A new venture aimed at increasing women’s participation and retention rates in Red Seal trades across Ontario has received over $2 million in federal funding.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem brings together Durham College, Sheridan College, St. Clair College and Fanshawe College, in partnership with Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union. Unifor contributed an additional $300,000 to the grant.

Over three years, this group will spearhead initiatives focused on elevating awareness and providing opportunities for women in exploring career education, networking and apprenticeships within the Red Seal skilled trades. The Red Seal Program sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada. The Red Seal endorsement is proof that a tradesperson has met the national standard in their trade.

By 2025, one in five jobs in Ontario will be in the skilled trades, and it’s estimated that by 2028, the skilled trades shortage in Ontario will increase to 560,000. With women making up just 5 per cent of workers in the skilled trades in Canada, this program will work towards closing this gap through the retention of these talented tradespeople, offering women the support they need to be successful in their chosen fields.

Key to the partnership’s goals is the establishment of a Women in Trades Network which will feature a community for apprentices and women in the trades. This network will aim to build community through events and mentorship (both virtual and in person). Sheridan, St. Clair, Fanshawe and Durham will leverage their well-respected expertise, industry contacts and alumni within the skilled trades to build and maintain this network, offering women in the skilled trades a safe space to connect, network and share lived experiences.

Some of the additional key goals of Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem include:

• Increased partner network capacity to support women in skilled trades.
• Increased participation and higher retention of women apprentices.
• Reduced barriers for women to accessing trades training and finding secure employment.
• Increased preparedness and willingness by industry partners and employers to continue hiring women apprentices.
• Increased knowledge of the long-term recruitment strategies for women entering the Red Seal trades.

 

QUOTES

“Reducing barriers for women entering the skilled trades is an essential part of expanding and diversifying Canada’s workforce. We created the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative to help women participate and succeed in Red Seal trades apprenticeships through projects like the Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem. Supporting Women in the skilled trades is not just the right thing to do, it will help meet the growing demand for skilled trades workers and help grow our economy.”

Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

“Empowering women in skilled trades isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s an investment in our shared success. Our Government is proud to support initiatives like this collaboration between colleges and Unifor, creating pathways for women to excel. We will continue to build a workforce that harnesses every talent, ensuring everyone in Canada has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South

“Unifor is proud to partner with Sheridan, St. Clair, Fanshawe and Durham Colleges to support the Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem program. For too long systemic barriers have meant far too few women enter the trades with even fewer choosing to remain. It is past time for women to take their rightful place as Red Seal Tradespeople. Our union is committed to supporting the colleges’ bold new initiatives to that end.”

Lana Payne, Unifor National President

“Durham College is proud to support this project as a means to increase the engagement and success of women in the skilled trades by identifying and removing barriers to their participation. Through this partnership, we will continue to lead the way by developing knowledgeable and experienced skilled trades graduates who can step into rewarding careers that can make a difference in our local communities.”

Elaine Popp, Executive Vice President, Academic, Durham College

“Increasing access to training and addressing the shortfall of skilled workers in Ontario is a key focus for Sheridan as an institution. We know that the women studying in our trades programs are skilled, strong, capable and poised to succeed. We can, and must, do more to champion these alumnae once they enter the workforce. I’m confident that this funding will help support efforts to provide women in skilled trades apprenticeships with financial, social and academic support.”

Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College

“With every passing year during the past decade, we’ve seen a steady and encouraging — but still small — increase in the number of women entering our skilled trades programs and apprenticeships. We’re confident that this new funding, and the involvement of Unifor as a partner, will spur yet more women to explore these personally rewarding and financially lucrative careers.”

Patti France, President, St. Clair College

“I am thrilled to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal government for its invaluable financial contributions to our College and supporting the advancement of women in the Red Seal Skilled Trades Program. This generous backing is poised to play a pivotal role in dismantling barriers and promoting inclusivity within the traditionally male-dominated skilled trades sector. I am confident that this sponsorship will empower more women in our community to pursue and excel in Red Seal designated trades, thereby contributing to a more diverse and dynamic workforce within our province.”

