnston, dean, Faculty of Professional and Part-time Learning. “We are pleased to partner with two other leading Canadian post-secondary institutions to make this course possible.”

As part of the course, participants will also examine viewpoints of various regulatory bodies and associations on medical cannabis.

The course is being delivered through DC’s School of Professional and Part-time Learning (PPL) and upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital badge that can be added to an e-portfolio, a LinkedIn page, and more.

For more information or to register for the course, please visit PPL online.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Shelly Totino
Communications Officer
Communications, Marketing + Student Recruitment
Durham College
c: 905.626.0675

Program for this in-demand field launches in September 2021

Oshawa, ON – In response to Canada’s aging population, the increased demand for mental health and addiction services, and a rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Durham College (DC) has developed the Behavioural Science Technician (BHTN) program, which will launch in September 2021.

Designed for learners who have an interest in human behavior, coupled with a desire to help others improve their quality of life, the interdisciplinary BHTN program focuses on teaching Applied Behaviour Analysis to support clients in a variety of settings related to education, family support services, mental health treatment and gerontology.

Through a comprehensive mix of theoretical, research-based and applied courses, students will develop the in-demand professional competencies that link the scientific, clinical, communicative and ethical aspects of behavioural science. This will allow them to assist with assessments and contribute to the design and application of behaviour change plans for clients with developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, dementia and other conditions associated with aging.

“In addition to the core competencies taught in this program, there is also a strong emphasis placed on ethics, professionalism and interpersonal communication, which isn’t common amongst other college behavioural science programs,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “When you combine that with the focus on service needs across a client’s lifespan from a bio-psycho-social perspective, DC students will graduate with a greater breadth of knowledge which creates more career opportunities.”

Students interested in learning more about the BHTN program can visit www.durhamcollege.ca/BHTN.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

 

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
m: 416-648-5453
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

This is the seventh time the college has received this honour

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce it has once again been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges for 2020 by Research Infosource Inc., a Canadian research and development intelligence company. This is the seventh time the college has been included on the list, which is informed by data on research income, research intensity, research partnerships and projects at colleges across the country.

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), which is responsible for facilitating all applied research at the college, has been supporting small to medium-sized businesses and student experiential learning through innovation and collaboration since its inception in 2009.

“We are very proud to once again be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “Despite the unique circumstances of 2020, the college and ORSIE team have been able to continue driving our applied research agenda forward with great success.”

Highlights from 2020 include the launch of two new applied research centres – the Mixed Reality Capture Studio (MRC Studio) and Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation – which join the already well-established AI Hub and Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, allowing the college to broaden its expertise and diversify its research portfolio.

Over the last decade, ORSIE has worked with 159 industry partners on 326 projects involving more than 590 students in its projects, allowing DC to make its mark as a leading research institution through cutting-edge innovation, growth and impactful work.

In recent years, ORSIE has supported five multi-year social innovation projects. From designing financial empowerment tools and resources to help the specific needs of low-income residents, to partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham to ensure mentor support for youth in rural areas is maintained despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, ORSIE researchers are using their skills to improve the lives of people in the community, as well as the organizations that serve them.

For more information or to learn about ORSIE’s research capabilities visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
m: 416-648-5453
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

A 20 per cent discount will be offered to employees of any participating company

Oshawa, ON – Recognizing the role it has to play in the economic recovery of Durham Region and Northumberland County during the COVID-19 pandemic, Durham College’s (DC) Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning (PPL) is pleased to announce the Ideation Initiative.

PPL knows that having ready access to a pool of highly-skilled current and future employees is one of the main factors to a company’s success, which is where the Ideation Initiative comes in. Through a number of virtual consultation sessions with local businesses and organizations, PPL will be able to determine how the college can close existing skill gaps by developing short programs that meet local employers’ needs.

“Our focus is on upskilling for career advancement and re-skilling those seeking new jobs. Not only will this help individuals, it also ensures that employers can hire employees with the appropriate skills needed to support their business success,” said Debbie Johnston, dean of PPL. ”This is why we want to work with local companies so we can identify and develop new programs that will be of the greatest benefit to all parties involved.”

To mark the beginning of the Ideation Initiative, PPL is offering a 20 per cent discount on most of its courses over the next 12 months, to employees of small to medium-sized companies in Durham Region or Northumberland County who participate in the Ideation sessions.

Interested businesses can sign up by visiting https://durhamcollege.ca/ppl/ideation. For more information email pplideation@durhamcollege.ca.

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About Durham College 

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs , including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. 

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
c: 416-648-5453
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

 

This is the tenth time the college has received this honour

 Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) is proud to announce it has been named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021. Awarded to organizations for their progressive, forward-thinking employee programs, this is the tenth time the college has received the honour.

