June 18th, 2019 – Ottawa, ON
Gaining practical, and on the job, experience is a crucial component for success for post-secondary education students studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business. The opportunity to work in an industry setting also helps students align technical, foundational and work-ready skills that Canadian employers need.
Georgian College and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) are delighted to announce a partnership agreement to help bridge the skills gap in high-growth sectors in the digital economy and work toward providing opportunities for students to be better prepared for the digital workforce as part of ICTC’s Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital Program. Both organizations recognize the benefits of fostering collaboration between business, academia and associations to prepare students with the skills needs of business, both parties will work together to strengthen relations with industry and increase communications about the education perspective and needs.
Georgian is Ontario’s number one co-op college and a leader in work integrated learning,” said MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO, Georgian College. “Today’s workplace requires advanced technical and social skills and through our collaborative partnerships with area employers and organizations like ICTC, we are ensuring our students are prepared to contribute, innovate and thrive when they graduate.
“ICTC is pleased to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Georgian College. To preserve Canada’s competitiveness in response to rapid technological change and increasing global competition, industry and post-secondary education institutions must collaborate on the preparation of a highly skilled workforce. Georgian College is a leader in engaging business in this way and with facilitating work integrated learning opportunities for its students. Annually the College facilitates over 3,500 co-op and internship work terms. Through WIL Digital agreement, employers working with Georgian College will be able to increase the number of work terms they offer and Georgian College will be able to engage employers that have not been able to provide work terms.” said Elizabeth Mills, ICTC’S Director Skills Development
–30—
About ICTC and WIL Digital
ICTC is a not-for-profit national centre of expertise for the digital economy. It is the trusted source for evidence-based policy advice, forward looking research, and creative capacity building programs for the digital economy.
The ICTC WIL Digital Program is designed to work with academic institutions and industry to give students the skills needed to work in emerging technology sectors. Over four years, WIL Digital will create over a thousand high-quality work experiences for students across Canada. The program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.
About Georgian College
Georgian College has seven campus locations in central Ontario and offers more than 125 market-driven programs including degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeships. Georgian provides students with curricular work-integrated learning experiences in most academic programs.
Media contact information
Information and Communications Technology Council – Stephanie Wilson, Senior Director, Digital Transformation & Strategic Outreach 613-237-8551 x147 @email
Georgian College - Elaine Murray, Communications Specialist, Marketing and Communications 705.728.1968, ext. 1003