Lucido Zuccato Dean, School of Engineering Technologies, Apprenticeship, and Skilled Trades Faculty for St. Clair College

“Fanshawe College is grateful for the generous resources made available by Employment and Social Development Canada. We are excited to advance our shared goals alongside Sheridan College, St. Clair College, Durham College, and Unifor, by co-constructing exploratory hands-on experiences that will enable women to unlock their potential in the skilled trades. Together, we will be able to ignite innovative opportunities aimed to inspire more women to make new connections, both with each other and with employers, across Ontario. We are excited to witness the impact this initiative will have on our local communities and workforce.”

Britney Hunter, Chair, Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Accelerator, Fanshawe College

About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

For more information, please contact:

Lindsay Holley, Director, Communications
Durham College
905-926-7418

Oshawa, ON – Durham College’s (DC) applied research centres will further their work in solving industry and social challenges through innovation and collaboration, thanks to a $2.1 million federal grant.

The Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) received the funding from the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program’s Mobilize grant, which will be doled out over the next five years.

Mobilize funding has a number of objectives, from growing research capacity to fostering inclusive work environments. ORSIE will use the grant to further increase research and innovation training opportunities for students.

“This funding is critical. It anchors everything that we do in all of our applied research centres,” explained Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “It allows us to maintain a competitive edge. We’ve got expert staff and researchers, and companies know that we’re here to support them and we’re not going anywhere.”

The CCI program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).  

ORSIE’s applied research centres include the AI Hub, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, MRC Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Social Impact Hub. Learn more at www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie. To learn more about ORSIE, read the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

Media contact:
Jason Chamberlain
Communications Officer
Durham College
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – For a remarkable tenth time, Durham College (DC) has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc.

DC placed 19^th on the Top 50 list, up from 37^th last year. That jump was powered by our tremendous 116.3% increase in year-over-year research income, proving that we’re leading the way in applied research. Among medium-sized colleges, DC secured second place for the number of paid student researchers, seventh for completed research projects, and eighth for research partnerships.

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) leads applied research initiatives and helps solve industry and social challenges with innovation and collaboration by engaging industry, faculty, students and the community-at-large in research projects to address the needs of a technology-driven knowledge economy. Notable research accomplishments for this year include:

• Opening the Centre for Innovation and Research, which is now home to ORSIE and four of six applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and the Social Impact Hub, as well as the Institutional Research Team and the Experiential Learning Hub.
• Receiving a Technology Access Centres (TAC) grant from the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. DC’s AI Hub will receive $350,000 per year over the next five years, creating new opportunities to enrich student training, support skills acquisition and launch new services.
• Continuing to develop more creative and meaningful applied research projects and co-operative education work-terms for students in a growing number of host sites, supported in part through the Diane Blake Student Success Initiative.

“This is an acknowledgement of the tremendous expertise that we have developed here in ORSIE across our research centres,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “It’s also a testament to the relationships that we’ve developed in the business community, the organizations that trust us to do this important work to help them to grow and innovate and be efficient and productive, all while supporting student learning.”

To learn more about DC’s applied research centres, visit ORSIE online.

To learn more about ORSIE, read the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

To learn more about ORSIE, read the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

Media Contact

Lindsay Holley
Director, Communications
Lindsay.Holley@durhamcollege.ca

DC innovation and success fueled by passionate and collaborative team of employees

Oshawa, ON – For the 13^th time, Durham College (DC) has been recognized as a Greater Toronto Top Employer, underscoring DC’s continued commitment to supporting employee well-being and development and creating a collaborative, inclusive organizational culture.

“This award affirms what we at DC already know – that Durham College is an exceptional place to work,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “I am very proud of our continued efforts to support employees’ personal and professional growth and to provide a forum to engage in important discussions that help enhance our work and benefit our community.”  

This year’s application highlighted DC’s efforts to explore new opportunities for collaboration and engagement among employees by facilitating meaningful discussions to build connection and foster a culture of innovation. These conversations led to the launch of an online Wellness Directory which brings together wellness supports available to students and employees and kickstarted valuable exploration and integration of Generative AI into our teaching and learning practices.

Achievements recognized this year also benefit not only DC but the broader community. This includes the completion of the $10 million Building for Skills Campaign which allowed DC to increase training capacity to help address Canada’s skilled trades gap and the opening of the Barrett Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture’s first urban farm project which supports community food security.

“The innovation and success of these projects — and all work at DC — is driven by an exceptionally dedicated and passionate team of employees who work tirelessly on behalf of our students and our community,” said Lovisa.

