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Durham College, Johnson Controls celebrate three years of driving engineering innovation

Durham College (DC) and Johnson Controls are working together to bring the best in engineering technology education to students across Durham Region.

Since 2023, the multinational company has contributed close to $400,000 in grant funding to DC. The successful partnership has made a profound impact on DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology (EMTY) program by:

  • Delivering $56,000 in bursaries for students facing financial barriers
  • Funding the purchase of Building Automation Trainers and 3D Printers
  • Expanding hands-on learning opportunities that align education with industry needs
  • Pairing 27 students with mentors from Johnson Controls

“Through our partnership with Johnson Controls, we’ve been able to drive excellence in teaching and learning for those interested in pursuing a career in automation and engineering technology,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students.

“This partnership is a meaningful example of applied workforce innovation in action, highlighting how industry, education, and community collaboration work together to support student success, meet labour market needs, and drive regional economic growth.”

Last week, representatives from Johnson Controls as well as Oshawa City Councillor Jim Lee joined Dr. Choi and EMTY program coordinator Beau James for a tour of DC’s Integrated Manufacturing Centre.

One of those representatives was System Team Leader Ken Scott who, like a number of his colleagues at Johnson Controls, is a proud DC alumnus. In fact, that history played a key role in the creation of the partnership.

“Why was Durham College chosen? I would say it’s because so many of our employees got their start here,” said Scott, who reminisced about his days as a student working on his first traffic light project. “We know the value of the program; it has a sound curriculum crafted through outreach to industry partners. We know that DC students will bring value to Johnson Controls. We’re hoping that this collaboration can continue well into the future.”

The partnership continues to evolve. This year, a $5,000 grant went to the Robotics Club at O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute, and third-year students enjoyed an experiential learning trip to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. In addition, plans continue for a new teaching lab at DC; the Johnson Controls Building Automation Laboratory.

Johnson Controls continues to look to DC for new talent, with two 2026 graduates already having secured full-time jobs and one current student preparing for their summer co-op. With such a clear pathway available, it’s no surprise that enrolment in the program has been steadily rising since the partnership began in 2023.

Wherever our EMTY graduates end up, they’re sure to make us DC Proud.

“It’s inspiring to hear about our DC graduates who have been recruited by industry and have become leaders in their sector. It really does speak to why we do what we do,” said Dr. Choi.

DC engineering grads can leverage their learning with new Queen’s University Diploma-to-Degree Pathway

Durham College’s (DC) engineering technology graduates can get a head start on their degree thanks to a new pathway agreement with Queen’s University.

Students who graduate from DC with one of our advanced diplomas in Engineering Technology can now transfer into an upper year of the civil, mining, mechanical, or chemical degree programs offered by Smith Engineering at Queen’s.

“We are thrilled about the strong partnership between DC and Queen’s University. This is a testament to our commitment to providing students with the best possible educational experience,” said Kara Woods, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. “By integrating practical learning from DC with the rigorous academic framework at Queen’s, we are empowering students to transition smoothly from diploma to degree.”

One such student is Mitch Connelly, a 2021 graduate of DC’s Civil Engineering Technology program who is part of the pathway’s inaugural cohort that began their studies in September. After years of working in the engineering field, he decided to return to school to upgrade his skills, and his timing was perfect.

“It’s a lot cheaper than doing a full undergraduate degree straight from high school, and college is also more practical. I think employers recognize that,” he said of the pathway. “It’s better to go this route. You get a better education and more connections.”

Mitch’s post-DC success and his pursuit of a degree at Queen’s serve as an example to today’s students, according to Civil Engineering Technology program coordinator Myla Minelli.

“Mitch exemplifies the dedication, hard work, and determination that we strive to instill in all our students,” she said.

More DC students are set to take advantage of the new pathway, with seven beginning the required online preparatory courses this fall before attending a full semester of foundational classes next summer. They will then enter their respective programs at Queen’s in September of 2025.

The Smith Engineering Bridge pathway is funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

Durham College partners with Johnson Controls to support next generation of skilled technology workers

Durham College (DC) is proud to partner with Johnson Controls to help meet the growing need for skilled technology workers in Ontario by providing Electromechanical Engineering Technology students with financial support as well as mentorship opportunities.

DC has been approved for a grant from Johnson Controls that will provide:

  • Annual entrance bursaries valued at $2,000 each to five students who demonstrate financial need and belong to an equity-deserving group entering their first semester of studies in the Electromechanical Engineering Technology program.
  • Opportunities for students to be mentored and connect on and off campus with Johnson Controls employees to gain additional insight into their future careers.
  • New equipment that will support DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology curriculum and the establishment of a new building automation lab.
  • Opportunities to share the benefits of this program with new prospective students.

The college will receive $95,000 this year, plus $5,000 in equipment, with the total $100,000 commitment renewable for three more years.

“We are grateful for this partnership with Johnson Controls and its generous support to further strengthen our Electromechancial Engineering Technology program and its students,” said Don Lovisa, Durham College president. “With this gift, we will continue to lead the way by developing knowledgeable and experienced graduates who are able to step into rewarding technical careers that can make a difference in our communities.”

Local Johnson Controls employees – many of whom are graduates from DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology program – will work with the college to mentor students in this automation program. Through relationship building with industry professionals, students will gain insight into their future career paths. “Not only are we investing in the next generation of workforce leaders, but the mentoring associated with this initiative reminds our employees why we do what we do,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “We’re looking at our future and through partnership with these colleges we’re all contributing to a better-supported trades industry.”

DC’s three-year Electromechanical Engineering Technology program combines electronics design, mechanical technologies and industrial automation. Students receive access to our world-class Integrated Manufacturing Centre, where they can engage with real-world controllers, robotics and more. This hands-on experience prepares them for successful careers as they gain the skills needed to design and troubleshoot automated systems used in various technical industries.

Since 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has distributed $1 million annually across 10 community colleges in North America, focusing on vocational programs to inspire the next generation of workers. Grant recipients have the opportunity to receive a renewed grant for up to three years, creating long-term opportunities for program development. Each college has the option to receive the grants in full monetary value or to receive partial monetary funds along with technical equipment donated by Johnson Controls. Durham College is the only Canadian institution to receive funding this year and just the second in the program’s history.

 First-year students beginning DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology program in September 2023 can apply for the Johnson Controls entrance bursary online.