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DC and OPG renew successful longstanding partnership

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) continued championing of skilled trades development and training thanks to a $500,000 donation provided through OPG’s Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability (CCNS). The funds are supporting the ongoing construction of DC’s Whitby Campus Expansion project.

“We are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with OPG,” said Don Lovisa, President, Durham College. “As a key player in the skilled trades industry, they truly understand the importance of training the next generation of tradespeople. In choosing to direct funds to the college’s latest capital project, which will see an additional 750 seats added at the Whitby campus, they are helping DC continue our tradition of educational excellence, while also ensuring there is a pipeline of qualified graduates to support the success of the nuclear industry as a whole and help OPG achieve their organizational goals.”

OPG recently opened the CCNS, a world-class facility that will attract skilled jobs, innovative businesses, and economic development to the Durham Region. Whether working on collaborative research or planning for the decommissioning of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, one the CCNS goals is to create jobs to benefit Ontario’s economy, including a variety of skilled trades roles. As such, supporting DC’s efforts to increase its educational capabilities in those related fields, through capital development, is a natural fit.

“OPG and the CCNS, is extremely proud to support Durham College’s latest capital project,” said Carla Carmichael, Vice President, Nuclear Decommissioning Strategies. “Investing in this state-of-the-art facility, designed for hands-on learning, is just the latest milestone in our funding partnership with the college.”

In addition to the latest $500,000 contribution, the 15-year partnership with DC has resulted in more than $5.5 million to support numerous initiatives and programs throughout the college. These include the development of DC’s first-ever Boiler and X-ray labs, funding towards specialized pre-apprenticeship programs, purchasing of specialized equipment and instruments for numerous other technology labs, sponsoring the Young Women in Science Technology and Trades Conference, establishing paid internship and co-op programs at OPG, and funding student scholarships and bursaries.

In return, the college has been able to support OPG through training for its own employees, as they seek to find innovative solutions for the nuclear industry.

“For more then 15 years, DC has played a key role in meeting OPG’s needs for well-educated and enthusiastic people to join our company or work on our capital projects, such as the Darlington Station Nuclear Refurbishment Project,” said Carmichael. “We believe this investment is beneficial for both entities as it creates opportunities for students, who as graduates will help support the CCNS’ mission and sustain a skilled workforce needed for the industry’s future projects.”

Reflecting on a year of challenge and change as DC shares optimism for the year ahead

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic. In light of March 11 being named a national day of observance, we reflect on the past 12 months – the impact the virus has had on our world and the lives it has changed – and are reminded that despite the obstacles we’ve faced, we’ve still found a way to rise to every challenge.

Watch the video below:

In a year of change, our students, employees and community have donated their time and ingenuity, kept our frontline heroes safe while supporting vulnerable populations, and discovered new ways to work and learn. Durham College (DC) has kept the health and safety of our people at the forefront of all our decisions and has ensured our students continue to learn the theory and hands-on skills they need to be in demand.

Here are just a few of the ways DC has been leading the way this year.

DC puts 3D printers into action, making PPE for donation to workers on the frontline of COVID-19

Working out of their garages and basements, 16 DC employees, students and alumni embarked on an inspiring journey in March 2020 to create the frames for face shields used by health care workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few months, the team grew to an impressive 62 volunteer members using 83 3D printers and raised nearly $16,000 in funds to support the initiative. Members produced 6,350 face shield headbands and 32,700 ear savers that relieve the pressure of elastic bands used to hold face masks in place.

Journalism students put learning to work, gain real-work experience creating COVID-cation podcast

Faced with COVID-19-related cancellations and postponements of their field placements, six DC Journalism – Mass Media students decided to create their own real-work experience. The result was COVID-cation, a weekly podcast produced by students for students. Each episode focused on a specific theme – from education and emotional well-being to finances – while exploring the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on students of all ages.

Virtual Open House engages 3,600 visitors in online experience

More than 3,600 prospective students and their families have explored DC digitally through the college’s Spring and Fall Virtual Open House events, both of which were huge successes. Providing guests with an inside look at the DC student experience, DC is gearing up to offer students a third Virtual Open House on Saturday, March 27.

