Durham, Sheridan, St. Clair and Fanshawe College partner to support women in Red Seal Trades Posted on January 19, 2024 at 4:56 pm. 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 Sheridan College, St. Clair College, Fanshawe College and Durham College, in partnership with Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union. Unifor contributed an additional $300,000 to the grant. “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,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, Executive Vice President, Academic, Durham College. 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. “Reducing barriers for women entering the skilled trades is an essential part of expanding and diversifying Canada’s workforce,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “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.” Durham College recognized for leading the way with 2024 Greater Toronto’s Top Employer award Posted on December 5, 2023 at 8:41 am. DC innovation and success fueled by passionate and collaborative team of employees Oshawa, ON – For the 13th 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. After over 15 years of Leading the Way, Durham College President Don Lovisa Announces Plan to Step Down by March 2024 Posted on May 17, 2023 at 12:31 pm. For over 15 years, President Don Lovisa has been at the helm of Durham College. Today he announced to employees at a Town Hall meeting, that he will not renew his contract after March 2024. Under Lovisa’s leadership, Durham College (DC) has thrived, evidenced by an impressive track record of success focused on students, employees and the community. “As a leader, Don embodies Durham College’s mission: Together, we’re leading the way,” said Gary Rose, Chair of the Board of Governors. “His vision for the college has truly come to life through his innovative, forward-looking and collaborative approach. DC has grown exponentially throughout his tenure. He has not only met challenges with tenacity but welcomed opportunities that have positioned DC as a leader in post-secondary education and an invaluable asset in the community.” Since Lovisa’s presidency began in 2008, DC has experienced significant enrolment growth, supported by the introduction of a number of new leading-edge programs driven by community and industry needs, including five new honours bachelor’s degrees. On campus, Lovisa spearheaded over $300 million in capital investment projects focused on expansion and modernization of DC’s working and learning spaces, including the Student Services Building, Centre for Collaborative Education, Energy and Innovation Centre and the expansion of the Whitby Campus, including the Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food and the Centre for Organic Regeneration. Most recently, the Centre for Innovation and Research opened, which houses four of DC’s six applied research centres, all of which have opened during Lovisa’s time as president. DC’s collaborative, innovative and hard-working culture is a testament to Lovisa’s energy, passion and priorities. It has led to recognition as one of the Greater Toronto Top Employers, Greenest Employer and one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, securing DC’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally as a college of choice, a community partner and a leader. Lovisa is a lifelong advocate for education, lending his voice and experience to several areas, including improved training in skilled trades and equity in international education. In addition, he has been Chair of Colleges Ontario and a member of the CICan Board of Directors, furthering DC’s presence in the education sector. “It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve as president of Durham College and work alongside our talented leadership team, employees, the Board of Governors and industry and community partners. Being part of an organization that makes such positive and significant changes that impact our students and our community has been the highlight of my career,” said Lovisa. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to watching DC continue to lead the way in the future.” Donor excellence and student success celebrated at Durham College’s first President’s Breakfast Posted on February 10, 2023 at 1:03 pm. 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. Multifactor Authentication required for login beginning June 21 Posted on June 20, 2022 at 2:47 pm. This message is being sent on behalf of IT Services. Please direct any questions to servicedesk@dc-ot.ca. As a reminder, please note that IT Services is enabling Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for student logins to Microsoft services provided by the school, effective tomorrow (Tuesday, June 21). Once MFA is enabled, you must provide a second factor to access your DC Microsoft cloud-based services, including DC Mail, OneDrive, Teams, etc. Refer to the linked PDF for a detailed overview of the options available to you, including: Microsoft Authenticator App approval (recommended option) An SMS or text verification code An automated call from Microsoft to a smart phone, cell phone or land line A hardware security key (for those who cannot use any other method) Please note: students should continue to keep login credentials private. IT Services will never ask you for your password. In the event you require assistance with the Microsoft Authenticator app, if forget your password, or exceed the maximum number of failed login attempts, the IT Service Desk is available for support. They can be reached via phone at 905.721.3333 or email at servicedesk@dc-ot.ca or on their webpage at https://servicedesk.dc-uoit.ca. