Canadore College is getting its ducks in a row when it comes to reopening to some students in July.
The Ontario government made the announcement yesterday that colleges would reopen on a limited basis. Officials say the reason the schools will be reopening is that some students require in-person education or training to be able to complete their courses. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, those practices were disrupted in March.
“This is tremendous news for students and for employers in key sectors who need qualified people to drive Ontario’s economic recovery,” said Canadore College President George Burton. “We’re very pleased with the government’s ongoing commitment to our students’ success and to the colleges’ continued delivery of high-quality programs.”
When in-person classes were cancelled, officials say Canadore transitioned as many courses online as they could. However, some courses still require lab work along with in-person classes to fulfill requirements.
College officials say the in-person instructions returning in July are in programs that are critical to the current economy such as nursing, personal support work, engineering, child care, building construction and apprenticeship training in welding.
Canadore says colleges have continued to collaborate with Colleges and Universities Minister Ross Romano and public health officials on the safe return of in-person classes. Each college has developed a plan that includes guidelines for physical distancing, protocols for cleaning and rules for using personal protective equipment.
“As the work begins to rebuild Ontario’s economy, it’s essential that colleges have the flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the labour market,” said Burton. “We’re pleased the government is taking a proactive approach to strengthening Ontario’s colleges at this critical time.”