Cross-provincial partnership aims to prepare learners for success in the global economy
November 21, 2019 - George Brown College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic have signed an agreement to explore
opportunities to collaborate on curriculum development in Canada, and investigate
new relationships in Africa.
“Preparing learners for success in the global economy is core to our mandates at both George Brown College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic,” says Dr. Rick Huijbregts, vice-president of Strategy and Innovation at George Brown College. “With an education boom just beginning in Africa, we’re exploring new pathway and learning opportunities for domestic and international students, as well as international professional development opportunities for faculty.”
In addition to exploring opportunities in Africa, the two institutions will build on each other’s strengths in developing programs that meet the needs of the Canadian labour market. This cross-provincial collaboration offers new opportunities to co-create and share curriculum, allowing for quicker development of industry-relevant programs and courses.
“George Brown College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are both polytechnics committed to collaboration to benefit our faculty, staff and students,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “This partnership is a great opportunity for our two institutions to learn from each other and share our resources to continue to improve our services to our students and stakeholders, and to expand international recruitment opportunities, particularly in Africa.”
George Brown College and Saskatchewan Polytech are two of 13 polytechnic institutions in Canada. As polytechnics, both are dedicated to hands-on instruction, work-integrated learning opportunities, curriculum development with input from industry and life-long learning. Polytechnics are designed to prepare Canada’s population for the workforce of tomorrow and offer a variety of credentials, including four-year applied degrees, diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates and graduate certificates, as well as apprenticeships in the skilled trades.
About George Brown College
Toronto’s George Brown College prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 171 full-time programs and 200 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 31,500 full-time students, including 27 per cent international students, and receives more than 65,000 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
About Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student needs, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.