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Provincial commitment of nearly $1.3 million will advance the growth of skilled trades training at Durham College

Durham College (DC) is expanding apprenticeship training opportunities and enhancing hands-on learning through a provincial investment to support skilled trades education.

The announcement was made at DC’s Whitby campus today by the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge, alongside the Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Acting Minister of Infrastructure, and MPP for Durham, and Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. They were joined by DC leadership, Board members, employees and students.

Totalling $1.28 million, the contribution was provided through Ontario’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant program and will strengthen apprentice training and modernize learning environments at DC.

This funding will enable the purchase of industry-standard equipment and upgrades to instructional spaces, including electronic system trainers, a scissor lift, an alignment machine and tool storage cabinets. Facility modifications will also allow DC to expand training capacity in in-demand sectors.

“The Ontario government’s investment in Durham College will have a significant impact on our students, apprentices and communities, increasing our capacity to deliver high-quality skilled trades training and reinforcing our ability to support key sectors that drive economic growth,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President of DC. “We value our ongoing partnership with the province and its continued support in helping Durham College respond to labour market needs in Durham Region and across Ontario.” 

The investment will directly benefit apprenticeship and trades programs related to cook, electrical and welding disciplines while strengthening DC’s ability to deliver practical, industry-aligned education in areas experiencing strong labour market demand.

Ontario is expected to require an additional 400,000 skilled trades workers over the next decade to meet housing, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and transportation projects across the province.

At the event, Tania Clerac, Executive Dean, Faculty of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship, Faculty of Science and Engineering Technology, and Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science, highlighted the importance of broadening pathways to careers in the trades.

“What makes this announcement especially important is the focus on increasing access and participation for women, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers — groups that have historically been underrepresented in the skilled trades,” said Clerac. “By reducing barriers and creating clear pathways into apprenticeship and employment, we are helping to build a more inclusive, diverse, and resilient workforce.”

DC continues to work closely with government and industry partners to prepare graduates for high-demand careers through applied learning and industry-connected training experiences.

Learn more about skilled trades and apprenticeship training at Durham College.

Announcing DC’s 2026 Alumni of Distinction

Every year, Durham College (DC) recognizes exceptional graduates through its Alumni of Distinction Awards, celebrating alumni who are making meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

The 2026 Alumni of Distinction recipients – Carrie-Anne Atkins, Matthew Canning, Dr. Danna Paulson, and Rachael Wraith – will be celebrated at Convocation in June and join more than 120 outstanding graduates who have been recognized by DC with this prestigious award.

While each recipient has followed a unique career path, what they do share is a connection to DC and a commitment to serving their communities, advancing their industries, and mentoring future generations.

“My education allowed me to pursue a career where helping people is my North Star,” said Canning, a 2009 graduate of DC’s Practical Nursing program.

From leading impactful local initiatives to driving change on a global scale, DC alumni continue to make a difference while inspiring future generations of students.

“One of the college’s highest honours, our Alumni of Distinction Awards give us the opportunity to highlight some of the many incredible individuals who are a part of our rapidly growing alumni network,” said Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations. “Carrie-Anne, Matthew, Danna and Rachael are inspiring examples for graduating students and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”

  • Carrie-Anne Atkins, Public Relations, Class of 1998

    Carrie-Anne Atkins is a senior strategic communications and stakeholder relations professional at Ontario Power Generation, currently Senior Manager, Corporate Relations & Projects at the Wesleyville Site, where she builds trusted relationships and advances key initiatives. A recognized leader in Durham Region, she has served in numerous volunteer positions across civic, philanthropic, business, environmental, and community organizations, including as President of the Durham College Alumni Association, Board Director of the Parkwood National Historic Site, President of Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Chair of the Durham Community Foundation. She is a strong ambassador for DC, building partnerships between the nuclear industry and the college that have resulted in program development and enhanced learning opportunities for students. Nationally, Atkins contributes to leadership development and gender equity in the nuclear sector through Women in Nuclear Canada and collaborates with government, industry, and communities to shape public understanding of energy and infrastructure projects.