DC on the Frontlines – meet our frontline heroes!

Last year, DC launched a new initiative, DC on the Frontlines, to honour and shine a light on our college community members serving and protecting others in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and well beyond. You can now meet some of our DC frontline heroes through a virtual gallery.

Durham College recognizes the class of 2020

They may not have crossed the stage at the Tribute Communities Centre, but more than 4,800 DC graduates were recognized through various online and physical festivities designed to acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and achievements. The class of 2020 will be invited to attend an in-person ceremony when it is safe to do so, however, DC recognized the importance of marking the accomplishments of its graduates upon completion of their credentials and created a Convocation Recognition website.

DC’s Working Across Borders project continues to make a global impact during COVID-19

Four years ago, Durham College (DC) started an innovative Working Across Borders (WAB) course for business students, which allows them to engage with various international institutions around the world through virtual collaborative learning. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, last fall more than 500 students from all over the world joined more than 120 DC students, many of which are international, from the Project Management and International Business Management post-graduate programs. Using the Rotary Global Classroom, DC’s live-stream venue, partners from Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Netherlands, Russia, Finland, Italy, Ecuador, Bangladesh, and Indonesia came together for a kickoff session to discuss project details and to meet their teammates and 2020 WAB project partner and client, Seventh Generation.

DC launches two new degree programs and a graduate certificate for in-demand jobs

DC received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities this year to offer two new degree programs which will address labour shortages being experienced in two of Canada’s hottest job sectors – construction management and artificial intelligence. Following the success of DC’s first degree programs launched in 2017 and 2019, the new Honours Bachelor of Construction Management (HBCM) and Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (HBAI) are currently accepting applications for September 2021. In addition to the degree programs, DC has also launched a new graduate certificate in Pharmaceutical Science for students with previous post-secondary experience.

DC celebrates successful Campus Food Drive

Thanks to the generosity of our campus community, the 2020 Campus Food Drive raised more than $22,000 to help 384 students in need. The food drive bursary supported qualifying full-time students (married/sole support) with families and students living away from home and experiencing food insecurity.

DC launches Personal Support Worker Accelerated program

DC is launching a new Personal Support Worker (PSW) Accelerated program with start dates in April, May and June in response to a provincial government initiative. The tuition and ancillary fees for accepted students will be covered by the Ontario government and students will graduate with full credentials and ready for employment within six months.

These ways in which we have learned to adapt and thrive over the last 12 months, despite the challenges set before us, demonstrates the resilience, passion and innovation found in the DC community. As we look forward, we will continue to lead the way.

DC helps Vietnamese college develop new food and pharmaceutical science technology program

Durham College (DC) has been providing curriculum and program development expertise to Vietnam’s Hua Giang Community College (HGCC) since 2014 as part of the Vietnam Skills for Employment Project. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the partnership and project has resulted in the development of the country’s first college-level food and pharmaceutical science technology program, and further aims to improve access and quality of skills training in Vietnamese colleges. DC will continue to celebrate this partnership as HGCC sees its first graduates of the program accept their credentials.

DC has been offering students access to its  Chemical Laboratory Technology – Food Science program (formerly the Pharmaceutical and Food Science) and previous Pharmaceutical and Food Science fast-track program for more than 40 years. With this expertise, the college was able to host capacity-building workshops to guide HGCC in the development and implementation of a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum, ensuring an emphasis on gender equality, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship. As well, DC has provided guidance on marketing, recruitment, governance and student support services during on-campus trips from HGCC educators, offering expertise from DC’s academic leadership team, faculty, students services and career development offices.

“Our partnership with Hua Giang Community College gave us the opportunity to learn from one another and share best practices in student-centered teaching,” said Jacqueline Towell, manager, International Projects and Partnerships, DC. “The Vietnam Skills for Employment Project is an excellent example of post-secondary institutions coming together for students here in Canada and in Vietnam.”