The selection committee also acknowledged DC for its family-friendly policies, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, defined benefit pension plan with employer-matched contributions and retirement planning assistance.

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 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

Media contact:
Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
Durham College
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is aware of a disturbing video of an alleged DC student making antisemitic comments in support of terrorism. Per our Student Conduct Policy, the Office of Campus Safety has contacted the individual and is taking all necessary actions, including working with the Durham Regional Police Service on this matter.

Durham College unequivocally condemns the inflammatory statements made in this video and does not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of hate, discrimination or promotion of acts of violence. DC is a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community, and we remain committed to non-violence and the safety and well-being of the DC community.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

Oshawa, Ont. – More than 30 local business owners and founders heard from intellectual property (IP) experts on October 27 about the importance of an IP strategy, a critical component for any business and often a subject that entrepreneurs feel unfamiliar with. The event, hosted by Durham College (DC), featured an industry expert panel, a Q&A session, as well as networking to help foster collaborative relationships between the college and local talent in Durham Region.

“Education is the cornerstone of success for any business, and in today’s competitive landscape, IP knowledge is a critical asset, which is why events like this are so important,” said Joshua Cohen, commercialization specialist at DC. “At Durham College, we believe that by fostering a deeper understanding of intellectual property, we are not only safeguarding businesses but also nurturing innovation and growth in the market.”

The event comes a month after DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) announced a $300,000 grant from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), to help small businesses and start-ups take the next steps to bring their products and services to market. By enhancing its services and providing commercialization expertise, DC is better equipped to educate its clients and student entrepreneurs on developing an IP strategy and increase their understanding of the commercialization process – steps that are crucial to the long-term success of their businesses.

The Tech Talk expert panelists discussed industry challenges, inside perspectives and personal testimonies, and included Dr. Chris Webb, Strategic Advisor at IPON; Tony Orsi, Patent Agent and Partner at Bereskin & Parr; and Michael Stanfield, Founder and COO at Inventing Future Technology Inc. (IFTech). One commonality between the panellist’s advice was the significance of having a strong IP strategy, which plays a pivotal role in the protection and growth of a business, especially when it attracts potential investors.

“In my 15 years in Silicon Valley, I saw investors seek to understand how the idea for a given business was protected, so that their investment was also protected,” observed Webb. “Before they are willing to provide large sums of money backing an idea, they want to make sure no other companies can easily pursue the same market.”

In collaboration with IPON, ORSIE will continue to serve as a hub for innovation, fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for its clients, students and faculty to succeed by offering free IP consultancy services, market research analyses, and investment opportunities. A recording of the Tech Talk is available for those who missed the event. You can also learn more about DC’s ORSIE and IP services online.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

Media Contact:
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) celebrated the academic achievements of nearly 2,000 career-ready graduates this week at Fall Convocation. Graduates from DC’s eight faculties received their diplomas and graduate certificates, including:

• Liv Domik from the Culinary Management program, who received hands-on experience working in the culinary industry and is returning to further her education with DC’s Horticulture—Food and Farming
• Ajurenmisan Emiko from the Social Service Worker program, prepared to make a positive impact on the lives of those in our community.
• Kathryn Fullerton from the Faculty of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship, ready to meet the rising demand for skilled trades workers in Ontario.
• Melanie Gimoto and fellow graduates from the Cybersecurity graduate certificate program, which, according to Maclean’s magazine, is one of the six hottest programs to prepare for today’s job market.
• Alexis Joyce and Khala Sutherland from the Child and Youth Care program, ready to provide compassionate care to children in our community.

“After almost 38 years in the college system and almost 16 years as president of Durham College, Convocation remains one of my favourite events,” said Don Lovisa, president. “Durham College prepares students to make an impact in our community, and it’s extremely rewarding to witness them cross the stage to receive their credentials. Convocation marks the beginning of a new chapter, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”

Guest speakers at the ceremonies included:

• Lauren Bull, DC Alumna and founder & CEO, Canoe & Lake.
• Brandon Bird, DC Alumnus and CEO, Bird Mechanical Ltd., who was recently named one of On-Site Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction.

During the evening ceremony on October 26, the college also recognized Stephanie Ball, retired executive dean, with the honorary designation of Emeritus in recognition of her many years of outstanding service to DC students and the community.

