Durham College celebrates first graduating classes in four career-ready programs

As Convocation 2026 continues this week, Durham College (DC) is celebrating more than 7,200 graduates who are ready to take the next step in their careers and lives.

Among them are the first graduating classes from four programs – Honours Bachelor of Construction Management, Fire Prevention and Technology, Law Clerk, and Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science (BHTN Pathway) – designed to help meet workforce needs across key sectors. Together, these first graduating classes mark an important milestone for programs developed to support student success and workforce readiness in high-demand fields.

“At Durham College, we are continuously collaborating to ensure our programs align with emerging industry needs and opportunities,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “These first graduating classes represent the strength of our academic programs, our partnerships with the communities we serve, and the dedication of students who chose to be at the forefront of an ever-evolving labour market. Their success will help shape the future of these professions and inspire the students who follow in their footsteps.”

Building the future of construction management
The Honours Bachelor of Construction Management degree was developed to prepare graduates for leadership opportunities in one of Canada’s rapidly growing and essential industries.

Combining technical construction knowledge with business, project management, and leadership skills, the program gives students experience managing projects from planning through completion while working with industry-standard tools and technologies.

Program Coordinator Sina Safinia said the program was designed to reflect the changing realities of the construction industry and the increasing demand for highly skilled professionals who can lead complex projects.

“Our goal is to develop graduates who can bridge technical knowledge with effective project and team leadership,” said Safinia. “They leave the program ready to think critically, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to an industry that is being transformed by technology, sustainability and new approaches to project delivery. Through applied learning experiences, students gain hands-on exposure to industry tools and workflows.

Graduates enter careers in project coordination, construction operations, estimating and site management, supporting a sector that continues to experience significant workforce demand across Ontario.

Supporting safer communities through fire prevention
DC’s Fire Prevention and Technology program prepares graduates to support fire safety education, inspection and prevention initiatives in communities and workplaces.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, applied learning, and industry-focused training, students gain knowledge in fire protection systems, fire code enforcement, building construction, and public education.

“Fire prevention professionals play an essential role in community safety,” said Program Coordinator Randy Panesar. “Our graduates leave with the technical expertise and communication skills needed to educate the public, conduct inspections and contribute to safer environments in a wide range of settings.”

Panesar added that the program helps students better understand the critical role prevention plays in protecting lives, property and communities.

As municipalities, institutions, and industries continue to prioritize fire prevention and risk management, graduates are entering a field with strong demand and meaningful community impact.

Preparing graduates for legal careers
The Law Clerk program provides students with the practical skills and legal knowledge needed to support lawyers and legal teams in a variety of professional settings.

Students gain experience in areas such as legal research, document preparation, client communication, and litigation procedures while learning through hands-on applications that reflect the realities of today’s legal workplaces.

Program Coordinator Nicole Doyle said the Law Clerk program emphasizes professionalism, adaptability, and practical experience to help graduates transition confidently into the legal field.

“We wanted students to graduate with a strong understanding of both legal procedures and the professional responsibilities that come with working in the legal system,” she said. “Throughout the program, students build practical skills that allow them to contribute immediately in law firms, corporate legal departments, and other legal environments.”

Graduates are well positioned for roles in legal offices, government agencies, corporate settings and other organizations that require knowledgeable legal support professionals.

Advancing understanding of human behaviour
The Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science degree equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge and research skills focused on human behaviour, mental health and social systems.

The program combines theory, applied learning and research opportunities to help students better understand how behavioural science can support individuals, organizations and communities.

“This program encourages students to think deeply about human behaviour and the factors that influence well-being, decision-making, and social interaction,” said Program Coordinator Sarah Drexler.

Drexler said students in the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science develop strong analytical and interpersonal skills while exploring complex social and behavioural challenges. “Our graduates are leaving with valuable research, communication, and critical-thinking skills that will serve them in a wide range of careers and future educational pathways,” she added.

Graduates are prepared to assume roles in community and social services, research, behavioural support, and related sectors, with many also choosing to pursue graduate or professional studies.