ONCAT funds project at Fanshawe College to support learner mobility and upskilling in health professions

Fanshawe College is developing pathway opportunities and expanding access to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for students in high-demand healthcare programs, thanks to $50,000 in new funding from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

The funding is part of $1.94 million ONCAT is issuing over the next year to support 27 projects at publicly funded post-secondary colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes across the province. The Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, made the announcement earlier this year at the 2026 ONCAT Conference: Helping Learners Find Their Way.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes are key to building one of the most innovative workforces in the G7,” said Quinn. “Through our investments into the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer, our government is ensuring that future graduates have access to post-secondary education pathways that get them into the workforce faster and drive Ontario’s key sectors.”

Fanshawe’s project, led by the College’s Quality Partnerships department, will expand access to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), establish formal program pathways and recognize prior work experience, creating more opportunities for healthcare professionals to upskill. By helping learners build on their existing skills and experience, the initiative will strengthen workforce capacity and support the recruitment of talent into high-demand healthcare roles.

“At Fanshawe, we take pride in transforming potential into impact by guiding the learning journey of our students to ensure they are ready for work and life, today and tomorrow,” says Susan Cluett, Fanshawe’s senior vice-president, academic. “We are grateful for ONCAT’s support of this project, which will strengthen student mobility, expand access to credential pathways and create new opportunities for learners to advance their careers or upskill within the healthcare sector.”

The Personal Support Worker, Doula Studies, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician, Community Pharmacy Assistant and Pharmacy Technician programs are among those selected to participate in the project as they demonstrate strong student interest, support government priority areas and respond to labour market needs.

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to reduce barriers for students seeking to transfer among the province’s public colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes. For more information, visit www.oncat.ca. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario.