Polytechnics Canada

Infobox University


name = Polytechnics Canada
established = 2003
type = Association
president = Dr. Tony Knowles
city = Based in Burnaby
state = BC
country = Canada
students = 94,600 full-time, 383,600 Continuing Education, 21,500 apprenticeship, 6,900 international
faculty = 5,400 full-time, 4,600 part-time
campus = Urban
website = [http://www.polytechnicscanada.ca/ polytechnicscanada.ca]

Polytechnics Canada is an alliance of seven of Canada's eight leading polytechnic institutes (colleges and institutes of advanced technology). Polytechnics Canada offers a vast range of advanced technology education programs and contributes to applied research innovation throughout the country. Polytechnics Canada members are internationally recognized and offer certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees in technical and trades training across all industry sectors. The association represents one of three pillars in Canada’s post-secondary education sector, along with universities and colleges. Member institutions serve more than one half million Canadians each year.

Polytechnics Canada Member Institutions

*British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Vancouver
*SAIT Polytechnic, Calgary
*Seneca College, Toronto
*Conestoga Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener
*Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto
*George Brown College, Toronto
*Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Oakville

Facts & Figures

Each year, Polytechnics Canada educates:
* 94,600 Full-time students
* 383,600 Part-time and Continuing Education students
* 21,500 Apprenticeship students
* 6,900 International students (included in the above)
* 499,700 Total students

Collectively, Polytechnics Canada offers:
* 59 Bachelor’s degree programs
* 21 Joint Bachelor's degree programs
* over 2,600 Certificate and Diploma programs spanning most sectors of the Canadian economy.

Each year, Polytechnics Canada graduates an average of 35,200 highly qualified skilled people (HQSP) needed to manufacture new products, deliver new services and enhance operating processes.

History & Mission

Polytechnics Canada was established in June 2003 to consolidate and communicate the role these unique institutes play in Canada's post-secondary education sector, and the value they provide to Canadian industry through human resource development. Polytechnics Canada contributes to national and international economic development. Polytechnics Canada seeks national applied research grant funding to support their contribution to this objective. Polytechnics Canada offers nation-wide opportunities for learners to advance their education, including the opportunity to transfer to degree completion programs.

Each of the founding members shares four distinct characteristics:
* Polytechnic education programs ranging from apprenticeship to diplomas, certificates, Applied Bachelor’s degrees, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
* Applied research and innovation in partnership with industry, that advances the commercialization of Canadian products, technologies and processes
* Transferability of credits among member institutions
* The advancement of polytechnic education nationally and internationally

Polytechnic education:
* Polytechnic education is career-focused, technology education that spans trades through to advanced degrees.
* It is delivered in an environment supported by partnerships with business and industry.
* Students receive hands-on training.
* Member organizations expend resources to applied research, technology transfer, and innovation activities.

Polytechnics Canada’s Priorities

* Trans-Canada academic credit and credential transfers
* Applied and commercialization research
* Resolving national skills shortages
* Supporting the profitable export of Canadian polytechnic education

External links

* [http://www.polytechnicscanada.ca Polytechnics Canada Home Page]