  • Matthew Canning, Practical Nursing, Class of 2009

    Matthew Canning is the Clinical Director of Ontario’s largest in-person PrEP clinic, where he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment services. The clinic serves more than 5,000 patients annually and provides both HIV-focused and primary care to a largely uninsured population. He is deeply committed to equitable access to HIV prevention and treatment, and to advancing the role of Nurse Practitioners in achieving this goal. His work has contributed to system-level improvements, including collaboration with the FAST-HIV program to support rapid linkage to HIV prevention services from emergency departments, and to the evolution of Ontario’s VitaLink program aimed at reducing financial barriers to laboratory testing. In addition to clinical leadership, he has served on HIV research advisory boards focused on expanding care for women and gender-diverse populations, was a part of the scientific steering committee for Canada’s first injectable PrEP (CAB-LA) guidance, and is a contributing author to the Canadian Family Practice Guidelines (2nd edition).

  • Dr. Danna Paulson, Dental Hygiene, Class of 2010

    Dr. Danna Paulson is a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Beginning her career in Ontario and then internationally in the Cayman Islands, she gained extensive experience in general, pediatric, and orthodontic dentistry before relocating to Minnesota to explore opportunities in teaching and research. A nationally recognized mentor, she demonstrates a dedication to lifelong learning and contributions to education, research, and leadership within her profession. In her role as Chair of Dental Hygiene Admissions at the University of Minnesota, she has contributed to a holistic review process that considers applicants’ broader experiences, strengths, and potential for success alongside academic achievement. Her scholarly work focuses on oral health-related quality of life and patient-centered outcomes research across diverse populations. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she has directly helped improve oral health access by organizing, attending, and expanding student involvement in community fluoride varnish clinics serving underserved adults and children in partnership with churches and schools, participating in Give Kids a Smile events and school-based oral health education programs, and volunteering in National Health Week initiatives.

  • Rachael Wraith, Public Relations, Class of 2007

    Rachael Wraith is an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public engagement, and reputation management. As Associate Vice President at Global Public Affairs, Canada’s leading government relations and strategic communications firm, she provides senior counsel to national and international clients across various economic sectors. Prior to Global, she spent a decade in the public service and acted as a Public Information Officer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in her career, she worked for an environmental NGO on key files in conservation, sustainability, water quality, and climate change. These efforts earned her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 25 Environmentalists under 25. A champion for DC and real-world experience, she has remained connected to the college by sharing her knowledge and inspiring future communications professionals as a Program Advisory Committee Chair, guest speaker, and mentor.

Convocation 2026 takes place from Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18 at the Tribute Communities Centre.

Largest gift in Durham College’s history supports the future of sustainable urban agriculture

Durham College (DC) has received multimillion-dollar, long-term funding from the Barrett Family Foundation, marking the largest philanthropic gift in the college’s 59-year history.

This transformational donation will amplify the impact of the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (Barrett Centre), a community-based living lab where DC students and community members gain hands-on learning experiences through urban agriculture programming and operations. Learning opportunities will be enhanced through new programs, expanded scholarships and bursaries, and open educational resources. The purchase of new equipment and technologies will ensure graduates are career-ready, with the knowledge and skills to advance sustainable practices in the agriculture industry.

“We are deeply grateful for the Barrett Family Foundation’s continued investment in Durham College,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “This support reflects the power of our partnership — creating future-focused learning environments for students while strengthening connections between education and the evolving needs of communities and industries. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the future of sustainable urban agriculture in Durham Region and beyond.”

Since opening in 2023, the Barrett Centre has cultivated thriving partnerships rooted in a commitment to developing strong, locally sourced food supplies and educating future generations about nutrition and the importance of diverse food systems. To date, more than 37,000 community members have participated in workshops and activations, and over 9,000 pounds of food have been donated to local food banks and partners.

The Barrett Centre aims to be a benchmark institution helping to shape the future of sustainable food systems. This includes driving systems change across Canada and globally, empowering communities to replicate and scale the successful farming operations already established at the Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm and the college’s Whitby campus.

