In an effort to deal with Ontario’s labour shortage, colleges across the province are being given the option of offering three and four-year degree programs to train skilled workers for jobs in the technology, construction, or auto sector.
As it stands, most programs offered at colleges are diploma programs, and colleges were only authorized to award degrees to graduates of their career-focused four-year programs.
“Ontario is facing a historic labour shortage, and we need all hands-on deck to tackle it,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “That is why our government is taking action to ensure young people are graduating with the skills they need to earn bigger pay cheques that are waiting for them.”
A statement from St Clair College says expanding the degree programs will fulfill the growing demand among employers for graduates with more highly specialized qualifications. Officials say the move also opens the door to more career options for graduates, especially graduates who are looking to advance into management positions.
“This is a truly historic improvement to post-secondary education,” President France said. “It builds on our tremendous success and will encourage more students to enroll in programs that lead to rewarding careers.”
Programs will be approved by the minister and the province says the cap on degree programs that colleges can offer will be raised by five per cent.
It’s expected the new programs will be available to students by fall 2023.
