Training in some trades allowed to resume in July
Starting next month, Ontario’s post-secondary institutions will be allowed to resume in-person education and training activities for students in a limited number of trades.
The Ontario Government made the announcement to allow a limited re-opening of post-secondary institutions on June 10. In it, the government specifies that the first phase of re-opening allows for students to complete their training in “essential, frontline and high labour market demand areas, such as nursing, personal support workers, engineering, and other critical professions.”
Although it is not clear from the official statement whether that grouping of trades and professions includes any construction trades, a statement from Colleges Ontario suggests that trades such as building construction and apprenticeship training in welding will be part of the summer re-opening.
“This is great news for students and for employers who will be seeking highly qualified graduates to help rebuild Ontario’s economy,” said Colleges Ontario president and CEO Linda Franklin. “We’re very grateful for the collaboration with the government that has ensured colleges continue to deliver high-quality programs.”
According to the government, the limited summer reopening will be in part an exercise for helping institutions prepare for the fall term by ensuring proper health and safety protocols are in place. The province has promised to deliver guidance on the summer reopening and on health and safety measures.
Publicly assisted colleges and universities, Indigenous institutes, private career colleges and other postsecondary education institutions may participate in this voluntary reopening. Those that choose to participate will be responsible for establishing their own plans for this limited reopening in accordance with public health advice and any ministry guidance.
"It's critical that we allow students to complete their studies and graduate so they can join the workforce in high-demand, frontline roles and help put the province back on the path to prosperity," said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "I will continue to collaborate with the postsecondary sector to determine how best to move forward on reopening our campuses in the fall and beyond in a way that is responsible and safe for our students and staff."