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Students collect medals at 2023 Skills Ontario Competition

Students from across the province put their abilities to the test at the 2023 Skills Ontario Competition this week, which was held over the course of three days at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Thousands of elementary, secondary and post-secondary students took part in the event, including 29 Durham College (DC) students who competed in 14 categories at the competition. A wide range of disciplines were represented, from aesthetics and culinary arts to auto service and carpentry. In each category, they brought all of their skills and experience to bear on the different challenges set before them.

On Wednesday, the attendees and their supporters filled the convention hall to capacity for the awards ceremony. The atmosphere was electric as the medals for each category were handed out, with five of our DC students earning spots on the podium.

DC’s winning students were:

  • Abigayle Hamilton and Emma Pace – Gold, Horticulture and Landscape (Team of 2)
  • John Orecchio – Bronze, Industrial Mechanic
  • Brandon Webster – Gold, Metal Fabricator Fitter
  • Nicole Crossley – Bronze, Photography

“Everybody did a superb job, whether they medaled or not,” said Martin Jones, associate dean of the Faculty of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship. “It’s always good to see people competing in the trades. We need more tradespeople.”

Competing at the event gave all of the students a preview of the potential future they could have in their respective trades, while proving they have the skills necessary to succeed at the highest level.

“It was a positive experience,” said John Orecchio, who was proud to take home his bronze medal. “There were a lot of good competitors there. I felt like I could have done better on a few things, but I’m happy to have made out the way I did.”

In some of the categories, including Horticulture and Landscape, the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition was also on the line. By winning gold, the team of Abigayle Hamilton and Emma Pace punched their tickets to the competition in Winnipeg later this month.

“It’s unbelievable. We’re so happy,” said Hamilton.

“There’s nothing better than this,” added Pace. “We’re looking forward to the next step in this competition. Hopefully we can take gold in Manitoba. We’ll see what we can do there.”

Durham College leads the way with grand opening of Centre for Innovation and Research

Durham College (DC) celebrated the opening of its Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR) on Thursday, a collaborative, state-of-the-art space designed to fuel creative thinking, networking and synergistic partnerships between DC and the community.

“This innovative new space helps us continue driving change and adapt to meet the needs of our evolving educational, technological and community landscape,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The opportunities in research, innovation and experiential learning are truly endless.”

The CIR is home to the college’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (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.

“Over the past year, we’ve received and invested over $5 million that have allowed us to build a state-of-the-art cybersecurity research lab, engage in collaborative research with other Canadian colleges to address the economic and social impacts of the pandemic, and help many small and medium-sized businesses grow and innovate,” added Lovisa.

Rick Menassa, a member of DC’s AI Hub Technical Advisory Committee and CEO of Health Espresso and ICARE Home Health, spoke during the grand opening about the quality of student talent developed at DC thanks to experiential learning offered at DC.

“We consistently hire DC graduates who are ready to fill positions right away. They deliver with excellence, which is a testament to the strategic leadership planning, faculty adaptivity to the changing market needs and types of learning provided at the college,” said Menassa. “DC graduates are equipped with the hands-on skills they need in the workforce, which is why at Health Espresso, two of our three team leaders and 25% of our development team are DC graduates. They go out there and make things better, and the CIR is a place to make that happen.”

DC is committed to experiential learning for students and the CIR will provide students unique hands-on learning opportunities that boost their confidence, skillset and future employability.

First-year DC journalism student, Andrew Neary, has participated in two Experiential Learning Hub projects, including a Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada entrepreneurial podcast called Founders Drive, which recently took home first place at the Enactus Canada regional competition, as well as a virtual reality project that’s part of a Mitacs research internship.

“Being part of the Founders Drive CEWIL Canada project made my college experience better than I could have hoped and allowed me to apply my personal experiences, skills, and interests to my work,” he said at the opening. “To have the chance to create something with the skills I’m developing, learn from industry partners, and develop a sense of community and teamwork is unmatched.”

DC students reunite with new friends from Guatemala

The Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College (DC) was the site of an emotional reunion last week.

Earlier this year, professors Jennifer Bedford and Marni Thornton and 13 students from the Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD) travelled to Las Arrugas, Guatemala for a Faculty-Led Classroom Abroad (FLCA) trip. Working from a curriculum prepared by Bedford, the DC students provided the Guatemalan ‘youth mentors’ with lessons and hands-on learning activities focused on storytelling in all its forms, from videos and photo essays to writing accessible captions, hashtags, and media releases.

Strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect were forged on the trip, and on Thursday, April 13, a virtual reunion was held. Thanks to the state-of-the-art technology that powers the Global Classroom, the DC delegation was able to see and hear directly from their friends in Guatemala, many of whom prepared brief statements in English. Both sides shared memories and gratitude, as well as examples of the work they did together.

With the help of a translator, the students from Guatemala wowed the crowd at DC with their presentations. One group used the medium of video to highlight the importance of quality education, and the troubles they have accessing it in their communities. Another used a photo essay to illustrate the issue of gender equality.

"I couldn't be prouder of the youth mentor students and their incredible work in Guatemala,” said Bedford. “Their dedication, hard work, and passion for making a positive impact in the world are truly inspiring. They are a shining example of what can be achieved when we put our minds and hearts into making a difference." 

Each presentation was an example of how the youth mentors had taken the lessons shared by DC students and used them to tell their own stories, in their own voices.

DC may have brought knowledge, but the students in Guatemala had even more to offer according to Meagan Poole, a second-year student in the PR and Strategic Communications program.

“They’re beautiful people,” she said. “The potential, the creativity, everything they bring to the table… I felt like I was being mentored.”

International trips like the one to Las Arrugas are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up, according to Sarah Varty, a second-year student in the Music Business Management program.

“It will change your way of thinking, it will change the way you communicate with others, and it will open your eyes to how blessed we are in Canada and how much we truly take for granted,” said Varty. “I certainly appreciate my life in Canada much more now than I did before the trip.”

DC partnered on the initiative with Students Offering Support, a non-profit organization that connects students and learners from diverse cultures and communities. The FLCA@Home and Away storytelling project is generously funded by Global Skills Opportunity (GSO), the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program. This innovative international learning opportunity is designed to engage with Indigenous and traditional communities around the world, with a focus on how Canadians can play their part to achieve meaningful reconciliation at home and abroad.

Read more about this trip, as well as other DC students who have taken their educational experience abroad, here.

Durham College named one of Canada’s 2023 Greenest Employers for seventh consecutive year

The future is green at Durham College (DC), which was named one of Canada’s 2023 Greenest Employers for the seventh consecutive year by MediaCorp Canada Inc. for its efforts to incorporate environmental values into everyday culture through its greener initiatives.

Among the many celebrated reasons for selection as a Greenest Employer, recognized initiatives highlighted in this year’s application included DC’s:

  • Launch of the new Centre for Organic Regeneration and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture;
  • Two-time Silver Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS) rating; and
  • Ongoing sustainable practices in harvesting, storing, processing, packaging and selling local food at the Galen Weston Centre for Food.

“It’s an honour to be named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers again and emphasize our commitment and motivation toward a greener future,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “The breadth of our sustainability projects and focus on green initiatives demonstrates how we are leading the way across both of our campuses for the betterment of the environment and our community.”

DC employees were also recognized for making a difference at the micro level in areas such as: going paperless, incorporating sustainability themes in orientation sessions, and participating in the college’s Green Office Certification program. Designed to encourage sustainable practices in day-to-day operations, the point-based program focuses on water, energy, waste reduction, transportation and other key areas. This year’s application featured a number of employees who earned bonus points for switching to electric vehicles.

Canada’s Greenest Employer is a part of the 2023 editorial competition organized by Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. Each year, the award recognizes employers who create remarkable workplaces that minimize the environmental impact of their operations.

Read more about how DC is leading the way to a greener future online.

Spring Open House draws a crowd at Durham College

More than 2,000 visitors descended on the Durham College (DC) Oshawa and Whitby campuses for Spring Open House on Saturday, April 1.

Prospective students and their families filled the halls and classrooms to meet our expert faculty, explore labs and learning spaces, and learn about our 145+ career-driven programs and support services.

Guided tours showcased state-of-the-art facilities on both campuses, like the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre and the Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. In Oshawa, a bus tour gave guests a whole new way to tour the campus and visit destinations like the Centre for Collaborative Education and the Campus Ice Centre.

