Colleges in Thunder Bay and Toronto are partnering to improve training for students in the fields of aviation and veterinary technician services.
On March 19, Confederation College and Seneca Polytechnic announced they’ve struck a strategic partnership, which would “enhance opportunities for students across Ontario and address critical skill gaps in key industries.”
Under the agreement, the schools will share in faculty expertise, facilities and resources.
Initially, the partnership will focus on the field of aviation, but the partners are exploring the possibilities related to a veterinary technician program as well.
Confederation’s president, Michelle Salo, called the collaboration a “transformative milestone.”
“By combining our strengths, we are not only strengthening our aviation program but also exploring how a veterinary technician program could be delivered in our region,” Salo said in a joint news release from the schools.
“Our goal is to enhance education access and provide students with the skills needed to support local industries and community growth.”
In Thunder Bay, Confederation offers a number of aviation-related programs, including aircraft maintenance and flight management.
The college doesn’t currently offer veterinary technician programming, although innovative approaches to the field are being tested in northwestern Ontario, including a unique, hands-on training program devised by Dryden Veterinary Services and introduced in 2024.
Seneca, meanwhile, offers a trio of aviation-related courses — including the only bachelor of aviation technology degree program in Canada — and a two-year veterinary technician diploma program, which includes a field placement.
The schools said their decision to work together was prompted by the “changes in federal policies and ongoing provincial funding challenges” faced by all postsecondary institutions in Ontario.
“Our new collaboration with Confederation College exemplifies our ongoing commitment to providing innovative and flexible learning opportunities for students,” Marianne Marando, Seneca’s vice-president of business development and international, said in the release.
“By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we can better prepare career-ready and world-ready graduates who will address critical skill shortages and support the growth of key industries.”
The schools said more details on the programming would be announced in the coming months.
