Ontario Expanding College Degree Options In Attempt To Address Workforce Shortages

Ontario is adding public college degree options in an effort to fill the gaps in the workforce.
Public colleges can now begin developing three- and four-year curricula that will prepare graduates for jobs in specific areas such as the automotive sector.
The county says the three-year applied degree programs will allow college programs that will train skilled workers in technology jobs, as well as workers to build electricity and infrastructure such as roads and transportation.
College and University Secretary Jill Dunlop says the plan is in line with the government’s priority to invest in vital infrastructure and make the province the North American leader in the automotive industry.
The county says it expects the new programs to start accepting students in the fall of 2023.
The programs will be approved by the minister and the county says the ceiling on the programs that colleges can offer will be increased by 5 percent.
This Canadian Press report was first published on April 11, 2022.