“Durham College is a leader in urban agriculture education,” said the Barrett Family Foundation. “Our financial contribution reflects our shared belief that sustainable urban agriculture is a key factor to building more resilient, food secure communities while also creating rewarding career opportunities.”

The Barrett Centre currently features approximately two acres of productive market gardens and orchards, an apiary, season extending hoop houses, the Food Literacy Innovation Zone, and an accessible indoor hydroponic farm – the first of its kind at a Canadian post-secondary institution. From June to October, the Barrett Centre’s Ajax Urban Farm is open to the public during its Farm Gate Sales, when community members are invited to tour the farm and purchase fresh, low-cost produce grown on-site. Visit the Barrett Centre website to learn more.

Durham College springs into a new semester

More than 650 first-year students launched their academic journeys at Durham College (DC) this spring, starting in career-focused programs such as Computer Programming, Early Childhood Education and Personal Support Worker.

“Each semester brings new opportunities at Durham College, as we prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand fields such as skilled trades, health care, engineering, technology, and more,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “We’re proud to welcome students into an environment where they can build skills, gain real-world experience, and develop the confidence to contribute to their professions and communities.”

To help students feel connected and ready as they started the new semester, they were invited to attend Academic Welcome, where they met with faculty members and learned more about what to expect in their program.

For Ishika Raj Bagga, a first-year Dental Assisting student from India, starting at DC marks an important step toward building her career in Canada. The Academic Welcome session helped her feel more confident as she met fellow classmates and got ready for her first day of class.

A variety of activities are scheduled throughout May and June to foster connection and campus pride, and help students settle into life at DC, including a puppy social and ice cream days, open skating events at the Campus Ice Centre, and a Toronto Blue Jays Game – organized by the Durham College Student Association. Mature Student Coffee Chats also offer a welcoming space for students balancing work, school, and other responsibilities to connect with peers.

Considering your future at DC? Program Info Nights are taking place on May 12 and 13. Join us to learn how DC can be your Best. Decision. Ever.

Exploring paths and possibilities at DC’s Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference

As industries across Durham Region look to the next generation of talent, Durham College (DC) continues to create opportunities for young learners to explore and envision their future pathways. The Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades (YWSTT) Conference brings Grade 7 and 8 students onto campus to discover career options, build confidence, and connect with the people and sectors shaping their communities.

Last week, DC welcomed almost 600 participants to its Oshawa and Whitby campuses for the annual two-day conference, designed to spark curiosity and introduce a wide range of future-focused STEM opportunities.

Attendees rotated through interactive workshops in science, technology, engineering, health care, and skilled trades. By engaging in activities in robotics, construction, design, and applied health, they explored new interests while gaining insight into the skills and knowledge required in these areas.

“Events like YWSTT are about opening doors early,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “When students can see, touch, and experience these fields firsthand, it changes how they think about their own potential. We want every participant to leave campus with a stronger sense of confidence, curiosity, and the belief that there is a place for them in these industries.”

The conference also featured keynote speakers who shared personal stories of growth, resilience, and career discovery.

At the Whitby campus, Dee Durant, an electrical apprentice and advocate for women in skilled trades, spoke about discovering her passion in high school as the only female student in her shop class. Dee encouraged attendees to pursue their interests with confidence and emphasized the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and increasing representation in the trades.

At the Oshawa campus, Camila Kukulski, a Mission Designer at Hinterland Studio, shared her journey into the video game industry. After beginning her post-secondary studies in photography, she discovered her passion for game design and built a career across indie and AAA studios. As the first female winner of Ubisoft’s NEXT Level Design competition, she highlighted the value of creativity, adaptability, and diverse perspectives in technology-driven fields.

Industry and community partners played an important role in bringing the conference to life, helping connect participants with real-world applications and career pathways. Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company, served as the Conference Presenting Sponsor and opened each day with welcoming remarks. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in Oshawa and RESCON in Whitby, as Keynote Presenting Sponsors, reinforced the importance of building inclusive pathways into energy, construction, and infrastructure sectors.