Information sessions at both campuses walked prospective students through the application process, and those who couldn’t wait to begin their DC journey were able to register on the spot. In Oshawa, demonstrations in cosmetics, engineering and firefighting showed guests how DC is leading the way in innovative and transformative education.

Visitors also had the chance to speak with DC president Don Lovisa in Oshawa and Rebecca Milburn, executive dean and principal of the Whitby campus, while alumni, faculty, current students and employees were on hand to share their DC knowledge and experience.

Open House also had a lot to offer for current students who are interested in continuing their education with graduate certificates, honours bachelor’s degrees and other options.

DC will welcome prospective students once again for Program Information Nights on Tuesday, May 9 (Oshawa) and Thursday, May 11 (Whitby), and then in November for Fall Open House. Campus tours and information sessions can also be scheduled online.

Transport Minister, Whitby MP visit Durham College

Employees and students of the Durham College (DC) dental clinic welcomed a pair of special guests on Friday, March 31.

Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra and Member of Parliament for Whitby, Ryan Turnbull, were on hand to discuss the 2023 federal budget and its investments in a healthy future for Canadians. The clinic was a fitting stop for the Members of Parliament, as the budget includes the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, which aims to provide dental coverage for up to nine million Canadians by 2025.

During their visit, they met with faculty members and students from DC’s Dental Hygiene program, and pointed out that the new plan will have a significant, positive impact on their future careers. The more people who can afford dental care, the busier dentists and dental technicians will be.

“It’s great news for students who are entering this industry. I know that you will make Canadians smile better in the next few years,” said Minister Alghabra.

Dr. Elaine Popp, DC’s executive vice president, Academic, was there to welcome the pair and credit them for the federal government’s ongoing support of post-secondary institutions, applied research and for their investments in Canadian’s dental health and well-being.

“As important as training and innovation is, so too is access to public healthcare,” said Popp. “With the historic investments in health, the federal budget released this year is increasing access to dental care for Canadians who need it.”

Students in DC’s dental program have been leading the way in providing low-cost preventative dental care since 1976. In addition, the dental clinic operates year-round, providing accessible care to the community while also supporting students with experiential learning opportunities under the direct supervision of dental professionals.

That’s just one of the reasons why Turnbull has such a high opinion of DC.

“What makes DC so special is that it puts student success at the forefront of everything it does. DC is always thinking about students’ futures and creating more opportunities for students to grow and be successful.”

The Minister of Transport shared Turnbull’s appreciation.

“World-class institutions like DC are at the forefront of providing exceptional graduates who are ready to take on jobs that the world needs.”

Durham College Justice Games celebrate tenth year with epic battle of teamwork and strength

More than 200 Durham College (DC) students and alumni came together to test their strength, speed and teamwork as part of the 10th annual Justice Games.

The energy in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre was electric as students and alumni from the Faculties of Social & Community Services and Health Sciences competed in a number of events including three-point shooting, table tennis, shuttle run, push-up challenge, tug-of-war, and Stephanie’s Endurance Challenge, named in honour of former executive dean Stephanie Ball who retired in 2022 after more than two decades of service to DC.

The Justice Games are designed to build a sense of community – and a little rivalry – among students who compete to represent their programs, connect with students from related programs and practice their skills as first responders outside of the classroom.

This year’s theme – Justice Games X: Alumni Invasion – welcomed many previous winning alumni to battle either individually or as a team in the tug-of-war event. Members from local fire and police services also competed in several events.

“The Justice Games are a true testament to the talent and strength of Durham College students preparing to lead the way in various justice and emergency-related fields,” said Ralph Hofmann, executive dean, Faculty of Social & Community Services. “The combination of friendly competition and extraordinary camaraderie always makes for an exciting evening so many look forward to each year.”

“I look forward to this event every year, and the chance to showcase our students’ commendable talents and the way Durham College is preparing tomorrow’s leaders,” said Jason Vassell, professor, Faculty of Social & Community Services and Justice Games Committee lead. “Having alumni in attendance, who are making such positive impacts in their respective fields, made celebrating the games’ 10th year even more exciting.”

A tie for first place led the Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training and Police Foundations teams into a tie-breaker, resulting in a victory for the firefighters. The Paramedic program took home third place, behind the police team.