To help HGCC’s students enhance a wide variety of pharmaceutical analysis skills, microbiology and food product development, DC helped HGCC to design and integrate three new labs, including an instrumentation lab, food science lab and microbiology Lab.

Project components also included strategies for increasing student recruitment and retention; improving access to marginalized groups through career guidance, enhanced programs and services; and building long-term, sustainable relationships with local industry. Instructors developed 29 new competency-based courses, including the integration of gender-sensitive pedagogy, industry standards and environmental sustainability.  

“All of our delegates felt truly at home when we were visiting and working with DC,” said Trinh Nguyen, international project co-ordinator, HGCC. “We continue to apply the valuable lessons learned every day to further develop Hua Giang Community College.”

FastStartDC virtual services support launch of student wellness entrepreneur

FastStartDC is home to student entrepreneurship at Durham College (DC). Since early 2020, the team has been working one-on-one virtually with students to support them in launching their own small business. Using the free, online FS360 Course, students are able to embrace the tools and landscape of e-commerce and prepare to be virtual champions in response to COVID-19’s devastating impact on small businesses around the world. 

“Helping my peers develop a brand and business has been incredibly rewarding as a graphic design student,” says Alex Colella, who is studying in DC’s School of Media, Art and Design (MAD) and work-studies as FastStartDC’s graphic design specialist. “Like myself, they’re facing a post-graduation world that has truly changed. Through our FastStartDC experience, we’re helping each other prepare for that.” 

FastStartDC’s team of dedicated employees and work-study students celebrate the success of the program’s aspiring entrepreneurs. This year, with so many hardworking students to celebrate, they chose to share one story in particular, of a student who exemplifies true resilience, passion and ambition. Erin Malcolm, a second-year Business – Entrepreneurship and Small Business student, is working with FastStartDC to launch Methodically Yours, a multi-level wellness coaching business born from her personal history of suffering in the grips of trauma and addiction. She credits the help of reiki, formal therapy, yoga and irreplaceable mentorships and friendships for her inspiration to create the Whole-Hearted coaching program.   

FastStartDC has supported Erin during the last year with bi-weekly, virtual business mentorship meetings and weekly remote creative service support, including graphic design, videography and photography.

“My mission is to forge a path for those who suffer, helping them reconnect with themselves and those who love them,” says Erin. “My vision would be nowhere near reality if not for the guidance, support and encouragement from the FastStart program team. The resources, mentorship and time dedicated to this project has been crucial to my success.”

Lindsey Irwin-Jeremiah, manager, Entrepreneurship Services, knows the FastStartDC community thrives on challenge. The results of the pandemic have proven the need to act quickly to keep students motivated and encourage them to work remotely with the same passion and drive they would feel on campus.

“With awareness and sensitivity around student mental health, we have fostered a world of coaching and mentorship where we prize resilience and confidence and actively promote the development of durable skills as part of the 2021 toolkit for student entrepreneurs,” said Lindsey.

With today’s employment landscape, there’s never been a better time to embrace resilience, channel creativity and explore self-employment. FastStartDC is available to all current DC students. From tech and artwork to beauty products and software, the FS360 program teaches students how to create their own summer jobs, generate revenue and bring their business ideas to life.

For more information about FastStartDC, to access the FS360 program or to sign up for support, please email FastStartDC@durhamcollege.ca.

Durham College now accepting applications for PSW Accelerated program

Following the Ontario government’s recent announcement, Durham College (DC) is pleased to share it is accepting applications for the new Personal Support Worker (PSW) Accelerated program, with start dates offered in April, May and June.

The tuition and ancillary fees for accepted students will be covered by the Ontario government and they will graduate with full credentials within six months; the standard PSW program at DC takes eight months to complete.

With more study hours per week, the accelerated program will use a hybrid model that combines remote learning with in-person practical experience, consisting of taking courses virtually and participating in laboratory classes and in care settings. After three months, students will also be able to participate in paid work placements, in long-term care homes and other settings.