DC’s recognition comes during a particularly challenging year for many organizations, as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent response measures have impacted business operations and traditional work models across Canada.

Among the reasons for selection as a Top Employer, DC was recognized for its quick response to the pandemic, including the launch of a new internal Work@home site, which provided employees with the necessary resources and support to successfully transition to a remote work environment.

Other employee supports offered by DC were also acknowledged, including excellent maternity and parental leave policies, which include a full year of paid leave for mothers, 35 weeks of paid leave for fathers and adoptive parents, and 93 per cent salary top up benefits.

It was also noted support does not stop once a DC employee retires. From retirement planning assistance prior to their departure to maintaining the connection between retired employees and the college through the Retiree Association, DC encourages and helps its employees at every stage of their career, from those just starting out, to those ready to transition into the next chapter of their lives.

“We are thrilled to once again be named one of Greater Toronto’s top employers, now for the tenth year,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Just as our employees are unwavering in their dedication to our students, each other and the community, we are consistently committed to enhancing the environment in which our people work and providing exceptional benefits that ensure their personal and professional well-being.” 

Greater Toronto’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes Greater Toronto Area employers who lead their industries by offering exceptional places to work. Organizations are judged on several criteria including physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their sector to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. 

More information can be found on DC’s Greater Toronto Top Employers profile.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs , including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca.

Media contact:
Shelly Totino
Communications and Marketing
905.626.0675
Shelly.totino@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ontario – Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce its participation in two initiatives in Kenya with Young Africa Works: Youth Employability through TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) program.

Facilitated by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the first initiative will be undertaken over 12 months, focusing on preparing a new industry-driven training program for a September 2021 launch, and the second, which will be undertaken over the next five years, will focus on developing and scaling up training of pre- and in-service trainers to deliver competency-based education and training (CBET) instruction and capacity development for leadership and management.

Increasing industry-driven training programs

Working as the lead institution on the first initiative, DC, in collaboration with Algonquin College and Kenyan partners, seeks to increase the participation of young Kenyans, particularly women, in market-relevant skills training programs. Using a partner-driven, participatory approach, the goal is to ultimately grow the number of young people in dignified and fulfilling work in the Big Four (food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and affordable healthcare) and digital sectors.

DC’s involvement comes as a continuation of the Kenya Education for Employment Program (KEFEP), which saw the college work with The Kitale National Polytechnic and The Eldoret National Polytechnic providing support for institutional leadership and assisting with the implementation of Kenya’s technical and vocational education and training reforms.

This unique collaborative project will leverage the strengths of each partner to quickly implement and accelerate its overall impact.

Over the course of 12 months, all involved in the project will work to develop student-centred learning materials, gender equity and inclusion strategies, and industry linkages.

Exchanges will also occur between Kenya and Canada, allowing Kenyan trainers to conduct benchmarking visits to Canada in order to be exposed to CBET methodology, industry workshops and courses that are currently in use. Canadian trainers and subject-matter experts visiting Kenya will continue to build relationships with their Kenyan partners and develop a better understanding of the local context.

Developing and scaling up pre- and in-service training

DC is also supporting a second initiative, alongside project lead Algonquin College, and Camosun College, which will give current trainers and leaders the skills they need to successfully deliver CBET education.

This will be done by embedding its CBET principles within the theory and practice of their preparatory courses, while better aligning them with newly developed national standards, where modules focus on the different learning needs of young women and young men.

The development and scaling-up of pre- and in-service instruction will ensure that up to 9,000 new TVET trainers with CBET methodologies will be deployed.

The Canadian colleges will also work with the Kenyan partners to explore opportunities for TVET trainers to upgrade or maintain their technical skills through short-term industry placements as an element of in-service training.

“We are very excited about both of these initiatives,” said Marianne Marando, Associate Vice-President, Academic (Enrolment and International Education), Durham College. “DC has a longstanding history of working with institutions across Kenya and thanks to the Mastercard Foundation’s generous funding, and facilitation by CICan, we are able to work alongside other Canadian colleges to lend our expertise, helping to further refine skills training to meet the country’s growing needs.”

About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

To learn more about the college, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work.  It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org

For more information, please contact:

Durham College

Meghan Ney, Communications and Marketing
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca | 416-648-5453

Mastercard Foundation

Helen White, Strategy Lead, Program Communications
hwhite@mastercardfdn.org | +27 76 166 5372

While the number of employees and students on our Oshawa and Whitby campuses will be limited this winter season due to COVID-19, it is still important for everyone to be familiar with Durham College’s (DC) winter weather policy and procedures.

