International project focused on sharing leadership best practices in Technical Vocational Education and Training

Oshawa, Ont. – As part of its commitment to supporting international education and training, Durham College (DC) has embarked on its most recent global partnership in collaboration with the Government of Barbados Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (METI), and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).  

The agreement is being facilitated through the Government of Barbados Skills for the Future Program – an initiative that aims to enhance the delivery of educational leadership and management under the umbrella of competency-based education and training (CBET). The program is comprised of four components including: support for an employer-driven training system; improving the quality and relevance of secondary and post-secondary education; institutional strengthening; and a communication campaign.  Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, its objective is to support the government’s human resource development strategy with an emphasis on improving the quality and relevance of secondary education and the effectiveness of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

In November 2015, DC was chosen by METI and CICan to focus on the component of institutional strengthening. Through customized training, mentoring and coaching, the goal is to enhance leadership skills of TVET managers and support Barbadian leaders from METI; the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Human Resources Development; Barbados Vocational Training Board; Barbados Community College; Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic; and 12 secondary schools in understanding the value of leadership models that are focused on current best practices.

As such, the college is currently hosting 25 management professionals, faculty, and representatives from METI, the Barbados Vocational Training Board and TVET at its Oshawa campus from March 7 to 19, and sharing learning strategies related to:

• Strengthening the leadership skills needed to guide a transformational process of TVET institutions.
• Building leadership skills to drive competency-based education.
• Enhancing collaboration skills for developing dynamic relationships with industry partners.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to support higher learning on an international level,” said Mark Herringer, executive director, international education. “We look forward to supporting our Barbadian partners in creating business plans that will guide the transformation and modernization of trainings offered by their institutions and ensuring those offerings align with industry demands.”

The on-site training agenda was developed by DC’s International office and supported by an interdisciplinary team from across the college including faculty, employees from student service areas, Corporate Training Services, the Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment (CAFE), the School-College Work Initiative and the Durham District School Board.

In addition to the in-person training, ongoing mentorship and coaching will also be provided by Pam Stoneham, associate dean, School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology throughout the year via an online portal. Several onsite visits in Barbados are also scheduled to support, monitor and evaluate progress and ensure the change management projects are well positioned for successful implementation.

“It is an honour that DC was chosen as the lead Canadian college to support this exciting project,” said Stoneham. “It is exciting to share the insight and expertise the college has developed in the areas of leadership and competency-based, student-centered teaching and learning while supporting the effort of Barbados to transition to a more effective education model.”

CICan is the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly-funded colleges and institutes, with 1.5 million learners of all ages and backgrounds at campuses serving over 3,000 urban, rural and remote communities. For more information about the college’s commitment to international partnerships and engagement, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/international. 

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus concluded with the opening of the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food (CFF) located on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, baking, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, the CFF features Bistro ’67, a 70-seat, full-service, green-certified, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary and baking programs.

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

Media contact:
Krista Luxton
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197

krista.luxton@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is welcoming today’s budget and the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening college education in Ontario.

In particular, the budget will help more low-income students pursue higher learning that leads to a good job without incurring debt. For example, the budget measures will result in free average tuition for every student with a family income of $50,000 or less, starting in the 2017-18 school year.

In addition, there are also commitments that students in families with incomes of $83,000 or less will receive non-repayable grants in excess of average tuition, and students in families with family incomes of less than $50,000 will have no provincial student debt. The maximum debt level for higher-income families will be capped at $10,000 annually.

“I was very pleased to be in the Legislature today to hear first-hand about the changes to student financial support introduced through the provincial budget,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “At Durham College, we know financial challenges can often be a barrier to pursuing post-secondary education so the new Ontario Student Grant can be a game-changer for many of the most in-risk learners in our community and province. It means many individuals who believed post-secondary studies were out of reach due to costs will now take another look at how they can pursue an education that will make all the difference in their lives.”

Lovisa was also pleased to learn of the government’s commitment to establishing a new $20 million fund over three years to connect college researchers with industry partners. While specifics of the funding are still to come, he noted the announcement is a result of the college system working together with the provincial government. Applied research operations at colleges across Ontario have been rapidly growing over the past number of years, due to the focus on working with small- and medium-enterprises.

 “This is a key investment by government as we know that college research has a direct impact on the economic well-being of our communities,” said Lovisa. “By participating in applied research, local companies create new products, new processes, new market opportunities and new jobs, while our students gain invaluable real-world experience that leads to faster integration into employment once they graduate and a greater appreciation for the opportunities that come with pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.”

Durham College has been ranked among Canada’s top-50 research colleges for three years in a row, and its strategic research plan focuses on areas that are critical to building a stronger Durham Region and the communities around it.  

As well, colleges were pleased with the increased investments for aboriginal education and the commitment to consult on college funding as the sector approaches its 50^th anniversary in 2017.

“The budget recognizes that college education is a necessity for greater numbers of people,” said Linda Franklin, president and CEO, Colleges Ontario. “This budget demonstrates a strong commitment to helping more students acquire the qualifications and professional skills that lead to rewarding careers.”

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus concluded with the opening of the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food (CFF) located on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, baking, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, the CFF features Bistro ’67, a 70-seat, full-service, green-certified, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary and baking programs.

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

Media contact:

Krista Luxton
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
krista.luxton@durhamcollege.ca

Nominations for Alumni of Distinction Awards and Honorary Credential recipient now open

Oshawa, Ont. – With more than 73,000 graduates and countless community and business supporters, Durham College (DC) makes it a priority to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the college and well beyond.  With that in mind, the college announced today that nominations for its 2016 Alumni of Distinction Awards and 2016 Honorary Credential recipient are now open.

“One of the best ways we can inspire students and employees at DC is to shine a light on the many DC community members who are succeeding in their careers, giving back to their communities and paving the way for future generations,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “We want to recognize their success and thank them for their contributions — the Alumni of Distinction Awards and Honorary Credential allow us to do just that.”

The Alumni of Distinction Awards honour the significant contributions DC graduates make to society while achieving career success. The Honorary Credential recognizes a community or business partner who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of DC, Durham Region and well beyond. Both are given at the college’s annual spring convocation ceremonies in June.

A wide range of professionals have received the Alumni of Distinction Award including entrepreneurs, health-care leaders, journalists, multimedia designers, engineers, technicians and skilled trades professionals. Nominations are now being accepted until Friday, March 11 through the DC Alumni office.

“I’ve made it a personal priority to reconnect with as many alumni as possible this past year and their stories of both personal and professional success have been incredible.” said Lovisa. “There are so many who deserve to be nominated for an Alumni of Distinction Award and I hope to see that reflected in the number of nominations we receive this year.”

Nominations for the Honorary Credential are made by DC employees with members of the public invited to submit possible nominations to Paul Bishop, executive director and registrar, Strategic Enrolment Services, DC, at paul.bishop@durhamcollege.ca by Tuesday, March 15.

“DC is lucky to have so many passionate supporters and we take immense pride in the way our graduates and community partners continue to help us build a strong college that is committed to student success,” added Lovisa. “We look forward to recognizing these individuals in June.”  

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus concluded with the opening of the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food (CFF) located on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, baking, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, the CFF features Bistro ’67, a 70-seat, full-service, green-certified, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary and baking programs.

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

Media contacts:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Melissa McLean
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2952
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca 

From running though the Kalahari Dessert to editing music for television, alumni will share stories of success

Oshawa, Ont. – During their college years, students can become so focused on learning, assignments, exams, extracurriculars and field placements that post-graduation preparation can sometimes take a back seat to everything else. That’s why Durham College (DC) hosts Alumni in the Pit – an ongoing initiative that provides post-graduation insight to students as they prepare to transition from college to career.

On Tuesday, February 2, the college will welcome DC alumni Hannah Elkington and Kyle Merkley who will share their first-hand experiences about what to expect from life after college.

Elkington, a 2014 graduate of DC’s Police Foundations program, was immediately hired by York Regional Police following graduation however, her desire to help others began long before her convocation day.

