What if you could get a degree that combines hands-on and theory- based learning in just three years? This may soon become a reality thanks to Premier Kathleen Wynne and college boards across Ontario.

Colleges in Ontario are praising Wynne for agreeing to consider three-year degree programs in the province. Wynne agreed to look over the proposal that would allow colleges to grant three-year degrees, giving students more options in education. This longawaited report, entitled “Strengthening Ontario's Centres of Creativity, Innovation and Knowledge,” outlined what will have to happen to change post-secondary as we know it.

Back in May, Wynne met with presidents of 24 colleges across Ontario, including Fanshawe's then-president Dr. Howard Rundle, to discuss post-secondary education. Wynne stated that the government is dedicated to working closely with colleges to ensure they have the ability to produce graduates who can meet the province's needs in the job market. “We need to make sure that we are providing training programs in areas where there actually are jobs,” she said.

Rundle spoke up about this matter, saying, “Employers are increasingly seeking people with a combination of a post-secondary degree and career-specific skills and qualifications. Expanding the range of degree-level programs at Ontario's colleges will help more people find meaningful work when they graduate, especially our young people.”

Almost all Ontario colleges offer some four-year degree programs in a variety of fields. Three-year degree programs are currently available at universities, but these programs don't cater to students who are looking for a more handson, applied education.

The presidents of Ontario's colleges want to offer a full range of degree, diploma and certificate programs and to overhaul the apprenticeship system to encourage more young people to choose trades.

In most parts of the world, including Europe, graduates of three-year programs earn a degree. This switch should come easily because many of Ontario's three-year programs already are with provincial standards for baccalaureate education. Research has found Canadian employers put a higher value than other countries when it comes to a degree.

Fifty years ago, 25 per cent of Canadians had post-secondary education. Today, 75 per cent of jobs require a university degree or college diploma.

The report states that many students are interested in the careerfocused programs at colleges, but they want a degree rather than a diploma. This change to three-year degree programs will modernize the education system in a way that will make it more relevant and more flexible for Ontario students. It goes on to say the benefits of this change stating it will grow the economy and modernize the system.

The paper also addresses the many complaints of college and university students who can't transfer credits between different schools. “Students, parents, employers and the general public find it difficult to understand why students have to repeat the same courses,” the report states. “In addition to decreasing costs, effective credit transfer can contribute to the efficiency of the system and promote lifelong learning.”

Providing more career-focused degree programs in college complement many two-year diploma programs and give learners the best of both worlds: the hands-on training of a college program and the knowledge and qualifications of a university degree. This will also open up more career opportunities for unemployed people seeking retraining and provide more opportunities for students to ladder into honours programs and graduate studies.

The report makes many of other recommendations to give more students the opportunity to pursue career training as part of their college experience such as: doubling the number of online college courses offered through Ontario Learn; allowing colleges to offer stand-alone nursing-degree programs; hiring students to run the schools' administration through co-op and apprenticeships; and requiring colleges and universities to publicly report on their strategies to help students transfer among post-secondary institutions.

Many across the province are hoping to get this program up and running as soon as possible.