Reskilling Programs

Full-Time Programs

Business Fundamentals – Full-time, September 2021
If you’re interested in entering the business world, the one-year Business Fundamentals Ontario College Certificate program will help you develop a solid foundation in business knowledge, skills and competences while also identifying which area of business suits your talents and interests for your future career. Study all aspects of business, develop your skills and explore your options through courses that include accounting, business communications, finance, human resources, introduction to business management, marketing and supply chain management.  A comprehensive study of each will help you discover your perfect career fit.  This program also provides those already in the workforce with a foundation of business knowledge that can help them expand their career and business opportunities. You can choose to graduate with your Business Fundamentals certificate after one year and start your career or continue your studies in the Business program of your choice—this program leads right into the second year of all Durham College business diploma programs.

Office Administration – Full-time, September 2021
Office administrators are administrative professionals who are vital to the effectiveness of any organization. The phone is ringing, there are three spreadsheets open on your computer screen and a team meeting starts in two minutes. This is the life of an office administrator. Personable and committed, they create order out of chaos and provide the glue that holds businesses together. Our industry-connected professors will prepare you to make an impact on any organization right away. You will learn from professionals who are current in their field and will have the opportunity to enhance your resumé with real-life work experience. Classes in this program are offered in a compressed format on three consecutive days each week.

Part-Time and Professional Learning

Bookkeeping Certificate – Part-time (11 Courses), May, 2021
Learn how to use accounting software and applications, so you can help companies keep their financial records accurate and up-to-date.

Cannabis Industry Specialization – Part-time (5 Courses), May, 2021
This short program is ideally suited to those who already have business experience and are interested in moving into the cannabis sector in a non-horticultural role. Participants will learn about cannabis itself, the medical and the adult-use markets, cannabis law and ethics, business operations, and importing/exporting.

Municipal Employment Readiness – Part-time (3 Micro-courses), May, 2021
If you are considering working in a rural municipality office, this new program is for you! It consists of three micro-courses: Municipal Legislation and Governance, Municipal Structure, Roles & Responsibilities, and Effectiveness in Municipal Government. By combining this learning with the right mix of existing transferable skills, you can quickly be ready for a fulfilling job in your local municipality.

Graphic Design Desktop Publishing and Printing – Part-time (2 Courses), May, 2021
This micro-credential is focused on developing the skills required to design for print and web using industry standard software applications and best practices. Students are introduced to the desktop publishing process and production flow, and web design and creation through practical, hands-on projects.

Graphic Design Foundations – Part-time (3 Courses), May 2021
This micro-credential covers the fundamental principles of good graphic design for desktop publishing. Participants will become familiar with layout concepts, typography, industry portfolio standards and personal branding techniques. They will apply their learning through the creation of a personal portfolio of print and electronic content.

Graphic Design Photoshop and Illustrator – Part-time (3 Courses), May, 2021
Looking to broaden your computer and design abilities? Develop foundational graphic design skills using industry-standard software in Adobe Creative Suite. This micro-credential includes hands-on projects in Photoshop and Illustrator, preparing you to edit and create a variety of digital imagery.

Legal Office Assistant Certificate – Part-time (11 Courses), May, 2021
Prepare for a fascinating role as a legal administrative assistant, and become a critical part of a law office team.

Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate – Part-time (8 Courses), May, 2021
Develop the basic skills needed to become a valued member of a veterinary office team.

Veterinary Office Assistant Specialization – Part-time (4 Courses), May, 2021
This program is designed for those who already have an administrative background and want to build on their knowledge and skills within the context of a veterinary office. There is a focus on medical terminology and basic procedures related to common surgical and lab procedures, as well as pharmacology.

Visit Durham College's website to see all Programs and Courses available.

Driver Training - Air Brakes Endorsement “Z” - Ongoing intake
This two-day “Z” Endorsement course added to a licence allows the operation of a vehicle with air brakes.

“A” Driver Training: Class A Licence – Ongoing intake
This eight-week program includes all Ministry testing. This class of licence covers the largest vehicles without passengers. 