As a signature event at DC, the YWSTT Conference continues to grow as a space where young people can explore future careers in a supportive and engaging environment, while gaining early insight into the skills and pathways that lead to in-demand opportunities.

Hands-on discovery drives award-winning Science Rendezvous Durham

Pop bottle rockets, flowing water experiments and interactive demonstrations bring science to life at Science Rendezvous Durham.

Held each May on the Oshawa campus, the event transforms classrooms, labs and outdoor spaces into interactive learning environments where curiosity leads the way. Faculty, students and community partners work side by side to deliver hands-on activities that connect everyday experiences to real-world science.

“Science Rendezvous gives students the chance to take what they have learned in the classroom and share it with the community in a hands-on, meaningful way,” said Michael Jeffrey, Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering Technology at Durham College (DC) and a member of the organizing committee. “That opportunity helps build confidence, communication and leadership skills, while also creating a welcoming space for visitors to explore science. For families, events like this help make science feel approachable, fun and connected to everyday life, showing that STEM is something they can be curious about, participate in and enjoy together.”

That focus on engagement and accessibility is what earned DC and Ontario Tech University national recognition. The institutions were named recipients of the 2025 STEAM Big! Award from Science Rendezvous, which celebrates excellence in public science outreach.

The 2025 event featured a wide range of interactive experiences, including Sewer Science, Walking Water and Pop Bottle Rockets. Visitors also explored exhibits from local organizations and toured Ontario Tech’s Automotive Centre of Excellence Climatic Wind Tunnel, creating a full-day opportunity to discover how science shapes the world around them.

The event’s success reflects a strong partnership between DC and Ontario Tech, along with the contributions of employees and student volunteers across both institutions. For students, the experience offers valuable opportunities to develop public engagement and science communication skills that are increasingly sought after in STEM careers.

“Science Rendezvous reflects what’s possible when educational institutions and community partners come together with a shared vision,” said Kara Woods, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Science and Engineering Technology at DC. “This recognition acknowledges the collective commitment of our employees, students and partners, and highlights the importance of creating meaningful opportunities that foster curiosity, build essential skills and support future pathways in science and technology.”

Event returns in 2026

DC and Ontario Tech University will host the next Science Rendezvous Durham event on May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a Grand Finale from 2:30 to 3 p.m. The free event is open to all ages, and community members are invited to explore interactive exhibits, demonstrations and activities including tours of Durham College’s firefighting training facilities.

Learn more about Science Rendezvous Durham.

Durham College joins four post-secondary institutions to form Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium

Durham College (DC) has joined forces with four leading Ontario post-secondary institutions to help meet Canada’s growing clean energy and nuclear workforce demands. Together with Centennial College, Georgian College, Humber Polytechnic, and Ontario Tech University, DC has officially committed to signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will establish the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium (CCEW).

The consortium will collaborate on a co-ordinated workforce development strategy including the design, delivery and scaling of education and training programs to prepare learners for careers across the nuclear and renewable energy sectors. As Canada accelerates its transition to a clean energy economy, demand for skilled talent continues to grow. Industry estimates indicate that beginning in 2030, close to 40,000 new workers will be required across Canada’s nuclear sector to support new build, refurbishment, and the broader clean energy transition. The CCEW partnership represents a unified commitment to work closely with industry and government partners, aligning education and training with employer timelines and national priorities.

“Durham College is proud to partner with Centennial, Georgian, Humber, and Ontario Tech, in a coordinated new model of collaboration focused on shaping the future of Canada’s clean energy workforce,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Our strength at DC is in hands-on, career-ready education aligned with labour-market demands, and strong employer partnerships. Through the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium, we are building on that foundation — creating new opportunities for students, supporting innovation, and contributing to a resilient, future-ready workforce and ensuring Canada is well-positioned to lead in the transition to a clean energy future.”

