U of T and George Brown Polytechnic collaborate to expand student education and training opportunities

The University of Toronto and George Brown Polytechnic are exploring a new partnership to expand student pathways between the two institutions, deepen collaboration and align academic strengths – all with a view to driving innovation and addressing Ontario’s labour market needs.

The proposed partnership, announced on March 5, outlines a commitment to exploring joint program offerings in priority labour market areas such as STEM, health care, education and trades, while boosting co-ordination in teaching, infrastructure and student success.

U of T President Melanie Woodin said the student-first agreement aims to build on the success of existing collaborations between the two institutions.

“The University of Toronto is excited to deepen our ties with George Brown Polytechnic and expand opportunities for students to access world-class education and training,” Woodin said. “This partnership builds on the province’s recent historic investments in postsecondary education and reflects our shared commitment to preparing graduates to lead in key sectors of Ontario’s rapidly evolving economy.”

Similarly, George Brown President Gervan Fearon said the polytechnic is thrilled to work with U of T through the new partnership.

“By working more closely together, we can foster clearer pathways and reduce barriers to ensure learners have access to the education and training they need to thrive,” he said. “A student-first approach underpins it all as we aim to deliver world-class educational experiences together.”

The two leaders signed a memorandum of understanding at Hart House on U of T’s St. George campus. It envisions U of T and George Brown working together over the next 18 months to update existing transfer pathways – including an existing agreement signed in 2015 – and explore complementary programming, among other opportunities.

They will also consider opportunities to share space and instructional resources in downtown Toronto to avoid duplication and support students’ needs.

Prior to the signing, Woodin and Fearon took part in a panel discussion as part of an event titled “Working together to drive Ontario’s talent agenda” that brought together industry and higher education stakeholders. Moderated by John Stackhouse, senior vice‑president in the office of the CEO at RBC, the two presidents discussed how post-secondary institutions can improve collaboration to meet the demands of a fast‑changing economy.

Woodin and Fearon highlighted the need to leverage the strengths of different types of post-secondary institutions to provide students with both a well-rounded education and the applied experience sought by employers.

As an example, Woodin cited a long-running collaboration between U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and George Brown’s machining program. U of T students enrolled in the program are given the opportunity to test theoretical designs in a hands-on fabrication environment and work with George Brown faculty to understand real-world manufacturing considerations and constraints.

The result, she said, is a deeper appreciation of the trade-offs between theory and practical application – and a better understanding of how to design with an eye for industrial adoption.

Fearon, meanwhile, offered a reciprocal example from George Brown’s dental technology and dental hygiene programs, which provide low-cost services to the public with the participation of U of T students and faculty.

“As higher education leaders across the country, we need to not just think about our own students, but all young people and people who want to learn – whether they want to come to higher education for the first time or be reskilled,” Woodin said. “We have a shared responsibility to these learners.”

Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security, said working together is crucial to build and protect Ontario’s homegrown workforce.

“Our government commends this innovative partnership between George Brown Polytechnic and the University of Toronto, which will ensure that our STEM, health care, education and skilled trades graduates are equipped with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs that drive our in-demand sectors.”