During most days of each winter season, the campus remains open and activities unaffected. If winter weather results in situations that impact the teaching or working environment (such as power outages), DC will post information on the college’s campus status website, social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and the DC Mobile App as quickly as possible.

Depending on the situation, we will also:

• Email students and employees
• Forward messages to regional radio and television stations
• Communicate via other means, as needed

If you are required to come to campus, DC reminds you to allow plenty of time, regardless of conditions, and to travel with caution and care, especially if you are in an area heavily affected by the weather. If you are expected on campus but cannot get there due to weather, please contact your supervisor or professor regarding your absence.

During inclement weather, organizations, including DC, follow their own protocols and best practices when determining if a closure is required.

Please note: school board bus cancellations do not mean that DC will close.

Important links:

• What does a campus closure mean to me?
• Inclement weather procedure
• Timing of closures
• Ontario Ministry of Transportation winter driving information
• Environment Canada weather forecasts for Ontario(select your town or city from the list)
• Durham Region Transit
• GO Transit

Oshawa, ON – The 2020 Ontario Budget tabled last Thursday announced $59.5 million over three years to support Ontario’s new micro-credentials strategy, which will help people retrain and upgrade their skills to find new employment.

 “This first-ever funding is a valuable investment in Ontario’s post-secondary sector and supports Durham College’s vision to deliver transformative education,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College (DC). “By offering innovative micro-credential opportunities, individuals will have the opportunity to upskill at any stage of their career journey.”

The funding will be used to create an online portal of micro-credential training opportunities, develop new micro-credential programs, launch a public awareness campaign and to develop a virtual passport that creates opportunities for people in the programs to pursue further learning.

The government also announced that students enrolled in qualified programs will be eligible to get student assistance.

Expanding micro-credential programs to provide more retraining opportunities was one of the recommendations in a recent white paper, The Future of Ontario’s Workers, by the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy. It was submitted to Colleges and Universities Minister Ross Romano as part of the minister’s consultations on modernizing higher education.

The paper has also recommended other important steps Ontario must take to produce a strong workforce that will drive economic growth. These include establishing career-focused three-year degree programs at colleges and creating master’s degrees at colleges for college and university graduates in specialized fields such as robotics, cybersecurity and animation.

“Investing in colleges is crucial to Ontario’s future economic vitality,” Lovisa said. “We’ve already seen the value of micro-credentials through Durham College’s Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning and continue to work with industry partners to develop new offerings to meet market demand.”

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Shelly Totino
Communications, Marketing + Student Recruitment
Durham College
m: 905.626.0675
shelly.totino@durhamcollege.ca

Focus on delivering high quality programming via remote and hybrid delivery models draws more than 11,200 full-time and apprenticeship students

Oshawa, ON – While the COVID-19 pandemic means Durham College’s (DC) 2020-2021 academic year looks different than in years past, more than 11,200 full-time and apprenticeship students have embraced the opportunity and are now studying at DC.

This includes more than 6,280 first-year students, more than 1,500 new and returning international students from 72 countries, and 7,000 registrations occurred through Professional and Part-time Learning.

“As an institution, we recognize the unique circumstances facing our students, faculty and campus community as a result of COVID-19,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic. “However, after our successful pilot program in July, which saw more than 1,500 students from across 20 programs return to campus following our initial closures to complete outstanding practical requirements for their programs, we felt quite confident and prepared heading into the fall semester. We learned a lot during the pilot and have carried that knowledge into the new academic year to the benefit of students and faculty alike.”

Through a combination of remote and in-person delivery, students are studying in a variety of industry-driven programs including the new Esports Business Management and Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate certificates, as well as the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management (pathway to degree).

“Since the outset of the pandemic our focus has been on ensuring the continuity of learning for our students. With the arrival of the new academic year, we remain committed to offering the same quality programming DC is known for,” said Popp.

Remote classes allow for rich engagement opportunities between students, their professors and peers thanks to a variety of online platforms and technologies, which are not only maintaining but also enhance learning. Cutting-edge simulations and hands-on opportunities, when possible, are also helping to fulfill the experiential elements of DC’s programs.

“In the spring, DC unveiled its new Strategic Plan, anchored in our new mission statement, together we’re leading the way,” said Don Lovisa, president. “It’s an extremely fitting sentiment given our current circumstances, as the launch of this academic year has truly been a team effort. I want to thank our faculty and staff for supporting our students as they learn the job-ready skills they need to pursue their careers, and the students themselves for their patience, perseverance and commitment to their education. If the start to the fall semester is any indication, they are destined for success.”

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
m: 416-648-5453
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca