Ahead of inaugural fall intake for Niagara College’s Defence Systems Engineering Technology and Technician programs, Fred Davies, MP for Niagara South, and Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West visited NC on June 30 to learn how the program will help address the growing demand for skilled drone developers.
On a tour led by President Sean Kennedy, Vice-President, External Relations, Gord Arbeau, Dean of Media Trades and Technology, Duane Bender, and Director, Government Relations, Mabel Watt, the MP’s learned about the new programs developed in direct response to government priorities and labour market needs. NCSAC President Hish Clifford also attended.
In the lab, professor Cristina Simionescu highlighted the hands-on learning students will experience in the two- and three-year programs, as well as the two-decade foundation of photonics education on which the new programs are built.
Simionescu explained that photonics, the study of the physical science of light waves, is foundational to the development of the sensors used in drones – technology that is in high demand for a broad range of defence applications. Many NC graduates, Simionescu said, have already found employment with Canadian defence companies, and industry has expressed strong demand for more skilled graduates in this field.
Professor Simionescu showcased a range of aerial and terrestrial drones in the lab, noting that students will begin designing custom parts and instrument payloads for their own drones starting in their first year of study.
The group discussed Canada’s renewed investment in defence and the dual-purpose applications of this technology: strengthening the domestic defence industry and supporting public safety. NC’s advantageous location near an airport, the Great Lakes, and the Welland Canal was highlighted as a key benefit.
The visit also included a stop outside the construction site of NC’s new Health Education building, where President Kennedy highlighted how the 75,000 sq. ft. mass timber facility will help double enrolment in health programs to meet workforce needs in Niagara.
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