“D” Driver Training: Class D Licence - Ongoing intake
This 16-hour course trains on the D class licence and covers vehicles like dump trucks, garbage trucks, and straight trucks.

“F” Driver Training: Class F Licence - Ongoing intake
This 11-hour course trains on the F class licence covers driving up to 24 passengers e.g. ambulance, small commercial bus, or limo.

Visit Durham College's website to see all Programs and Courses available.

Full-Time Programs

Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management Diploma – two years, May 2021
Be part of one of the fastest-growing industry segments in the world. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise ships, casinos, entertainment venues and conference centres are all benefiting from an increasing number of travellers from around the globe. Learn the essential operational skills and management techniques that employers value in this vibrant business. Explore the diverse career paths that are available to you, as you unleash your passion for customer service excellence and profitable hospitality business operations. The world of accommodation, food and beverage, travel and tourism is yours to discover.

Hospitality Skills certificate – two semesters (May to December 2021)
The Hospitality industry is growing fast – so fast that the industry is bracing for significant labour shortages. Thousands of jobs will be available across Canada for people with the right education, skills and attitude. From the front desk at a hotel or resort, to a food and beverage service position at a restaurant or club, or customer service positions in a wide variety of businesses, there will be many outstanding opportunities. If you enjoy travel, meeting new people, and have a passion for being a part of an industry that makes people happy, Hospitality Skills is a great place to start.

Part-Time and Professional Learning

Food Service Worker Certificate – Part-time (6 courses), May, 2021
Build the skills needed to join a food service team in commercial facilities, institutions or long-term care homes.

Visit Durham College's website to see all Programs and Courses available.

Full-Time Programs

Child and Youth Care (compressed) – Full-time September 2021
Child and youth care practitioners provide support and understanding to young people and their families. This six-consecutive-semester program teaches you to engage with children, youth and families in their everyday lives to promote optimal development and facilitate positive changes by using the principles of relational practice. Your eagerness to work with people and emotional maturity will help you meet the demands of working with children and youth with complex needs.

Personal Support Worker – Full-time, May and September 2021
Personal hygiene, mobility, preparing meals and taking essential medication are elements of daily life that most people take for granted, but there are many individuals who are unable to perform these tasks independently. The personal support worker (PSW) is the front-line care provider whose responsibilities focus on the provision of personal care and support that include activities of daily living with client populations across all institutional, community care and service settings. PSWs provide compassionate, client-centred care to enhance and maintain the quality of everyday life. Through dedicated faculty, enhanced curriculum, skills and certifications obtained in the course of study, and implementation of several interprofessional education and simulation opportunities, our students graduate well-prepared and job-ready. In fact, our recent PSW student and graduate satisfaction rate was 100 per cent (2018-2019).

Part-Time and Professional Learning

Medical Terminology Microcredential – Part-time (3 courses), May, 2021
Perfect for those who already have an administrative assistant background and now want to shift into a similar role in the healthcare field.

Hospital Nursing Unit Clerk Certificate – Part-time (9 courses), May, 2021
Develop the office management and business communication skills needed to provide clerical and administrative support in a hospital unit or other type of health care institution.

Visit Durham College's website to see all Programs and Courses available.

Full-Time Programs

Computer Foundations – Full-time, September 2021
In today’s workplace, computer skills are a virtual necessity. Whether you’re working with numbers, designs or words, your knowledge of how to successfully navigate electronic technology can help you get your foot in the door when applying for that perfect job. This program provides students interested in a career in computers an opportunity to gain the fundamental skills in computer technologies including programming languages, systems development and operating systems in just eight months, while also offering those with previous credentials the chance to enhance their employment prospects. Sample a variety of computer-related courses and discover your area of expertise.

Part-Time and Professional Learning

Coding Essentials Certificate – Part-time (11 courses), May, 2021
Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can take this program to prepare for an exciting job in the rapidly growing field of information technology as a programmer or web app developer.

Visit Durham College's website to see all Programs and Courses available.