Each year, the Justice Games present the most valuable player (MVP) awards, in honour and memory of former Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training students Adam Brunt and Tasha Nickelchock. This year’s MVP winners were Victoria Monteils, Paramedic program, and Jayda Callan, Police Foundations.

Competing for the coveted Justice Cup, students from the following DC programs participated:

Countdown to Grad prepares students for life as DC alumni

The Durham College (DC) Class of 2023 learned more about what lies ahead at Countdown to Grad.

Over 500 students attended this week’s events in Oshawa and Whitby, which gave the soon-to-be graduates a valuable preview of some of the benefits they will enjoy as members of DC’s alumni family.

DC graduates become lifelong members of the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA), granting them exclusive benefits and discounts using the free DC Alumni Connect app.

They also have access to DC’s career development site, the Hired Portal. Whether they’re hunting for their first job out of school or looking to take an established career to the next level, they can search job listings, speak to a career advisor, attend on-campus recruiter events and workshops and much more.

Attendees at Countdown to Grad also learned about a number of Pathways to continuing their education. Whether they’re interested in a diploma, degree, graduate certificate or fast-track option, a DC credential provides a valuable head start.

DC offers a wide variety of in-demand graduate certificate programs like Cloud Computing and Pharmaceutical Science. In less than a year, students can gain valuable skills and hands-on industry experience that will give them an edge in the competitive job market. A select number of graduate certificate programs offer weekend delivery options, allowing students to complete their on-campus learning experience without attending traditional weekday classes.

DC continues to innovate with new bachelor’s degree programs like Community Mental Health and Paralegal, which can get our alumni even closer to their dream careers.

Alumni are encouraged to stay connected with DC on social media and share the stories of their success with us. Graduates are also eligible for DC’s Alumni of Distinction award, which recognizes graduates who make extraordinary contributions to society while also achieving career success.

Even after graduation, our alumni remain valued members of the DC family.

Durham College reaches $10 million goal for Building for Skills Campaign

Community support helps open new facility to advance training of skilled trades students

The final $10 million has been raised to complete Durham College’s (DC) Building for Skills Campaign which increases the training capacity on the Whitby campus and transforms the way DC delivers industrial and construction-focused professional and skilled trades training and education.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our Durham College donor community, we have fully funded – and opened – the state-of-the-art Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology,” said Linda Flynn, associate vice president, Development and Alumni Affairs and executive director, Durham College Foundation. “This achievement would not have been possible without the help of our dedicated community and partners, whose support is an investment in our collective success and our students’ futures.”

The remarkable facility boasts modern technologies and innovative learning spaces and allows DC to increase training capacity for post-secondary and apprenticeship education, provide students with specialized skills training and set graduates up for careers that help address Canada’s skilled trades talent gap.

“With a growing demand for workers with specialized skills across numerous trades and sectors, this expansion and what it means for the future of our workforce couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “We are leading the way by offering dynamic hands-on learning and developing knowledgeable and experienced, skilled graduates who will step into rewarding careers that can make a difference in our local communities.”

 

Donor excellence and student success celebrated at Durham College’s first President’s Breakfast

Durham College (DC) recognized the generous support of the community while showcasing student success at the first annual President’s Breakfast on February 9.

More than 65 individuals, community partners and corporate donors attended the event at the Whitby campus’ W. Galen Weston Centre which celebrated their commitment to learning and gave them the chance to hear directly from students.

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy and members from the college’s Board of Governors and the Durham College Foundation Board also attended the event.

“Our donors’ investments are making a difference in the lives of our students every day,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “From financial contributions through scholarships, bursaries and capital projects, to the experience and expertise they offer in field placements and Program Advisory Committees, their generosity and support play an integral role in helping the college and our students lead the way.”

Four students also spoke and shared the ways that donor support has impacted their DC journey and how it has empowered them to embrace the future.

“I am incredibly grateful to study in the brand-new Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology,” said Heather Reid, a student in the Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices program. “The ability to learn from industry professionals and work hands-on with leading-edge technology that I will encounter in the future gives me the confidence to know I will be prepared on graduation day to rise to the challenge and make a difference in my industry.”

Many donors in attendance were recent supporters of the college’s Building for Skills Campaign, which led to the opening of the college’s new Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. A welcomed addition to the Whitby campus, the new facility has allowed the college to expand its capacity for skilled trades programs by 750 students to address the labour shortage in Canada.