Colleges driving a sustainable future: New careers for a clean

economy: October 2010

The public colleges are the medium and have the ability to transform the
economy into a greener economy, within their communities, building regional
partnerships with business, industry and environmental groups, and creating the
framework for new and expanded pathways to green careers. Colleges in the
Canadian province of Ontario are the leaders in their pursuit of greener economy.
Colleges are equipping the students with the skill sets to support a sustainable
economy. To ensure the students are at the forefront, the colleges in the state
have modified the curriculum to suit the new occupations, resulting in the
creation of 35 new diploma or certificate programs related to the sustainable
economy. Many other programmes have been included in the individual curricula
of courses. Colleges are supporting green innovators through partnerships in
sectors such as construction, renovation and management, energy supply,
infrastructure development, transportation and instrumentation among others n
with a goal to accelerate the green economy by helping Ontario companies find
made in Ontario solutions to their green challenges. They are further working as
the catalyst in the local communities to create understanding of the various
benefits of moving to a sustainable economy. Colleges are working with their
communities to find opportunities and to turn the same into realities. Initiating
green projects on campus, colleges are showcasing green businesses and
becoming test beds for new environmental technology, products and services. In
2006, Ontarios colleges became the first public-sector system in the province to
launch an energy secretariat, designating the Power Applications Group Inc. to
act in that capacity and provide shared, cost-effective expertise for the system in
energy conservation.
To conclude, for the transformation of the economy the 24 public colleges of
Ontario are at the forefront. An economic growth strategy must include support
for green skills. Traditional manufacturing is being replaced with an innovative
green economy and colleges are essential to the creation of products and
technologies, green-skilled graduates, partnerships and community development
required to support and sustain this emerging economy. The results of their
efforts are remarkable.