For more information about Fall Convocation, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

Media contact:
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Global Skills Opportunity grants over $38,000 to help eliminate work-study abroad barriers

Oshawa, Ont. – Even more Durham College (DC) students will benefit from the invaluable opportunities to study abroad, thanks to $38,352 in funding from the Global Skills Opportunity Innovation Fund. The funds will be divided between two initiatives to support and enhance participation in international learning experiences.

The first half of the funding will help reduce financial barriers for low-income students, students with disabilities and Indigenous students, to help them access opportunities to gain international experience.

The second half of the funding will support DC’s Support and Sustain: International Work-Integrated Learning project by providing a multi-tier solution for work-study abroad offerings that increase peer participation and test innovative approaches to reduce barriers to study and work abroad opportunities. Student researchers will play a crucial role in developing research strategies, ensuring that the program development is grounded in the actual needs of students.

“The funding for this project will provide invaluable experience for our social service worker students,” said Lorraine Closs, social service worker program professor at DC. “International work-integrated learning experiences will create the link between classroom learning and practical application. Our students will gain exposure to diverse populations and this will foster both cultural sensitivity and competency that they can take with them as they enter the workforce.”

Over the past few years, travel disruption has impacted international study and also reinforced the importance of global connections inside and outside the classroom. Together, these initiatives position DC as a leading post-secondary institution that effectively reduces barriers to participation in international work-study programs.

“We are grateful to Global Skills Opportunity for their continued support of innovative international experiences for Canadian students,” says Janine Knight-Grofe, director, International Education at DC. “This funding allows us to both support students in gaining meaningful international work-integrated learning experience and conducting the needed research so that other students can also benefit from internationalization.”

The Global Skills Opportunity Innovation Fund is an Employment and Social Development Canada initiative from the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy.

Learn more about DC’s education abroad opportunities.

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT
Carmen Doucette
Senior Communications Officer
Durham College
Carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Ajax, Ont. – Durham College (DC) celebrated the grand opening of the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture’s Ajax Urban Farm today – a modern agricultural green space that’s leading the way in food literacy and security in Durham Region and beyond.

Managed by DC’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science, the Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm is a community-based living lab where DC students gain hands-on learning experiences through the farm’s mission to build a more resilient, inclusive, collaborative and diverse food system in our community. This initiative is made possible thanks to the Barrett Family Foundation and through partnerships with the Town of Ajax and the Regional Municipality of Durham.

“The Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm is truly leading the way by adding to Durham Region’s agricultural strategy in developing a strong locally sourced food supply for years to come,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Our community is directly benefiting from the resources developed here by our expert faculty and experiential learning student-led projects.”

The location for the urban farm was announced just a year ago and since then the Barrett Centre team has made great progress and the community has felt an immediate impact.

Beyond beautiful gardens and orchards, the site features an apiary, hoop houses and a Food Literacy Zone which educates the public on nutrition. A recent addition was an accessible hydroponic indoor farm, which provides fresh produce year-round and is the first of its kind at a Canadian post-secondary institution and the second in all of Canada to be AODA compliant. A significant component of the Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm is its online community portal – a digital resource hub dedicated to empowering, supporting and educating the public on urban agriculture and food literacy.

“The online portal is an extension of the work done on the farm and connects the Barrett Centre with the community in new ways,” says Kelly O’Brien, associate dean, Faculty of Hospitality & Horticultural Science. “It provides an opportunity for everyone in our community to access resources, have discussions and even ask our expert faculty-specific questions about urban agriculture. From stories on our blog to recipes and educational activities – there really is something for everyone.”

The Barrett Centre’s Ajax urban farm is inspiring people to make a difference in their community and is truly making an impact. With urban farming becoming more and more popular, it inspires not only the community but DC Horticulture Food and Farming students and graduates like Paul Fritzsch to take action.

“Shortly after beginning my education at DC, I soon found myself gravitating towards finding solutions for solving food insecurity,” said Fritzsch. “I worked with fellow students on a partnership project with Colliers Canada and also launched my own business Urban Farm Solutions which has grown and donated over 250 kilograms of food to Community Care Durham on behalf of Colliers and their tenants.”

Subscribe to the Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm newsletter to stay up-to-date on recent projects or email the farm to book a visit or tour.

 

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert 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.

MEDIA CONTACT
Carmen Doucette
Senior Communications Officer
Durham College
Carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca