Choosing where to study is about more than earning a credential. It’s about finding a place that gives you the skills, confidence and opportunities to build the future you want. For Jagtar Singh, Centennial College became that launchpad. When he graduated from the Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology program in 2023, he left with more than hands-on experience. He gained the foundation to create The Green Clothing Company (TGCC) and go on to represent Canada on the world stage at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit.
Discovering a Passion for Aerospace
"I came to Canada as an international student," Jagtar says. "Engineering always had my interest. I was very fascinated with big airplanes and rockets when I was in high school. That is the reason why I wanted to pursue aerospace engineering."
For Jagtar, choosing Centennial was not only about education. It also helped shape his future goals and confidence.
"What amazed me the most when I got to know Centennial is that it has its own dedicated aerospace campus, Downsview Campus of Aerospace and Aviation," he continues. "I was so fascinated by all the big airplanes which are parked in the hangar in Centennial, so that site was very amazing to me, and I was already visualizing myself back in India studying at Centennial, roaming around big airplanes."
Hands-On Learning That Builds Confidence
At Downsview, students learn from actual aircraft systems rather than just textbooks.
"One good thing about Downsview campus is that like-minded people are there, and all of them are fascinated by aerospace and aviation," Jagtar says. "The hangar itself is amazing. There are multiple parked airplanes there which are just dissembled and opened up. We had classes showing us how the whole airplane works, and it was so amazing to see the airplane itself open in front of us, and our instructors actually telling us, OK, this is how it is done."
He also emphasizes the value of studying in a diverse and inclusive environment.
"I also want to touch on the intangible things," he says, "for example, being surrounded by international students from various countries, as well as domestic students. Centennial is very diverse, even our professors are very diversified. Being surrounded by people from different walks of life added another perspective to how I perceive the world."
"Centennial truly offers the right ecosystem for students to thrive in their careers," he continues. "By staying actively involved in student bodies, clubs, and cohorts, seize every opportunity to grow." During his time in college, Jagtar became Vice President from Downsview campus in the Centennial College Student Association, furthering service to students.
Where Sustainability Meets Engineering
After graduation, Jagtar stepped into a full-time role in mechanical design and machining. But he soon began thinking about how his skills could support a bigger mission. The turning point began in the classroom, though, before he’d graduated.
"Our professors always encouraged us to look beyond the syllabus," he says. "One of them talked about sustainable aviation fuel during class, and that lit the spark in my mind."
"Transitioning from aerospace was important, because aerospace is important, but at the same time is a very capital-intensive field," Jagtar says about his decision to switch industries. "So, I asked myself, what were the lower-hanging fruits which I could get in the sustainability industry, so that I could further this vision?"
That discussion inspired him to begin exploring environmental challenges in industry, a path that led to The Green Clothing Company.
Launching The Green Clothing Company (TGCC)
Jagtar started by offering eco-friendly merchandising and sustainable apparel, and the response was immediate.
"As I started offering eco-friendly merchandising, people were really very receptive to that idea, because the fashion industry is actually making a lot of waste, and most of the clothes end up in landfill," he explains.
TGCC started as a simple idea, making eco-friendly clothing that challenged the wasteful habits of the fashion industry. As the company grew, so did its mission. As TGCC expanded, it added sustainability consulting, helping organizations reduce environmental impact and improve social responsibility. Today, TGCC isn’t just about sustainable clothes; it’s about showing organizations that real change is possible, no matter where you begin.
"We are educating organizations on how their operations can be greener, and how they can have a positive impact, not only on planet, but also on the people who are working in their companies," Jagtar says.
What started as a clothing company has become a movement for change. Now, TGCC is an innovative company with sustainability scientists on the team, placing it at the forefront of sustainability consulting, guiding organizations to develop unique, practical green solutions for their own operations. This evolution shows that anyone, with the right vision and heart, can help shape a greener, more hopeful future step by step.
Representing Canada on the Global Stage
This work led to Jagtar being selected to represent Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit in South Africa as an official delegate. While there, he contributed to drafting public policy recommendations for the Canadian government. His work focused on advocating for sustainability-driven entrepreneurship, practical industry changes, and the importance of policies supporting green innovation and responsible business growth in Canada.
"They pick a few entrepreneurs from Canada, those who are creating waves in entrepreneurship in the sustainability industry," he says. "They come together in order to discuss how to solve the most pressing issues in the world. Being one of them as an official Canadian delegate was really a proud moment for me."
Advice for Students and Future Entrepreneurs
Jagtar encourages students to grow beyond the classroom.
"It's all about soft skills," he says. "You are learning technical skills. But also, you have to make sure that you are equipping yourself with soft skills, communication skills. It's all about networking."
His message is clear: Be open, be curious, and take opportunities when they appear.
"Wherever you see that there is an opportunity to learn, just go and learn," he concludes. "Life is short, so just do whatever makes sense to you."
Your Future Can Start Here
Like many students, Jagtar arrived with ambition and curiosity, and Centennial provided the environment to turn that drive into action. Whether your goals are in aerospace, sustainability, business, technology, or beyond, Centennial College offers hands-on learning, real industry experience, and a community that supports growth.
If you’re ready to develop your skills and shape your future, Centennial is ready to help you get there.
By: Anthony Geremia