Guided by an Industry Advisory Council, the consortium leverages the complementary strengths of each institution to support training and upskilling in priority areas including:

  • Skilled trades
  • Nuclear operations and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) support
  • Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Microgrids and smart grids
  • Artificial intelligence applications in energy

While post-secondary program development can take years to move from concept to scale, the coordinated approach of the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium is intended to accelerate program development and responsiveness. This model enables faster program approvals, shared applied research opportunities for industry, and high-quality, experiential, job-ready learning for students.

Domestically, the partnership enables a coordinated approach to pursuing funding opportunities, while offering industry and learners a single, streamlined point of access. Credentials, ranging from micro-credentials to graduate programs, will help strengthen workforce pathways in Canada and support broader collaboration opportunities internationally. While CCEW partners are currently Ontario‑based, the consortium expects to expand to include institutions from across Canada.

Internationally, the consortium will develop a capacity building framework to support emerging nuclear economies including Indonesia and the Philippines, delivering workforce training programs in partnership with Canadian industry.

Sustainable strength: how DC students are reimagining concrete

Capstone projects are an important part of many programs at Durham College (DC), including Civil Engineering Technology, challenging students to apply their knowledge to complex problems while developing skills valued by employers. Through projects that often involve industry partners, students gain experience that supports a strong transition into their careers.

For Civil Engineering Technology students Amena Maududi, Alvaro Reyes and Rouaa Alaalyan, that meant tackling a timely question: how can concrete be made more sustainable? Their capstone project explored the use of coconut coir fibre as an alternative to traditional reinforcement materials, with a focus on improving concrete’s tensile and flexural performance while also reducing environmental impact.

“The problem we were trying to solve is that concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, which can limit its durability in certain applications,” says Maududi. “We wanted to explore whether coconut coir fibre could improve tensile and flexural performance, while also offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional reinforcement materials.”

The team tested concrete mixes for compressive strength, flexural strength and workability. Samples were prepared at DC’s Shop Lab 5, then cured and tested at the City of Oshawa’s Materials Testing Lab, with additional testing conducted at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering, with support from Dr. Dan Palermo, Professor and Deputy Provost, Markham Campus.

“Working across different labs taught us the value of collaboration and adaptability,” says Alaalyan. “We learned professional communication and project coordination skills that are essential in engineering practice.”

Their capstone work was guided by Dr. Pourang Ezzatfar, whose mentorship helped the students connect with external partners and refine their approach. “He challenged us to think critically, justify our decisions and continuously improve our work,” says Reyes. “That pushed us to approach the project with a more professional and analytical mindset.”

Maududi says the program played a key role in building both technical and professional confidence. “From the first year, we had opportunities to apply what we learned, work with industry-standard software like AutoCAD and Civil 3D, and strengthen our communication skills. Those experiences have prepared me to enter the workforce with confidence.”

All three students also completed field placements with the City of Oshawa’s Materials Testing Department, where they gained experience in both laboratory and site-based testing. That experience directly informed their capstone work and strengthened their understanding of quality assurance and materials performance in construction.

Looking ahead, Maududi hopes to pursue design-focused roles while continuing to explore sustainable engineering practices. “Capstone showed me how material choices and design decisions affect the environment. I want to contribute to projects that meet technical standards while promoting sustainability,” she says.

For prospective students, she adds that the capstone is one of the most rewarding parts of the program. “It’s a chance to take initiative, think independently, and bring together everything you’ve learned. Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are key, and the experience is both challenging and memorable.”

The team’s work highlights not only new approaches to sustainable concrete, but also how DC prepares graduates for careers in the civil engineering field. Through applied learning and industry-connected experiences, students develop the skills needed to contribute from day one.

Learn more about the Civil Engineering Technology program at Durham College.

Colleges and Institutes Canada recognizes DC for excellence in Applied Research and Innovation

Durham College (DC) has been honoured by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) with their coveted Award of Excellence.

During today’s 2026 CICan Connections Conference in Ottawa, we received the Gold Program Excellence Award for Applied Research and Innovation.