While pursuing her studies at DC, Elkington participated in the Impossible2Possible Botswana expedition in Africa. During the trip she, and eight other youth ambassadors, ran 200 km across the Kalahari Desert over a four-day period. She also travelled with Impossible2Possible on Expedition Peru, assisting with the delivery of educational content to students via an e-classroom.

In addition, Elkington spent five years working for Durham Regional Police Service’s Youth In Policing Program including two years as the program co-ordinator. In 2013, she received the prestigious Public Hero Award from the Intercultural Dialogue Institute.

Merkley graduated top of his class from DC’s Music Business Management program in 2009 and currently works as a music supervisor at Arpix Media.

An experienced musician, he also brings his talent to the world of television. This includes working on series’ such as The Listener, Killjoys, Murdoch Mysteries and Heartland. He was also nominated for a Motion Picture Sound Editors award for music editing on the series Flashpoint.

Throughout his career, Merkley has appeared on Entertainment Tonight: Canada and MuchMusic’s disBAND, and also had the opportunity to work with top-24 Canadian Idol contestants. In addition, he has served as a panellist and moderator on various music and film panels at the Northern Ontario Music & Film Awards and the InSight and Sound seminar series put on by Music and Film in Motion.

When:

Tuesday, February 2

11 a.m. to noon

Where:
Durham College
The Pit, Gordon Willey building, Oshawa campus
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, ON  L1G 0C5

For more information contact:

Krista Luxton
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
krista.luxton@durhamcollege.ca

Teaching facility recognized for innovation and originality in interior design

Whitby, Ont. – Durham College announced today that its Centre for Food (CFF), which is known for its unique blend of creativity and innovation in design, has been awarded a 2015 Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) Award.

ARIDO, which conducts the annual ARIDO Awards to showcase excellence, innovation and originality in interior design, recognized the CFF in the Public and Institutional Spaces category with entrants judged on design elements, budget and project objectives, strategies employed, overall creativity, examples of project results and sustainability and collaborative elements.

With the capacity to accommodate 900 students, the CFF is Durham Region’s first-ever post-secondary presence focused on field-to-fork. Designed by Gow Hastings Architects, it offers warm woods, soft stones and natural colours that create an inviting and open atmosphere conveying a connection to nature. Ample windows cast light into the heart of the building’s atrium where a two-storey living-wall herb garden highlights the space. The atrium also serves as a central meeting place for special events and celebrations. Showcasing food preparation, the windows on the floor above provide a glimpse into the culinary labs, where marble, Corian, stainless steel and ceramic tile reduce visual clutter, maintain sanitation and enhance function.

“Gow Hastings Architects truly brought our vision for the CFF to life,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “We were committed to the creation of a unique teaching and learning facility that could also support cooking demonstrations, workshops and corporate events; Bistro ’67, our full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant; and Pantry, our retail store, while utilizing eco-friendly elements and maintaining an atmosphere of innovation and creativity. This wonderful recognition confirms that we have done just that.”

Celebrating the best in Ontario’s design profession, the ARIDO Awards bring superior design to the forefront each year by recognizing winning projects in ten different categories: residential; retail spaces; workplaces; health-care facilities; marketing centres; public and institutional spaces; hotels and recreational spaces; restaurants, bars and clubs; restoration and adaptive reuse; and special projects.

While recognizing the exceptional work of ARIDO members, the awards also serve to raise public awareness of the power and effect of interior design among the Ontario public.

“It is an exceptional privilege and honour to win this award,” said Valerie Gow, partner, Gow Hastings Architects. “This award, one of the most highly regarded distinctions in the interior design community, recognizes excellence, innovation and creativity through an intense competition adjudicated by esteemed industry representatives. We are extremely proud that the CFF was selected as one of the best design projects in Ontario.”

