As a college, we constantly adapt to industry trends, designing courses to prepare our students for the ever-evolving economy. However, it is also our job to support our community, not only in times of prosperity but in times of transition and change.

With the recent announcement by General Motors regarding the Oshawa Assembly Plant situation, we are connecting with partners like Centennial College, Fleming College and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to make assistance and resources available for those directly and indirectly impacted by this decision.

Durham College (DC) is well positioned to offer assistance through our community employment services which can assist with job searches, job matching and referrals to Employment Ontario programs. We also offer Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, which is a way to formally acknowledge previous work, life, volunteer or other experiences. This means the tireless time, energy and effort on the part of auto sector employees can exempt them from applicable courses should they pursue retraining.

In addition to these existing services, we are creating a single point of contact to provide support through phone, email and live chat, connecting those impacted by the closure with resources, as well establishing a website to provide links to programs and employers beyond DC. This enhanced service will begin early in the new year.

We are also advocating for an update to the provincial government’s Second Career program with a special focus on adapting the eligibility criteria to better apply to those in the automotive sector. This can reduce barriers to the job market by providing laid-off or underemployed individuals with skills training to help them find employment. Why is DC advocating for the Second Career program? Because we know it works. When the program was previously run, 74 per cent of participants obtained employment post-training in full and part-time jobs.

We know that we are in a strong jobs economy with many local employers, including Ontario Power Generation and its partners, such as AECON and others, who are looking for people like those working in the auto sector. Throughout the past few weeks DC, Centennial College and Fleming College have spoken with a number of these employers who have vacant positions and skilled trade shortages and together we are working on a strategy to connect those looking for work, with the right education and training solution and the right employer.

DC has been a part of this community for more than 50 years, the auto sector even longer. We are committed to doing everything we can to support those affected by this change, relying on teaching and learning to help as we all adapt to this new chapter in Oshawa and Durham Region’s history.

— Don Lovisa, president, Durham College – published on durhamregion.com