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Durham College now accepting applications for compressed Early Childhood Education program Posted on May 20, 2022 at 2:19 pm. Tuition and other costs covered and program completion within 14 months Oshawa, ON – Following the Ontario and federal government’s recent child-care announcement, Durham College (DC) is pleased to share it is accepting applications for a new compressed Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, with an intake beginning in July. The tuition and ancillary fees for students accepted into the program will be fully covered, and students will be able to graduate with full credentials within 14 months; the standard ECE program at DC is two years in duration. This opportunity is funded in partnership with the City of Toronto, The Region of Peel, The Region of Durham, The Region of Halton, the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada under the new Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provides one-time federal funding to support the retention and recruitment of a high-quality child care and early years workforce. “The compressed version of the college’s Early Childhood Education program is a direct response to the emerging trends we’re seeing in the industry and the evolving nature of the work employers are looking for our graduates to fill,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic, Durham College. “By embracing these changes, Durham College is proud to be a post-secondary leader in education, fostering economic and social success for our students, graduates and community along the way.” Over 14 consecutive months, DC’s compressed ECE program will include approximately 1,645 hours of training offered through a hybrid model that combines synchronous and asynchronous delivery components as well as the opportunity to complete a practicum in a variety of settings. RECEs play an integral role in promoting children’s development from birth to age 12 within the following five domains: cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical. DC’s dedicated faculty, enhanced curriculum and experiential learning opportunities will ensure students graduate well-prepared, with the career-ready skills they need to be successful. Additional information about the compressed ECE program, including admission requirements and details to apply, can be found online. -30- About Durham College With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 11,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including three 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. At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Rotary Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to four of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and Social Impact Hub. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering education. At DC’s Whitby campus, the new 60,000-square-foot Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology shines a spotlight on industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, and includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which is home to the award-winning full-service restaurant, Bistro ’67; retail store, Pantry, featuring food grown and prepared by students; and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and its community-inspired urban farm. Media contact: Jessica Rivers Communications and Marketing m: 905-767-2549 jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca Durham College receives $75,000 in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to reduce social isolation among youth Posted on August 13, 2020 at 2:15 pm. Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) is pleased to announce it is receiving $75,000 in applied research funding via a College and Community Program – Applied Research Rapid Response to COVID-19 grant, awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The funding will be used to support a collaborative project between DC and Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham (BBBSND), an organization that provides vital mentorship programming to vulnerable youth who deal with anxiety in rural areas of Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock Townships. The project will be led by two DC nursing faculty members, Crystal Garvey and Jacqueline Williamson, who have ample experience working with youth and addressing issues of mental health. BBBSND has a long history serving the youth in these communities, and is very familiar with the daily hardships they experience. These include having limited opportunities to build healthy relationships and little or no access to supports, including transportation and technology. In addition, before the pandemic occurred, BBBSND estimated that 75 per cent of youth they work with deal with anxiety on a regular basis. Knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these challenges, the project is designed to ensure that the vitally important mentor support provided to mentees is maintained and does not deteriorate despite physical distancing challenges. The mental health needs of the mentor and mentee will also be addressed. Those resources include building a bank of activities, tools and mental health supports that are easily accessible to mentors and can serve as a roadmap for use by BBBS Canada and others in rural communities across the country. The resulting resource bank will be useful for BBBSND to enhance training of current and future mentors. The resources may also be disseminated by the national office to other BBBS agencies for their use. Students from various DC programs, including, Child and Youth Care and Nursing, as well as those from the School of Media, Art & Design, will be involved at various stages of the project, providing them with experiential learning opportunities while also meeting project objectives. For more information about ORSIE visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie. DC’s 3DP Task Force brings PPE project to a successful end Posted on July 8, 2020 at 3:51 pm. In what was truly the little community project that could, the Durham College (DC)-led 3DP Task Force wrapped up its production of 3D-printed PPE parts for frontline workers in June. The 3DP Task force launched on March 26 when Chris Daniel, a professor with the college’ School of Science & Engineering Technology, galvanized a group of students, employees, alumni and community members to use 3D printers to create headbands for face shields used by the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working out of their garages and basements, the task force members embarked on an inspiring journey that saw the team grow to an impressive 62 volunteer members using 83 3D printers and raising nearly $16,000 in funds to support the initiative. Members produced face shield headbands as well as ear savers that relieve the pressure of elastic bands used to hold face masks in place. Industry is now more fully online to manufacture PPE, allowing the 3DP Task Force to wind down its operations and celebrate the positive impact its members have made on communities across Durham Region and beyond. Highlights of the 3DP Task Force’s work include: 32, 700 ear savers produced and distributed to the following organizations Kerry’s Place Autism Services Lakeridge Health Peterborough Regional Health Centre Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre) Unity Health, Toronto (Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital) Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto Scarborough Health Network, Toronto Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham Southlake Regional Hospital, Newmarket 6,350 face shield headbands produced and distributed in collaboration with Northumberland I.O. to the following organizations: Northumberland Hills Hospital Campbellford Memorial Hospital Extendicare, Port Hope Colborne/Cramahe Food Bank Community Living, Campbellford/Brighton Christian Horizons, Cobourg Canadian Mental Health Association, Durham CAD Microsystems SickKids Hospital, Pediatric Respiratory Therapy Unit InkSmith Rosalie Hall, Scarborough Kerry’s Place Autism Services Dorset Dental, Scarborough Thornhill Medical Centre Moss Medical Office, Toronto Kahane Medical Office, North York 26 community medical offices in Thornhill, North York, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, Markham, Unionville and Scarborough DC wishes to recognize and thank everyone involved in the 3DP Task Force, which has provided a terrific case study for how our employees, students and alumni can collaborate and mobilize to create tangible solutions for real problems facing our communities. Durham College recognizes the class of 2019-2020 Posted on July 2, 2020 at 4:06 pm. From an online recognition website to complimentary lawn signs, grads were still honoured despite lack of a physical convocation Oshawa, ON – They may not have crossed the stage at the Tribute Communities Centre, but Durham College’s (DC) more than 3,800 graduates are being recognized through a variety of online and physical festivities, designed to acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and achievements. The class of 2019-2020 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. Filled with elements typically seen at convocation, the site features: – Messages of congratulations from DC’s leadership team and each school’s dean. – Virtual shout outs and recognition for grads submitted by family, friends, faculty and college employees. – A list of frequently asked questions related to graduation. – Links to order DC merchandise, from grad rings to t-shirts and flowers. – Information about life as a college alumni, including benefits details. – Digital DC swag so #DCGrad2020 pride can be shared online. – Details about what comes next after graduation. In addition, the site acknowledges this year’s Alumni of Distinction winners. The Alumni of Distinction award honours the extraordinary contributions DC graduates make to society while achieving career success. Congratulations to Judy Pal (Sports and Entertainment, 1983), Nancy Shaw (Practical Nursing, 1985), Lori Lane Murphy (Public Relations, 1988) and Ellen Stitt (Water Quality Technician, 2013). The DC Alumni Association (DCAA) also helped ensure the class of 2020 was celebrated by providing free, DC-branded lawn signs that are now displayed at graduates’ homes to show college pride while celebrating their success. More than 745 signs were distributed during three DC style drive-through events, featuring curbside pick up, as grads were cheered on by the college’s leadership team and its school deans. The sign is also available for download for those who missed the events or do not live locally. “It was so important to find other ways to honour our graduates and their accomplishments,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. We’ve all experienced a lot of change and upheaval but our grads were able to persevere and finished what they set out to do when they chose to study at DC. I truly believe these students have graduated with a greater sense of inclusion, empathy and understanding of the roles we each play in making society a better place. They also have the skills they need to succeed in whatever comes next in their personal journeys, which is an incredibly powerful combination. On behalf of the entire college community, I want to congratulate and wish them the best of luck.” -30- About Durham College At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018. The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs. The Whitby campus features the award-winning W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. Media contact: Meghan Ney Communications and Marketing 416-648-5453 (cell) meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca DC Virtual Open House engages 2,300+ visitors in online experience Posted on April 27, 2020 at 4:09 pm. On April 25, more than 2,300 prospective students and their families explored Durham College (DC) – digitally. The college’s first-ever Virtual Open House was a huge success, providing guests an inside look at the DC student experience from the comfort of their homes. DC welcomed guests from over 90 countries around the globe for virtual visits that included videos and live sessions about more than 140 career-focused programs, supportive student services, accessing financial aid, among many other topics. There were also virtual tours of campus spaces, including learning environments, residence and wellness facilities. Attendees also had the chance to enter to win a $1,000 tuition credit. Within virtual rooms and information sessions, guests were able to live chat with faculty and staff, ensuring questions were answered in real time and providing the meaningful connections between visitors and DC community members that are a hallmark of the in-person event. Developed in response to COVID-19’s impact on the annual Spring Open House, one of DC’s most popular events, the virtual edition came together quickly through the incredible efforts of employees from every corner of the college. For anyone who missed the live event or who wants to revisit for more information, Virtual Open House resources are still available at www.durhamcollege.ca/openhouse. 1 2 »
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