Created by the college in direct response to the demands of the local culinary, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and horticulture sectors, the CFF houses a 70-seat, green-certified restaurant, Bistro ’67, and Pantry, a retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary programs. The grounds feature an apple orchard, agricultural planting fields, gardens and greenhouses that support academic applied-learning and research while growing fruits, vegetables and other produce for use in its kitchens, laboratories and Bistro ‘67.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 12,000 full-time and apprenticeship as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

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

 

Media contact:
Krista Luxton
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
krista.luxton@durhamcollege.ca

Durham College and UOIT to welcome more than 400 students to joint campus this Saturday

Oshawa, Ontario — On Saturday, January 16, LEGO robots designed by some of Ontario’s brightest young minds will take over the joint University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Durham College (DC) campus as both institutions host the annual FIRST LEGO League’s (FLL) Ontario East Provincial Championships. FIRST is an acronym that means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

Nearly 400 students (ages nine to 14); more than 1,000 parents, siblings and coaches; and 200 volunteers, judges and referees will be on hand for the competition, which encourages students to apply math and science concepts to complete a project mission and compete in robot games.

This year’s project mission, TRASH TREK, challenged students to make less trash or improve the way people handle the trash we make. After choosing a piece of trash as their focus, competitors identified a problem and the way it is currently dealt with. They then had to find out what is being done to solve the problem and design an innovative solution of their own. Each team will present their solution to the judges during the tournament.

For the robot game, teams designed, built, programmed and tested autonomous robots using LEGO Mindstorms software. The robots must perform a series of tasks, or missions, within a two-and-a-half minute time limit. The game and its missions often symbolize solutions to some of the problems presented in the challenge theme. The missions are performed on a standard FLL playing field, under a set of rules.

When: Saturday, January 16

Time:

• 7:30 a.m. – Pits open
• 8 a.m. – Judging and practice rounds begin
• 10:10 a.m. – Opening ceremonies
• 10:50 a.m. – Judging and practice rounds continue
• 11:50 a.m. – Lunch
• 1 p.m. – Callbacks
• 2 p.m. – Official robot matches begin
  • Note: This will be the peak time for photographers or videographers to capture visuals of all the action.
• 5 p.m. – Closing ceremonies

Where:

Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario 

Media are asked to sign in when they arrive at the media sign-in table outside of gyms 3, 4 and 5.

Parking:

Free parking is available in Founders lot 2 and 3.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Patricia Pickett
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
905.721.8668 ext. 6710
patricia.pickett@uoit.ca

Oshawa, ON – Durham College is pleased to welcome Andrée Robichaud to its Board of Governors as a new external member, effective December 10, 2015.

Robichaud, who takes over from former Governor Renate Ilse, brings a wealth of management and governmental experience within the health-care sector to the position. She is currently president and chief executive officer of Rouge Valley Health System in Toronto, Ontario and has served in the same roles for numerous other health authorities including the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre and the Vitalite Sante Regional Health Authority in New Brunswick. In addition, she has worked in senior leadership roles with the New Brunswick Ministry of Health.

“Strong governance is incredibly important, especially as Durham College continues to develop and grow,” said Robichaud. “I am looking forward to contributing to the success of both students and the institution as a whole through my participation on its Board of Governors.”

Robichaud holds both a degree in recreation and a Masters of Public Administration from the Universite de Moncton. As part of the board, she will work with its 16 other members to provide oversight and leadership for Durham College and its students.

“On behalf of the Durham College Board of Governors, I am pleased to welcome Andrée to Durham College, “ said Pierre Tremblay, chair, Durham College Board of Governors. “Her significant knowledge and unique expertise complement the strength of our existing Board and I look forward to working together to provide guidance to the college as it continues to evolve.”

To learn more about the college’s Board of Governors, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/bog.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 12,000 full-time and apprenticeship as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

Media contact:
Allison Rosnak
Durham College Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – In recognition of being an exceptional place to work, Durham College (DC) has once again been named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2016. This is the sixth consecutive year the college has received this honour.

Home to over 770 full-time employees, some of whom have been part of the college family for over 35 years, DC is proud to be acknowledged for its commitment to its faculty, support and administrative staff. Benefits for full-time employees include skill-building and development, the opportunity to move into various roles throughout the college, investment in education for employees and their families through tuition subsidies, a robust pension plan and maternity and paternity leave top-up payments. These benefits, coupled with a supportive work environment where the focus is on community, has created a highly engaged and motivated employee base, as indicated by an annual one per cent employee turnover rate.  

