Fanshawe first in Canada to become a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Education Operating Partner

Fanshawe College is the first post-secondary institution to be designated an Education Operating Partner of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Canada, a globally recognized youth development framework focused on building skills and networks that foster resilience, leadership and community engagement.

“We are excited to welcome Fanshawe College to the International Award family. Together the Award and Fanshawe can make a material impact that benefits young people as they navigate the pathway from high school to workplace through college,” says Mark Little, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Canada. “With youth employability a key and emerging challenge in Canada, this is a critical support that enables students to explore their passions and develop their skills for success in life.”

His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, alongside Her Honour the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented the designation to President Peter Devlin and representatives of the College’s Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator at the Ontario Education Gathering in Toronto on July 2, for the College’s commitment to providing the trades as a career option for women.

The College, through its Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator’s Women in Skilled Trades programming, will encourage all women enrolled in a skilled trades program to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh program.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to helping women in skilled trades build their technical expertise and their personal and professional skills that prepare them to thrive in their careers and communities,” says Britney Hunter, chair of Fanshawe’s Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Accelerator. “We’re proud to help foster the next generation of resilient, engaged, and thoughtful workers through this extraordinary program.”

As an Educating Operating Partner, Fanshawe will support participants in completing a series of activities that demonstrate:

• Community Service (e.g., engaging with Fanshawe’s Women in Skilled Trades Club; volunteering to support programming in the College’s fabrication lab; serving as ambassadors to the Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator at events)

• Skill Development (e.g., attending classes and labs; completing a capstone project; engaging in extracurricular development through innovative projects)

• Physical Recreation (e.g., participating in weekly Women in Skilled Trades fitness classes; joining fitness classes held in Fanshawe’s Student Wellness Centre; continuing extracurricular recreational activities they are already engaged in)

• Adventurous Journey (e.g., experiential learning field trips; working with other women in trades; preparing Camp Ak-O-Mak for summer opening)

• Silver Standard Project (e.g., competing in the Skills Ontario competition; attending the Build a Dream conference to connect with other women in the trades)

Participants who achieve one activity from each stream will receive the Duke of Edinburgh Award, access to grant opportunities and lifelong connections through a worldwide alumni network of Award recipients.

“Welcoming Fanshawe College as an Education Operating Partner with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Canada is a meaningful step toward improving access and inclusivity for both public and post-secondary education," said Laura Briscoe Award Canada Education Consultant. "Fanshawe’s commitment to innovation and student success makes them an ideal partner in expanding the Award’s reach—and ensuring more women have the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive through experiential learning and trades.”

For more information about Fanshawe’s Women in Skilled Trades program, visit www.fanshawec.ca/blog/women-in-trades.

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