St. Clair College is among those calling on the provincial government to allow more three and four-year degree programs.
Ontario colleges currently offer a mix of four-year degree programs, two-year and three-year diploma programs, in-class apprenticeship training, and post-graduate certificate programs for college and university graduates.
However, the changes would allow students more options, including creating a master's degree in specialized and technical careers like robotics and animation.
Saying three-year diplomas are out of sync with academic standards elsewhere in the world, President Patti France said expanding degree programs will help students get into more specialized careers.
"The completion of a minimum three years of study at a postsecondary institution, regardless of its educational format, merits the designation of a degree," she said.
Director of Auto for Unifor, Dino Chiodo, said his union supports the expansion of programs. He said the auto industry would need those with an evolved skill set to help transition the auto industry to electric vehicles.
"Enhancing access to pathways to degree level educational programming at St. Clair is crucial to ensuring that Unifor members and other workers in the Windsor-Essex region can fully support and benefit this auto industry transition," he explained.
Both Unifor and Flex N Gate, a local manufacturer, have written letters of support for credential reform.
A recent survey conducted by Innovative Research suggested 70 per cent of those polled support the creation of three-year degrees at colleges.
Over 1,000 people in Ontario over the age of 18 were surveyed online on June 21, 2021.
