What is a polytechnic institution?
A Canadian polytechnic is a public post-secondary institution offering a full range of credentials from apprenticeships to diplomas, as well as bachelor degrees along with graduate and post-graduate certificates. Canadian polytechnic institutions deliver a broad range of applied, hands-on and pragmatic education that is employer-driven, based in technology and that leads to high-quality employment for graduates. Typically, SMEs approach polytechnic institutions to conduct applied research with students to meet their innovation needs.
What is Polytechnics Canada?
Established in 2003, Polytechnics Canada is the voice of colleges and polytechnics with a common focus on advanced technical and technological education. The goal of its members is to create high-quality jobs that will contribute to the Canadian economy through innovation and improved productivity. The current Polytechnics Canada members are located in Canada’s key economic regions: Algonquin, Ottawa, Ont.; BCIT, Vancouver, B.C.; Conestoga, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont.; George Brown, Toronto, Ont.; Humber, Toronto, Ont.; NAIT, Edmonton, Alta..; SAIT, Calgary, Alta.; Seneca, Toronto, Ont.; and Sheridan, Oakville, Ont.
Polytechnics Canada was founded in 2003 by 8 Canadian colleges, polytechnics and institutes: BCIT, Conestoga, George Brown, Humber, NAIT, SAIT, Seneca and Sheridan.
What is the Polytechnics Canada National Strategy Group?
The National Strategy Group (NSG) is an advisory group of industry partners nominated by the Presidents of Polytechnics Canada member institutions. Mostly small- to mid-sized firms, these companies have experienced both innovation and commercialization benefits from working with our members’ faculty and students. The NSG provides strategic support to Polytechnics Canada by advocating for its members’ practical goals.
Polytechnics Canada’s members represent:
182,258 full-time students
66,265 part-time students
33,623 apprenticeship students
16,162 international students
47,060 graduates per year
Polytechnics Canada’s members offer:
86 Bachelor’s degrees
13 Articulated Bachelor’s degrees
667 Diploma programs
412 Certificate programs
181 Apprenticeship programs
In 2010/2011 Polytechnics Canada’s members:
Served over 1,085 clients
Undertaken over 560 applied research projects
Engaged 4,978 students in applied research
Developed approximately 307 prototypes
Participated in over 111 collaborative projects