Academic Upgrading Certificate of Recognition - Grade 12 Equivalency in Math & English
Missing academic requirements required to enter a post-secondary program or obtain employment? This program provides you with an opportunity to obtain your grade 12 Math and English equivalency.

• Foundations – starts October 26, 2020

Essential Skills Workshops - Fall 2020 and Winter 2021

Durham College’s Essential Skills Workshops are flexible, personalized and supportive programs that help learners prepare to meet the needs and challenges of future academic and/or employment goals. All programming is completely free of charge for learners, and in addition to our in-person classroom sessions are also now available for distance learning through Durham College’s online learning platform. Once registered, you are entitled to take as many or few of our available workshops as you choose.

• Food Service Industry Workshop
• Health Literacy Workshop
• Financial Literacy Workshop
• Pathways to Employment in the Cannabis Industry Workshop
• Basic Health & Safety Workshop
• Mental Health & Stress Management Workshop
• Learning to Learn Online

Learn more about eligibility and registration requirements for Durham College’s Essential Skills Workshops

Visit Durham College's website to see all Programs and Courses available.

Full-Time Programs

Crane Operation, Rigging and Construction Techniques – Full-time, September 2021
Crane operators are highly trained specialists who are in equally high demand. This program is the only one of its kind offered in Ontario and is designed to help students pursuing a crane operation apprenticeship to stand out and get a head start in a competitive field. Using leading-edge training simulations, you will learn the tools of the trade, rigging and hoisting methods and essential safety measures that will help you play a key role on any construction site. Graduates will meet the Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights training requirement.

Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class, Full-time, September 2021
Accredited by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), the Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class program is designed to introduce you to theoretical and practical aspects of power generation and plant operation. Theory taught in class will be applied through experiential learning in Durham College’s state-of-the-art registered Power Plant and electrical labs where students will learn to operate and maintain equipment in a safe and efficient manner while also gaining valuable hands-on experience. Students who successfully complete this program qualify for a nine-month reduction in steam time. In addition, students who pass their two TSSA tests and successfully complete three months of industry experience qualify for their Fourth Class Operating Engineer certificate of qualification.

Part-Time and Professional Learning

Construction Estimator Certificate – Part-time (7 Courses), May, 2021
Construction estimators analyze the costs of and prepare estimates for construction projects. In this program, participants learn how to read blueprints, analyze and estimate costs for building projects, prepare bids and work with legal contracts.

Visit Durham College's website to see all Programs and Courses available.

Agricultural Leadership Program
The Agricultural Leadership Certificate Program consists of five (5) highly interactive courses that will assist those who are working within the agricultural sector, regardless if they are an owner, partner or responsible for the operational or day-to-day functions of the Agri-business.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Management Certificate
This three-course program is designed for you to take action and launch a Social Media strategy you will implement right away so that you can obtain a successful ROI for your organization.

Professional Communications Certificate
This specialized Ontario Tech University five-course (5) certificate program concentrates on the written, verbal and leadership skills required by managers, supervisors and professionals.

Professional Management Certificate Program
The Professional Management Certificate Program consists of five (5) courses designed to enhance the managerial effectiveness and leadership abilities of today's business professionals.

Not-for-Profit Leadership Certificate Program
The Not-for-Profit Leadership Certificate Program has been designed to meet the unique challenges faced by managers in an environment where the focus is on helping others.

Visit Ontario Tech University’s website to see all Certificate Programs available including custom corporate programs

Principles of CANDU decommissioning
These two, one-week courses present a review of the key scientific and engineering principles of nuclear decommissioning technology.

Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems
This specialized two-day (2) course focuses on Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems (N-R HES) and the knowledge gained will enable attendees to be ready for a wide range of infrastructure projects that include a variety of energy sources.

Design Courses offered in partnership with OCADU
Options include Basic Design Principles, Introduction to Digital Photography, Introduction to Web Art and Design, Advanced Web Art and Design, CSS and JS Frameworks, and more.

Excel Essentials for Managers
This one-day hands-on course is designed for those with a basic knowledge of Excel, who need to use key Excel features to manage, customize and automate workbooks

Visit Ontario Tech University’s website to see all Courses available including custom corporate programs

Micro-credentials are a unique and innovative way to learn skills in a short amount of time. Find learning experiences that align with your professional goals and interests that you can use right away. Show professors, employers, and peers that you have demonstrated the right set of verified skills and competencies that will help you thrive in education and the workplace with digital badges. 

Core Success Skills Sponsored by TD Group
Together with Ontario Tech University, the TD Ready Commitment will deliver 1,000 free micro-credentials, across 24 topics of interest, to those in our community who are mid-career, under-employed, or who are currently or likely to face changes in the workplace.

Learn more.

Master of Management (M.Mgt): September 2021 entry
This professional masters program will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market with a grounding in a broad spectrum of business and management disciplines, from accounting to corporate finance and marketing to strategic management.

Master of Management (M.Mgt): Strategic Change Management - September 2021 entry
The Strategic Change Management stream of the Master of Management degree program prepares you for professional managerial careers in a rapidly evolving business environment, in which organizations must continually assess the need for strategic realignment, and develop and successfully implement effective and efficient strategies for change.

Visit the Trent University Durham GTA website to see all Programs available.

Marketing and Entrepreneurship: Full or Part Time (10 courses), as little as 8 months - Fall 2021 entry (New)
Are you interested in starting your own business, patenting an idea, or working in a corporation or small enterprise? In a world that thrives off of innovation, creative thinking and savvy ideas, this program will help you develop your business acumen and better prepare you for a rewarding career in marketing, sales, product development or brand management

Human Resource Management: Full or Part Time (10 courses), as little as 8 months - Fall 2021 entry (New)
The postgraduate certificate in Human Resource Management is for students seeking professional development in HRM in preparation for the pursuit of a career that involves the management of people.

Visit the Trent University Durham GTA website to see all Programs available.

Communications (Bachelor of Arts): Full or Part Time (15 to 20 courses) - Fall 2021 entry
The ability to understand how we communicate with one another across multiple platforms is an integral part of our world. Trent’s Communications degree offered exclusively at our Durham GTA Campus allows you to develop the skills and expertise you need to stand out in a competitive job market.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Bachelor of Arts): Full or Part Time (20 courses) September 2021 (New)
The current global and competitive economic landscapes require greater efficiency, speed and productivity from companies and organizations. Employers need multi-skilled professionals with a command of the most advanced management techniques, who are able to take full advantage of technological information systems and also know how to detect new business niches and even open up new markets.

*Subject to Ministry and Quality Assurance Approvals.*

Bachelor of Business Administration: Full or Part Time (20 courses) - January 2021 and Spring 2021 entry
At the School of Business, an undergraduate degree equals a business trajectory that is underway, under control and unlimited. Students in the School of Business, steer their own learning experience. Our job is to point out the possibilities -- then get out of their way.

Visit the Trent University Durham GTA website to see all Programs available.

Palette Skills is a national not-for-profit working to help build a more effective Canadian workforce. To do this, Palette partners with government, universities and colleges, and businesses to create programs focused on upskilling a diverse workforce to meet Canada’s changing economic needs.

Palette Skills' SalesCamp program is designed to help participants transition careers by providing in-person, online training and connections to hiring managers and mentors at growing organizations.

Learn more and apply now. 

Palette Skills is a national not-for-profit working to help build a more effective Canadian workforce. To do this, Palette partners with government, universities and colleges, and businesses to create programs focused on upskilling a diverse workforce to meet Canada’s changing economic needs.

The Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program is designed to help graduates with quantitative degrees and professionals with advanced computing work experience quickly transition into high-demand roles in cybersecurity. Our curriculum is evaluated by industry experts and updated every 2-3 months to ensure participants are prepared to deal with today’s biggest cybersecurity challenges.

Learn more.

The Durham Workforce Authority's Life After COVID site includes Jobs First Durham, which offers several community resources to help you with your job search needs, including the region’s largest list of job postings specific to Durham. Here you can also find what jobs are in demand, where they are located in relation to other services such as childcare and bus routes, and useful employment related statistics to help plan your business.