“We rely on the vast experience and expertise of our employees to help ensure that the student experience comes first,” said Scott Blakey, chief administrative officer, Durham College. “Our employees often tell us that the college is like a family. It is a sentiment that underlies everything we do as we all work together for the betterment of the entire college community.”

Greater Toronto’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the greater Toronto area employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Organizations are judged on several categories 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 field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

For more information, please visit www.canadastop100.com/toronto/.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 12,000 full-time and apprenticeship as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

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

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Durham College Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 6219
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Michelle Robebuck
Durham College Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) alumna Debbie Low has been honoured on the provincial stage for her passion for sports and dedication to empowering Canadians who live with a disability. The 1985 graduate from DC’s Sports Administration program was announced as the recipient of a Premier’s Award on Monday, November 16 at a gala celebrating outstanding graduates from the Ontario college system. 

“I am incredibly touched and honoured to not only be nominated but to also receive the Premier’s Award for community services,” said Low, who was awarded the honour in the community services category. “Attending the Sports Administration program at DC was one of the most important decisions I made in setting me on the career path to where I am today. My full-year placement and the mentorship and coaching I received from the faculty gave me the skills and confidence I needed to succeed in the very competitive sporting industry; an industry that has also given me the opportunity to give back to the local community and champion the rights of athletes with disabilities so they too can achieve their dreams.”

Helping individuals with disabilities inspired Low to make a significant impact in the athletic community and helped her stand out amongst other provincial nominees. Since graduating from DC, she has implemented numerous programs, along with developing the operational plan for Canada’s team at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games. Over the past 10 years, she has remained a leader in the sports industry as CEO of the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario (CSIO), as well as serving on committees and boards for many not-for-profit organizations that support the success of athletes with a disability.

“It was truly an honour to be present when Debbie received recognition for her career success before a crowd of some of the most influential leaders in Ontario, said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The entire college community is very proud of her. She is an excellent role model for our students and our more than 73,000 alumni.”

Low was one of 116 college graduates nominated for this year’s awards, including two others from DC, and is the fifth alumni from DC to win a Premier’s Award. Each year the Premier’s Awards are presented to acknowledge the social and economic contributions that college graduates make to the province and throughout the world. Chosen from nominations submitted by Ontario’s 24 colleges, the award recipients have demonstrated outstanding career success related to their college experience and have made a significant contribution to their community.

For more information about the DC alumni community please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/alumni.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 12,000 full-time and apprenticeship as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Durham College Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 6219
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Michelle Roebuck
Durham College Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) has signed a five-year with Agriteam Consulting Ltd, to work with Vietnam’s Hau Giang Community College (HGCC) to develop a technical vocational program in the sector of post-harvest production. Funded by the Government of Canada, the partnership sees DC’s School of Science & Engineering Technology and Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment (CAFÉ) working with HGCC to share its expertise with programs in the areas of food and pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food sciences.

Four high-level officials from HGCC recently travelled from Hau Giang Province, Vietnam on a one-week study tour to observe DC’s facilities and gain a deeper understanding of DC’s post-harvest programs and best practices in curriculum development.

“It was an honour to host the rector, vice-rector and dean from HGCC,” said Mark Herringer, executive director, International Education. We’re looking forward to many more opportunities for both institutions to work together as DC shares its experiences combining the areas of science and technology with post-harvest production. As we’ve discovered, when you bring together multiple disciplines it leads to innovative solutions that help our partners, employees, students and wider community flourish.”

In addition to working with HGCC to address its specific needs, the project team will also be lending its expertise to assist in developing a new program model that can be adapted for use at the national level in Vietnam. Two other Canadian colleges are also taking part in the project, having partnered with additional Vietnamese institutions. Work will be ongoing until September 2019.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus concluded with the opening of the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food located on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, baking, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, the CFF features Bistro ’67, a 70-seat, full-service, green-certified teaching-inspired restaurant and Pantry, a retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary and baking programs.

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Durham College Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 6219
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Michelle Roebuck
Durham College Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca