Durham College welcomes federal budget’s commitment to skills training Posted on March 22, 2013 at 9:18 am. OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College is welcoming yesterday’s federal budget and its emphasis on creating a strong, skilled economy through a focus on skills training, including the new Canada Job Grant, enhanced apprenticeship opportunities, and support for applied research and innovation at colleges. In particular, the new Canada Job Grant will address Canada’s skills mismatch and ensure a greater number of people are prepared for success in the workplace. Directly connecting skills training with employers that have a plan to train Canadians for an existing or better job, the grant will provide access to a maximum $5,000 federal contribution per person towards training at eligible institutions such as Durham College. In addition, new opportunities for apprenticeships were announced including ensuring that government contracts and funding for infrastructure and maintenance support the employment of apprentices, which will help increase the completion rate of apprenticeships. The reallocation of federal funding to increase opportunities for apprentices was also announced along with encouraging the use of apprentices in infrastructure projects receiving federal funding and examining the use of practical tests as a method of assessment. “At Durham College and across the Ontario college system we have worked very hard to draw attention to the need for increased government attention on growing and strengthening Canada’s skilled economy,” said Lovisa. “I am very pleased to see the federal budget has introduced significant steps in that regard through a focus on new opportunities for skilled workers and training, in particular the Canada Job Grant and new apprenticeship measures.” Given its significant applied research presence in Durham Region, Durham College is pleased to see the government take important steps to help colleges strengthen research partnerships with industry. This includes an investment of $12 million to enhance the College and Community Innovation Program, and renewing the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) with funding of $920 million over five years to help create job opportunities and encourage economic growth. “I am very pleased with the government’s recognition of the important role colleges play in preparing skilled employees who will move Canadian communities forward both domestically and internationally,” added Lovisa. “This includes our contribution to the research, commercialization and development of innovative new products and services and commitment to ensuring graduates are well-equipped with the research knowledge and skills needed to stimulate today’s economy.” Lovisa was part of a panel of senior college and industry leaders from across Canada that met with Diane Finley, minister of Human Resources and Skill Development, in December 2012 to discuss the urgency in advancing a national skills agenda. He is pleased to see much of what was discussed at that session reflected in the budget given their importance to the country’s continued economic success. -30- About Durham College At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011. Media contacts: Allison RosnakCommunications officerDurham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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