The award recognizes the significant growth of DC’s research centres over the last five years, and the national recognition and industry partnerships our Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) continues to foster.

“We have five high-performing research centres that are really recognized in their fields,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “I am immensely proud and grateful to work with our team of superstars. These are people who care deeply about our community. They care about success and excellence, and they care about providing students with great opportunities to work on amazing projects.”

Each of DC’s research centres played a key role in earning this award, according to McKee Demczyk.

  • “The AI Hub is a Technology Access Centre – supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – that has become very well known, not only locally, but also nationally. We’ve earned a lot of respect in that ecosystem.”
  • “The Mixed Reality Capture Studio is doing a fabulous job of carving out a space for themselves, and expanding virtual production capabilities with a new LED research stage to meet growing demand in a number of sectors. It’s really a centre of excellence.”
  • “There is tremendous promise in the work the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation can do in support of the defense sector. We’re very strongly positioned to help organizations enter the defense space or become more prepared to be part of that defense supply chain.”
  • “The Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation is serving a lot of needs that are complementary to small business and entrepreneurship and the tourism focus of Durham Region.”
  • “The Social Impact Hub is making a difference right here in our community by collaborating with organizations to develop new approaches to serving their clients.”

Although the work of our research centres speaks for itself, there’s no denying the value of receiving an award from CICan.

“It’s really a stamp of credibility. Our clients know that we do good work, but when they hear that we’ve won this gold award, it’s just another way of recognizing that they made the right choice in coming to us. They take great pride in knowing that they’ve worked with a top of class research centre,” said McKee Demczyk.

That pride can be shared by everyone at DC.

“We’ve got a pretty awesome applied research enterprise here at Durham College.”

Durham College, Johnson Controls celebrate three years of driving engineering innovation

Durham College (DC) and Johnson Controls are working together to bring the best in engineering technology education to students across Durham Region.

Since 2023, the multinational company has contributed close to $400,000 in grant funding to DC. The successful partnership has made a profound impact on DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology (EMTY) program by:

  • Delivering $56,000 in bursaries for students facing financial barriers
  • Funding the purchase of Building Automation Trainers and 3D Printers
  • Expanding hands-on learning opportunities that align education with industry needs
  • Pairing 27 students with mentors from Johnson Controls

“Through our partnership with Johnson Controls, we’ve been able to drive excellence in teaching and learning for those interested in pursuing a career in automation and engineering technology,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students.

“This partnership is a meaningful example of applied workforce innovation in action, highlighting how industry, education, and community collaboration work together to support student success, meet labour market needs, and drive regional economic growth.”

Last week, representatives from Johnson Controls as well as Oshawa City Councillor Jim Lee joined Dr. Choi and EMTY program coordinator Beau James for a tour of DC’s Integrated Manufacturing Centre.

One of those representatives was System Team Leader Ken Scott who, like a number of his colleagues at Johnson Controls, is a proud DC alumnus. In fact, that history played a key role in the creation of the partnership.

“Why was Durham College chosen? I would say it’s because so many of our employees got their start here,” said Scott, who reminisced about his days as a student working on his first traffic light project. “We know the value of the program; it has a sound curriculum crafted through outreach to industry partners. We know that DC students will bring value to Johnson Controls. We’re hoping that this collaboration can continue well into the future.”

The partnership continues to evolve. This year, a $5,000 grant went to the Robotics Club at O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute, and third-year students enjoyed an experiential learning trip to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. In addition, plans continue for a new teaching lab at DC; the Johnson Controls Building Automation Laboratory.

Johnson Controls continues to look to DC for new talent, with two 2026 graduates already having secured full-time jobs and one current student preparing for their summer co-op. With such a clear pathway available, it’s no surprise that enrolment in the program has been steadily rising since the partnership began in 2023.

Wherever our EMTY graduates end up, they’re sure to make us DC Proud.

“It’s inspiring to hear about our DC graduates who have been recruited by industry and have become leaders in their sector. It really does speak to why we do what we do,” said Dr. Choi.