Algonquin College and Siemens Canada partner on Mechatronics and Dual-Education programs
Posted on Monday, March 20th, 2017
- Unique programs serve to address Canada’s current skills gap and future needs
- Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus will host both programs
The next chapter in the multi-faceted partnership between Algonquin College and Siemens Canada was made official today as the organizations announced a new collaboration aimed at addressing the technical skills gap in Canada and accelerating implementation of Industrie 4.0 advanced manufacturing concepts. Algonquin students will soon have access to two new advanced skills programs to further prepare them for the workplace of the future; the Siemens Mechatronics Systems certification and the Dual-Education enhanced co-op program, both to be offered through the Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academy (SCETA).
Beginning later this year, Algonquin College will offer students the globally recognized Siemens Mechatronics Systems certification program. Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electrical and computer software technologies as well as control and systems theory into a single system used in production and manufacturing. In practical terms, Mechatronics is a holistic, hands-on approach to automation that can improve efficiency, productivity and quality and ultimately decrease time to market. Industries that benefit greatly from a Mechatronics system include aerospace, materials processing, machine building, automotive, transportation, building technologies and mining.
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary at Algonquin College, we want to build on our past successes and keep our eyes focused on the future — and this agreement, part of a much wider partnership we have with Siemens Canada, helps us achieve that,” said Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. “These programs forecast ahead, giving our learners the opportunity to perfect cutting-edge skills that are going to put them at the forefront of the next wave of technological advances in multiple sectors.”
Algonquin College will also become an official partner school of the SCETA Dual Education program, an enhanced skills training and career-start plan that offers students an enhanced co-op program at Siemens Canada during their final two years of study and the opportunity for full-time employment with Siemens upon graduation.
“The manufacturing sector in Canada and globally is changing rapidly as the industry enters the fourth industrial revolution, or Industrie 4.0,” said Robert Hardt, CEO, Siemens Canada. “This new era emphasizes digitization and companies will require qualified, highly-skilled graduates with the right mix of skills which these programs will offer them. We are thrilled to have a long-term sustainable education partner in Algonquin College who shares a commitment to Canada’s future.”
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For more information:
Ruth Dunley, Communications Officer
Public Relations and Communications, Algonquin College
Office: 613-727-4723 ext. 6452
Mobile: 613-406-0970
dunleyr@algonquincollege.com
Follow us: twitter.com/algonquincolleg
Ann Adair, VP Corporate Communications
Siemens Canada
Office: 416-567-7831
ann.adair@siemens.com
Follow us: twitter.com/siemenscanada
About Algonquin College
The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario. More information available at www.algonquincollege.com
About Siemens Canada
Siemens Canada is a leading technology partner that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality and reliability for more than 100 years. Siemens’ expertise in the fields of electrification, automation and digitalization helps make real what matters to Canada, delivering solutions for sustainable energy, intelligent infrastructure, healthcare and the future of manufacturing. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a foremost supplier of power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment and laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. The company has approximately 5,000 employees, 44 offices and 15 production facilities from coast-to-coast. Sales for Siemens Canada in fiscal 2016 (ended September 30), were $3.1 billion CAD. Further information available at www.siemens.ca