Get ready! For the first time, three-year degree programs will be an option for college students in Ontario. As of April, Ontario colleges will be able to begin developing three-year degree programs and expand their four-year degree programs to help address the labour shortage in Ontario.

So, if you’re considering applying to college and like the idea of being able to graduate and enter the workplace sooner, then this is great news for you!

Why does Ontario need new programs?

The province is having difficulty finding the skilled workers it needs to address workforce shortages. “Ontario is facing a historic labour shortage, and we need all hands-on deck to tackle it,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training, and Skills Development.

Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, says “Ontario colleges play a key role in providing students with career-focused education and in addressing the labour needs of key sectors driving the province’s economy.” The main goal of college programs is to provide you with the skills you need to succeed in the workforce, so by implementing shorter degree programs you’ll earn essential career skills and find a job sooner.

What does this mean for students?

As a college student, this new push for three-year degree programs comes with plenty of benefits. Not only will you graduate earlier and be ready for your career sooner, but according to Dunlop, you’ll “have more opportunity to gain hands-on skills through career-focused learning and work placements.”

Since these new programs are meant to help solve the shortage of skilled workers in the automotive, infrastructure, and other industries, you can expect to see more programs in healthcare, digital, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and process automation sectors. There will also be a focus on programs that prepare students to build electric, autonomous vehicles.

Ontario colleges are working hard to develop their three-year programs and are hoping to launch these programs by fall 2023. Take advantage of these new program opportunities and start planning for your future today!