Polytechnics Canada

George Brown College

Algonquin College

Conestoga College

NAIT

Seneca College

SAIT Polytechnic

Polytechnics Canada is a cooperative association between the eleven leading research-intensive, publicly funded colleges and institutes of technology.^[1] The members^[2] of the association are degree-granting and industry-responsive post-secondary education institutions committed to education, training, and applied research for industry.^[3] They are located in Canada’s key economic regions of Southern Ontario, Alberta, and the BC Lower Mainland.^[4][5] In 2009/2010, the association's nine members engaged over 4,500 students in applied research activities, undertook more than 350 research projects with industry partners and developed some 125 prototypes for various clients.^[6][7]

Polytechnics Canada acts on behalf of 131,700 full-time degree and diploma students, 366,492 part-time and continuing education students, 24,802 apprenticeship students, 11,715 international students, and 43,609 graduates per year.^[8] Collectively, the association's members offer more than: 1,400 certificate and diploma programs, 76 bachelor's degrees, 682 diplomas, 739 certificates, 183 apprenticeship and trade programs, and 21 joint bachelor's degrees with universities.

History

Polytechnics Canada was established in 2003 by eight Canadian colleges, institutes of technology, and polytechnic institutes.^[9] The original founding members included: BCIT, Conestoga College, George Brown College, Humber College, NAIT, SAIT Polytechnic, Seneca College and Sheridan Institute.^[10] The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology was the only founding member that did not join the venture at the time of its creation; instead the polytechnic institute accepted membership on April 4, 2011.^[11] The consortium's continuous mission is to create technical jobs and disperse skills that will contribute to the Canadian economy by focusing on innovation and productivity. Note the Polytechnic system in Canada is very different than the one that existed in the UK, where many of the old Polytechnics established in the 19th century offered degree (Bachelors, masters and PhD) level education validated by universities or since 1965; the UK Council of National Academic Awards.

Members

• Algonquin College - Ottawa, Ontario ^[12]
• British Columbia Institute of Technology or BCIT - Burnaby, British Columbia ^[13]
• Conestoga College - Kitchener, Ontario ^[14]
• George Brown College - Toronto, Ontario ^[15]
• Humber College - Toronto, Ontario ^[16]
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology or NAIT - Edmonton, Alberta ^[17]
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology or SAIT - Calgary, Alberta ^[18]
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Saskatchewan ^[19]
• Seneca College - Toronto, Ontario ^[20]
• Sheridan College - Oakville, Ontario ^[21]

See also

• Higher education in Canada
• List of colleges in Ontario
• List of colleges in Alberta
• List of colleges in British Columbia

References