Georgian College and the Barrie Chamber of Commerce are looking for small- to medium-sized businesses to join their new initiative, COLABORATORY. From left: Paul Markle, Executive Director of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Joanne Foxton, Manager, #ChangeTheNow at Georgian, and Nicole Norris, Director, Social Innovation at Georgian.
Interested in Supporting the Colaboratory Initiative?
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2024
Local businesses and Georgian College students will collaborate in a brand-new initiative to prepare employers for a future-focused workforce and provide students with valuable work-integrated learning experiences.
Georgian is partnering with the Barrie Chamber of Commerce for this initiative that is free to businesses. It is one of nine recently announced work-integrated learning projects funded by the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), with support from the Government of Canada.
Georgian and the chamber are looking for several small- to medium-sized businesses to take part in COLABORATORY. As Georgian is the only designated changemaker college in Canada, committed to helping students develop progressive skills to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, COLABORATORY also offers a Changemaker Workplace designation.
“COLABORATORY is a unique opportunity for employers to be connected with their future workforce, helping them to attract talent that’s looking for shared social and environmental values,” said Nicole Norris, Director, Social Innovation at Georgian College. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Barrie Chamber of Commerce and their members to help introduce them to student changemakers who will be their future employees.”
Working with Georgian’s Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship department, participating businesses will learn about emerging technology and social trends to help them stay innovative and relevant while learning how to support the expectations of a social- and environmental-conscious future workforce. Participating students, who are working to complete the Changemaker micro-certificate, will have the opportunity to network with companies that care about the same values and skills they do.
“BHER’s funding of COLABORATORY is an incredible opportunity. By connecting students with local employers, we not only enhance their educational development but also significantly benefit our local business community,” said Paul Markle, Executive Director of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. “This collaboration demonstrates the Barrie Chamber's deep commitment to strengthening the bond between businesses and educational institutions in Barrie, ultimately cultivating a skilled workforce that will both support and remain in the area.”
This partnership is another example of Georgian’s commitment to work-integrated learning. One hundred per cent of the college's programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning such as this initiative, or others ranging from co-op terms to internships to field placements.
There is no deadline for businesses to get involved with COLABORATORY. For more information, please contact Joanne Foxton, Manager, #ChangeTheNow at Georgian College, at Joanne.Foxton@
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Photo: Georgian College and the Barrie Chamber of Commerce are looking for small- to medium-sized businesses to join their new initiative, COLABORATORY. From left: Paul Markle, Executive Director of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Joanne Foxton, Manager, #ChangeTheNow at Georgian, and Nicole Norris, Director, Social Innovation at Georgian.
Media:
Georgian College
Jenni Thompson, Media Relations Officer
mediarelations@
Barrie Chamber of Commerce
Tricia Barrett-Butler, Administrative/Communications Coordinator
tricia@barriechamber.com
About Georgian College
Georgian is MORE than an education – it’s an experience. The college offers 130+ market-driven programs, from degrees and diplomas, to certificates, apprenticeships, corporate training and more. A recognized leader in student work experience, our graduate employment rate – 90.3 per cent – is in the top 3 for Ontario colleges. Georgian graduates continue to play a pivotal role in meeting the demand for a highly qualified workforce. We’re the first – and only – college in Canada designated a changemaker college by Ashoka U for our role as a leader in social innovation and changemaking in higher education.
About the Barrie Chamber of Commerce
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce serving the Greater Barrie area, is dedicated to promoting business growth and advancement. It supports policies that benefit businesses and offers members access to programs, networking opportunities, and valuable resources. As a key representative of the business sector the Chamber strives to cultivate a supportive environment for businesses. It acts as a vital link between business leaders, all levels of government and the local community. With its substantial membership base, the Chamber is committed to fostering a robust economy and supporting Barrie as an appealing destination to work, live, and play. For more information, visit www.barriechamber.com.
About Business + Higher Education Roundtable
The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization bringing together some of Canada’s largest companies and leading post-secondary institutions. Since 2015, BHER has worked to harness the strengths of Canada’s business and post-secondary education sectors to build opportunities for young Canadians, boost innovation and drive collaboration. Learn more at www.bher.ca. Visit our WIL Hub for ways to explore, invest in and create quality WIL opportunities.
Interested in Supporting the Colaboratory Initiative?
Complete the form to add your business to the list!
