TORONTO, ONTARIO – June 18, 2020 – A limited number of Humber College students and apprentices will be permitted to return to campus in July and August to complete in-person requirements from the Winter and Summer terms.

“We are pleased to be able to bring some students and apprentices back to receive the hands-on education that was put on hold when Humber’s campuses closed due to COVID-19,” said Chris Whitaker, president and CEO, Humber College. “Following the guidance of the Ontario government and health officials, we will take this opportunity to gradually resume on-campus activity in a way that ensures the health and safety of our community. This will also help continue the pipeline for critical trades and frontline work in Ontario.”

The Humber Centre for Trades and Technology and the Education and Training Solutions facility located on Carrier Drive, along with some sections of the North Campus will re-open beginning July 6. With enhanced safety measures and guidelines to protect all participants, approximately 350 students and apprentices from the following programs will have the opportunity to return to campus:

  • Commercial Driver Training (Tractor Trailer)
  • Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
  • Electrical Apprenticeship – Construction and Maintenance
  • Industrial Woodworking
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Paramedic

Not all students in these programs will return to campus at this time. Students from these programs who have the opportunity to resume their in-person studies have been contacted directly.

These programs are critical to the frontline and essential work required to meet Ontario’s current efforts to respond to the pandemic and help restart the economy. In many cases, the students and apprentices who will be returning to campus as part of this initiative require a relatively small number of hours of hands-on education to complete their studies.

Although Toronto and Peel Region are currently in Stage 1 of the provincial reopening, Humber’s plan is in line with the postsecondary reopening plan developed by the Ontario government, in consultation with the Province’s Chief Medical Officer.

All programs will require enhanced guidelines to meet additional standards and specialized health and safety measures. A COVID-19 Resuming On-campus Operations Steering Committee, established to plan for the college’s reopening is working with the Faculties of Health Sciences & Wellness and Applied Sciences & Technology, along with the Education & Training Solutions department to ensure physical distancing during course delivery, enhanced cleaning protocols and the appropriate use of screening and PPE.

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About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning   
Humber College is focused on our students' future. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 33,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time and continuing education students across three campuses. A comprehensive range of credentials including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.  

For more information, please contact:  
Nadia Araujo  
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist  
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning  
nadia.araujo@humber.ca