Building prosperity and responding to emerging needs
Canadore College enables student success through applied learning and hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technology, including in medical technology and aviation. SUPPLIED
As Canada faces a number of significant challenges including economic uncertainty, post-secondary education plays a vital role in improving outcomes – and helping learners, industry, communities and society overall adapt to changing conditions.
For Canadore College, this starts with delivering career-focused education grounded in applied, experiential learning to prepare students to succeed in today’s workforce. Through hands-on training and real-world experiences, graduates come away with the technical expertise, professional skills and confidence employers expect.
“Learning at Canadore extends well beyond the classroom,” says Dr. Sandra Efu, president and CEO. “Students work directly with patients, clients and industry partners through community-based projects and applied training in settings such as hospitals, correctional facilities, aviation hangars, film sets and social service agencies.
“This immersive approach supports a seamless transition from education to employment,” she says, adding that Canadore offers more than 80 full-time programs and apprenticeship opportunities across 13 schools of study.
Programs are developed in close collaboration with industry partners, which enables the college to respond quickly to evolving workforce needs. Students benefit from advanced laboratories, specialized training spaces and strong employer connections that support work-integrated learning and clear pathways to employment.
In addition, faculty members remain active in their respective industries, resulting in curriculum and instruction that reflect current practices, emerging trends and new technologies, says Dr. Efu. “This strong industry connection ensures graduates leave with in-demand, transferable skills.”
“Canadore’s new Medical Laboratory Technology program addresses workforce shortages locally and across Ontario while our industry-leading genomics programming provides hands-on training in a dedicated laboratory.”
Meeting workforce needs in trades, technology and science
Canadore features more than 50,000 square feet of advanced trades and technology learning spaces, including specialized labs equipped with industry-standard tools and equipment. Programs align with emerging industry demands, with Canadore’s Motive Power program, for example, incorporating battery-electric vehicle technology training.
“As technology reshapes sectors such as disease control, environmental management and personalized medicine, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow,” says Dr. Efu. “Canadore’s new Medical Laboratory Technology program addresses workforce shortages locally and across Ontario, while our industry-leading genomics programming provides hands-on training in a dedicated laboratory.”
Students of Environmental Studies and Biotechnology also benefit from applied learning in specialized classrooms and nearly 500 acres of on-campus forest.
Training tomorrow’s health-care and aviation professionals
A nationally unique health and wellness training centre is The Village at Canadore, which integrates Indigenous, eastern and western approaches to care. Students gain experience through student-led community clinics located on campus to prepare them for diverse health-care environments.
“Canadore is also a leader in aviation training and simulation,” says Dr. Efu. “The Advanced Training Simulation Wing features cutting-edge maintenance technologies, including virtual reality, animation and specialized software. These immersive environments allow students to safely practise aircraft maintenance, systems analysis and troubleshooting to enhance workforce readiness.”
Award-winning, simulation-based learning also supports programs in health sciences, community justice, and health and human studies.
Achieving a considerable impact
Canadore graduates approximately 1,000 students annually and is supported by a global alumni network of more than 80,000 graduates.
“Canadore represents a $459-million annual economic impact to the Nipissing-Parry Sound region,” says Dr. Efu, adding that with four campuses – three in North Bay and one in Parry Sound – the college delivers high-quality education within driving distance of Toronto and Ottawa.
The First Peoples’ Centre offers wholistic support to more than 750 Indigenous students a year to help guide and uplift them throughout their journey at Canadore. Canadore Indigenous Student Ambassadors (CISA) work alongside the Canadore Student Council (CSC) to connect students and create a positive and engaging campus culture.
“Comprehensive student services – including culturally appropriate academic support, wellness resources, career development – help students thrive during their studies and beyond,” she notes. “Recognized for a commitment to sustainability, Canadore has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2031.
“At Canadore College, students don’t just study for a career, they train for success.”
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