“This accelerated version of the college’s PSW program is going to have a positive impact on students and the community,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic, Durham College. “Demand for graduates with these vital skills has never been higher and we are happy to partner with the province to help meet it.”

PSWs serve as front-line workers whose responsibilities focus on providing compassionate, client-centred care to enhance and maintain the quality of everyday life for client populations across all institutional, community care and service settings.

Through dedicated faculty, enhanced curriculum, skills and certifications obtained in the course of study, and implementation of several interprofessional education and simulation opportunities, students will graduate well-prepared and job-ready to support the community.

Students who are currently enrolled in the winter 2021 intake of the traditional PSW program, as well as those planning to enroll for fall 2021, are eligible to receive a $2,000 bursary to support their studies.

More information about the PSW Accelerated program, including admission requirements, answers to FAQs, and details to apply can be found online.

Campus Ice Centre to become Durham Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Durham College (DC) is proud to partner with Ontario Tech University, the Regional Municipality of Durham and Durham Region Public Health (DRPH) to support our community in its fight against COVID-19.

As part of its COVID-19 vaccination roll-out plan, Durham Region and DRPH have selected the Campus Ice Centre (CIC) at DC and Ontario Tech as the region’s Oshawa COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic location.

While the clinic is running, one ice pad at the CIC will remain open for student, employee and community recreational use by appointment/rental.

More information about the Durham Region vaccination roll-out plan, including additional clinic locations, operations, appointments and priority groups, can be found on the Durham Region Public Health website.

For more information about DC’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/coronavirus.

Durham College and Ontario Tech University celebrate successful Campus Food Drive

Thanks to the generosity of the Durham College and Ontario Tech University communities, the 2020 Campus Food Drive raised more than $22,000 to help 384 students in need.

“In a year like no other, we are grateful for the continued support from our employees and their dedication to our students during the holiday season,” says Kevin Griffin, professor in the School of Justice and Emergency Services at DC and co-chair of the Campus Food Drive. “During a particularly challenging year for our students, our employees once again came through – and although we couldn’t accept food donations and pack hampers this year, we were still able to support our students through fundraising efforts for the new Campus Food Drive bursary.”

The food drive bursary supported qualifying full-time students (married/sole support) with families, and students who are living away from home and experiencing food insecurity.

“Food insecurity is an unfortunate reality for some,” says Kevin. “Although the Campus Food Drive efforts may look different moving forward, the goal and the spirit of the initiative remains the same. We hope that this bursary will continue to be an important part of assisting students in need in the future.”

The Campus Food Drive is an annual campaign organized by Durham College and Ontario Tech with support from employees, alumni, students and community members.

DC researcher leads co-design of youth-led housing hub model for youth living on their own

Old enough to live on their own but too young to receive social assistance directly, Ontario’s Trusteed Youth (TY) face challenges no child should.

Through a two-year research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), Durham College (DC) researcher Lorraine Closs found that TY often face precarious housing situations and homelessness, food insecurity, mental and physical health concerns and more. These issues are largely due to the challenge of navigating a complex and overburdened social services system and lack of safe and affordable housing options.

TY represent a unique and particularly vulnerable population, relying on a community agency to act as their “trustee” so they can collect Ontario Works assistance. They live alone without the opportunity to approach independence in a gradual and supported manner, and lack suitable role models and guidance that would generally be provided in a family setting.

Established in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Durham, Durham District School Board, Durham Mental Health Services, Boys and Girls Club of Durham, and the John Howard Society of Canada, the DC applied research project, which concluded in December, has resulted in the development of a ground-breaking alternative housing hub model co-designed for youth, by youth. It has also provided valuable insight into how the system can best meet the needs of TY while informing future policy recommendations for supporting youth living on their own.

“By directly involving trusteed youth in the development of this housing hub, we were able to support their needs, while also helping them improve their knowledge of the service system and increase their sense of personal competency and possibilities for the future,” said Closs, who also teaches at the college in the Social Service Worker program. “It’s our hope that the insights and recommendations developed as a result of this valuable research will help inform service design and delivery here at home and across the country, and that this project will become a catalyst in ensuring brighter futures for our trusteed youth.”

During the project, Closs gathered survey feedback from 43 current TY, as well as 30 service providers from 22 agencies across the region to better understand the obstacles facing both groups. With this data, she hosted three in-person co-design sessions and a virtual consensus building session with community service providers and TY. At these sessions, they co-designed the youth housing hub model and strategized policies that would improve the coordination and collaboration of services for youth living on their own.

“The Region of Durham is committed to ending chronic homelessness in our community,” said commissioner of social services, Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou. “We know that the needs of youth who experience precarious housing and homelessness are different than those of adults. This research amplifies the voices of vulnerable Durham youth and the service providers working with them to co-design a transitional, supportive housing model.  We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Durham College on this applied research and bring data, rigor and the voice of youth to proposed housing solutions inspired by their experiences.”

Other recommendations that came out of the research include:

  • Bundling services for youth by creating school hubs.
  • Creating drop-in style supports to by-pass complex referral and waitlist processes.
  • Intervention services for landlord disputes and funding incentives for landlords who rent to youth.
  • A designated case worker assigned to TY to help navigate the service system.
  • Flexibility around communication options for youth to access service supports.
  • Access to free transportation for youth.
  • Affordable, safe transitional housing options to prevent the onset of chronic homelessness.
  • Improved process for changing schools without parental consent.
  • Life skills guidance for the seamless transition from adolescence to adulthood.
  • Inclusion of youth in the development of youth services.

The full research report, including key findings, implications and recommendations are available to view online, in addition to a short film that was produced to disseminate the findings of the research.

This project was proudly supported by DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). ORSIE provides support to social innovation projects through access to funding opportunities, faculty expertise, state-of-the-art research facilities, and student learning experiences. In partnership with industry and community agencies, applied research projects are carried out by DC faculty experts and students and administered by ORSIE. To connect with ORSIE, please reach out online.

DC launches two new degree programs and graduate certificate for in-demand jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DC Alumnus and Bird Mechanical Ltd. CEO Contributes $150,000 to DC Skilled Trades Expansion

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce the Whitby campus has received a significant donation of $150,000 from Bird Mechanical Ltd, whose chief executive officer, Brandon Bird is a DC graduate, Alumnus of Distinction, and Premier’s Award nominee. The generous donation will go toward the Building for Skills expansion campaign, which has now raised $5.3 million of its $10 million goal, supporting a 60,000-square-foot addition to DC’s Whitby campus. When completed, the expansion will allow 750 more students to study skilled trades and professions each year. 

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Bird Mechanical Ltd. Brandon is a long-time supporter of his alma mater. He has contributed his time and talent as chair of DC’s Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing Program Advisory Committee, donated in-kind to our skilled trades programs, and is now helping to fund the Building for Skills campaign. This gift will help the college train the next generation of skilled tradespeople and professionals for the benefit of employers across southern Ontario and beyond,” said DC President Don Lovisa.

Working in various roles for his family’s third-generation plumbing and heating company, Brandon knew he would need a solid foundation before he could take over leadership of the business. He enrolled at DC and completed his Level 3 Plumber Apprentice Certificate in 2012. A licensed Red Seal plumber, he returned to the company and continued working his way up the ranks and in 2016, at just 29 years old, Brandon became the youngest CEO in the company’s history. Under his tenure, the business has successfully grown, especially following the acquisition and amalgamation of John McKenzie Plumbing, allowing Bird Mechanical to offer more services and enter new markets, including Atlantic Canada. Brandon continues to strategically expand the business and today, he oversees a team of 100 employees, 70 of whom work as tradespeople.

“Increasing the number of skilled tradespeople being trained by Durham College will help employers meet the need for talent in the construction and industrial trades. We believe in what DC is doing and are pleased to support this campaign,” said Bird.

Construction continues at DC’s Whitby campus with plans to open in fall 2021. For more information on how to support Building for Skills, please contact jennifer.clark@durhamcollege.ca.