TORONTO (September 14, 2020) – George Brown College is expanding its commitment to work-integrated learning with the launch of the Drive Ability – Opening Doors Program, a new initiative that will provide students and recent graduates with the hands-on experience and career-ready skills to succeed in today’s global economy.
Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development’s Career Ready Fund’s Auto Stream, the program will provide up to 600 quality work-integrated learning opportunities for diploma and degree students, apprentices, and recent graduates. Students from a wide variety of business, technology, and engineering programs will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in paid work placements within the automotive and advanced manufacturing sector. Current students will be able to count Drive Ability work experience towards their program placement requirements.
“This program aligns with our commitment to improving student access to impactful work-integrated learning experiences. Through the program, students will apply their knowledge and build their professional networks on the job, while honing their professional skills,” says Dario Guescini, Director of Work Integrated Learning, George Brown College.
Drive Ability will also support the Canadian automotive and manufacturing sectors by providing employers with access to a diverse talent pipeline and wage incentives. The initiative – launched collaboratively with six other Ontario post-secondary institutions (Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, Mohawk College, Sheridan College, Georgian College, and York University) – will build stronger partnerships with employers and increase knowledge exchange of work-integrated-learning practices between Drive Ability’s college and university partners.
“During these unprecedented times, Drive Ability – Opening Doors will contribute to Ontario’s economic recovery by helping employers access the talent they need to maintain productivity and leverage in-demand skills. Now more than ever, small-to-medium sized enterprises can benefit from stronger connections to post-secondary education through initiatives like Drive Ability, acquiring the talent they need to respond to a dynamic and rapidly evolving economy,” says Dario Guescini.
The college’s commitment to experiential learning is an integral part of its Vision 2030 strategy. George Brown is dedicated to hands-on instruction, work-integrated learning opportunities, and curriculum development with input from industry and life-long learning.
About George Brown College
Toronto's George Brown College prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 171 full-time programs and 200 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 31,500 full-time students, including 27 percent international students, and receives more than 65,000 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Rima Kar
External Communications Specialist
George Brown College
rima.kar@georgebrown.ca
