Media advisory - Leading international experts to examine the role of polytechnic education in developing tomorrow's workforce

May 8 Polytechnics Canada Conference at George Brown College's new Waterfront Campus

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - How can Canada's educational institutions ensure that students are career-ready when they graduate? George Brown College will play host to the 2013 Polytechnics Canada Conference, bringing together leading national and international experts in polytechnic and applied education. The conference aims to address this question as well as consider models of polytechnic education from across Canada and around the world.

Taking place May 8, 2013 at George Brown's Waterfront Campus, the conference will focus on several critical themes including the role of applied and experiential learning in creating tomorrow's workforce and the emerging industrial strength of colleges and polytechnics in the context of green construction.

Ken Coates, Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation at the University of Saskatchewan, will deliver the keynote address.  The program includes a 9 a.m. panel discussion with international experts in polytechnic and applied education, including: Dr. Thomas Deissinger, Business & Economics Education Chair at University of Konstanz, Germany; Dr. Vuokko Kohtamaki, Senior Researcher at Tampere University of Technology, Finland, and Dr. James Jacobs, President of Macomb Community College, Michigan. The panel will be moderated by Alex Usher, President of the Higher Education Strategy Associates and Editor-in-Chief of the Global Higher Education Strategy Monitor.

Attendance at the Polytechnics Canada Conference 2013 is by invitation only. However, members of the media are invited to attend and speak with participants and organizers. For the full agenda, visit http://www.polytechnicscanada.ca/event/ac2013

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS: 

• International Trends in Applied Education (8:30 a.m.)
• The Polytechnic Solution: Connecting Canadian Students to the Careers of the Present and Future (11:15 a.m.)
• Green Building Panel: How members of Polytechnics Canada produce talent and innovation for the green construction sector (2 p.m.)

WHEN: 

• Wednesday, May 8, 2013 (8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.)

WHERE:              

• George Brown College Waterfront Campus, 51 Dockside Drive, Toronto

SOURCE: George Brown College

To RSVP, or for more information, please contact:

Ken Doyle
Polytechnics Canada
Director of Policy
[email protected]
613-889-0426 (mobile)

Joyann Callender
Manager Media Relations
George Brown College
[email protected]
416-415-5000 ext.3159