Centennial College has launched a new campaign inviting industry and community organizations to join the College in building the workforce of the future.
The campaign highlights the many ways public and private-sector organizations can engage with the College and its students, including work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, as well as student-led research that tackles complex challenges and fosters innovative solutions. Featured stories highlighting the benefits of partnering with the College will roll out in videos, blog posts, and a flipbook on a dedicated webpage and social media over the next several weeks.
The move comes as Canada faces labour-market alignment challenges where employers are struggling to find talent and graduates are struggling to find jobs. Centennial College is committed to bridging these gaps. By connecting organizations with students early in their education and career journeys, Centennial is creating employment pathways that create wins for everyone – helping students launch successful careers and producing job-ready graduates equipped to meet industry needs.
The impact of these partnerships extends beyond the many stories of organizations hiring co-op students as full-time team members. There’s the engineering competition that is helping an industry association to encourage middle-school students to explore and consider a career in fluid power. There’s the hackathon that enabled a non-profit organization to develop an application that assists food bank users in locating culturally relevant food options close to home.
“By fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships, we can create a brighter future for our students, our partners, and our community,” said Manjit Jheeta, VP, Industry, Employment and Community Relations, Centennial College. “Employers, industries and non-profits help develop future-ready talent and meet their next great hires. Job-ready graduates launch impactful careers. Communities thrive when organizations have the qualified talent needed to provide products, services and supports that make our lives better, from community art and seniors programs to baked goods at the grocery store.”
As the College acknowledges and expresses gratitude to the longstanding partners who have made its successes to date possible, it’s encouraging new organizations to become collaborators. In addition to research projects and work-integrated learning, opportunities include participating in program advisory committees, guest speaking engagements and networking events, as well as offering scholarships.
“Our partners are integral to fulfilling our mission of preparing students for career success, equipping them with real-world experience and cutting-edge skills,” said Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO, Centennial College. “We welcome businesses, community organizations, and industries to explore how a partnership with Centennial College can elevate their impact and innovation. To our valued long-standing partners, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and contributions — they are pivotal to our collective success.”
The campaign features:
- Arts Etobicoke
- Canadian Fluid Power Association
- Community Outreach Canada
- dentsu
- FGF Brands
- Giraffe Foods
- Kisko Products
- PFC Flexible Circuits Ltd.
- ruudi productions
- South Asian Cultural, Health Association for Youth and Seniors