Ensuring Ontario has the
workforce it needs
To create the highly skilled workforce that is essential
in the new economy, Ontario must produce more
college graduates.
A key step the province can take to encourage
more students to pursue the career-focused
programs at colleges is to allow colleges to start
offering three-year degrees.
The colleges already offer four-year degrees and
independent research done for the provincial
government has confirmed the four-year degree
programs are successful. However, colleges must
award diplomas to graduates of three-year
programs. It’s unclear why this is the case.
In most of the world, graduates of similar three-year
post-secondary programs earn degrees, and
a number of Ontario’s three-year college programs
are already aligned with the provincial standards
for three-year degrees.
Increasing numbers of employers want graduates
with degrees who also have career-specific skills and
qualifications, and degree programs are attractive to
students and parents. Students who are completing
degree-level programs deserve to earn credentials
that refiect their achievements and strengthen their
ability to compete for rewarding careers at home
and globally.
Recommendation:
Ontario must allow colleges to offer
three-year degrees.