Media releases

• Brock to launch Engineering programs

  Monday, January 20, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 20 January 2020 – R0011

  Brock University is launching bold new engineering programs designed to shape the future of technology.

  Placing employability of students at the core, graduates will come out of the program poised to work with megatrends like food innovation, additive manufacturing and robotic process automation while mastering conceptual skills like emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility and complex problem-solving.

  “Engineering at Brock will focus on a humanist perspective; in particular, the urgent need to protect the environment on a local, national and global scale,” said Greg Finn, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. “As the University is located on a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we have always been committed to sustainability.”

  The program was designed in consultation with professional associations, as well as top engineering companies in Ontario.

  The program’s development team was headed by Special Advisor Janusz Koziński and included scholars from all of the University’s academic Faculties.

  After launching this month with a minor in Engineering Science, the program will expand into a full realm of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master of Engineering (MEng professional degree); Bachelor of Engineering (BEng); Master of Applied Science (MASc research-based); and PhD (research-based).

  Since the University’s inception, the academic architects of Brock were committed to introducing professional education — including Engineering — to the community as a fundamental part of the University’s mission.

  “Every University must adapt to meet the changing needs of the community it serves,” said Finn. “That includes providing students with the opportunity to study relevant and inspiring subjects that also respond to the needs of employers who are seeking graduates with the skills to succeed in the new, technology-driven economy.”

  The bold and rigorous program was also informed by the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan, in which four key priorities include expanding the University’s research capacity and offering a transformational and accessible academic and university experience.

  The Integrated Engineering program will include multiple experiential learning opportunities to give students real-world experience, build industry connections and enhance professional skills.

  “Brock is a community of trailblazers,” said Finn. “Our mission is to equip and empower a new generation of young minds to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio. 

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock pioneers breakthrough to link graduates with employers

  Monday, January 20, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 17 January 2020 – R0009

  Brock University is launching a unique post-graduation training program to help students bridge the gap between the end of their academic degree and the beginning of their employment career.

  Called “Talent Bridge,” the University has partnered with industry employers who have identified sector-specific skills and licensing credentials that graduating students need as they transition to fulltime employment. This program will give graduates an inside edge in a competitive job market.

  Talent Bridge will have multiple industry streams. More than 10 companies have signed up so far, and the list is growing. The program will make its debut this spring. In the first cohort, graduates will receive skills training and knowledge to begin sales careers in the insurance industry, but it will steadily spread the range of industry partners to embrace sectors such as financial services, software development and others.

  Senior students (they can be from any academic discipline) who sign up for Talent Bridge will spend four months in an industry-specific training program, gaining not just experience and skills, but also the type of professional accreditation that few of their competitors will have.

  For instance, this year’s students will be able to write for either their Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) or Other Than Life (OTL) certificates, qualifications that are highly valued by insurance companies who are looking to hire talent.

  Unlike other programs, the $6,000 cost of enrolling in Talent Bridge will be covered by the employer for all students who are successfully hired and complete their probationary period.

  Talent Bridge Manager Madi Fuller said the goal is to catapult students past some of the obstacles faced by recent grads entering the job market.

  “Talent Bridge will connect final-year students’ degrees to a learning opportunity that includes professional development and mentorship in order to facilitate a seamless transition into the workforce,” said Fuller. “It provides an extra level of specialization and training so employers know the participants are ready to embrace their professional roles from their first day on the job. Successful participants know that they have a real shot at permanent employment— and, the opportunity to recover the financial investment getting there.”

  The application deadline is March 6 for students seeking a space in this spring’s cohort. To help students better understand the program, two information workshops — hosted by the program’s industry partners and Brock staff — will be held at Brock on Jan. 20 at 12 noon in WH 303, and on Jan. 22 at 5pm in TH 240.

  Fuller said the program will benefit employers as well as well as students. Near the end of the program, employer partners will interview participants individually and present job offers.

  “Finding and retaining great talent can be difficult and cost a significant amount of money and resources,” she said. “As many employers look to strengthen their early talent pipeline, Talent Bridge provides them with a pool of new grads ready to hit the ground running thanks to the focused training they have received in a specific field.”

  David Leadbetter, from Lawrie Insurance Group in Hamilton, one of the industry partners, said the company is “thrilled” to be part of Talent Bridge.

  “We are always looking for top talent, and having access to a group of newly graduated students who have been assessed and trained is something that our industry really needs,” said Leadbetter. “Being able to work with Brock on this program will help us find new talent, and it’s great that the new grads are coming from a university known for ensuring students have solid experience and strong skillsets.”

  Cara Krezek, Brock’s Director of Co-op, Career, and Experiential Education, said the idea for Talent Bridge came from conversations she has had with industry partners.

  “We listened to industry partners who tell us that they are looking for employees who possess not only the university graduate level competencies of problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity, but also industry-specific credentials and professional training,” said Krezek.

  Anna Lathrop, Brock’s Vice Provost, Teaching, Learning and Student Success, said the unique program is the next step in the University’s strategic plan commitment to build upon its experiential, work-integrated, and co-op strength, thereby graduating students who meet labour market needs.

  “We are delighted to be able to engage with industry partners directly, listen to the talent demands of our Region,” said Lathrop, “and respond with a program that is a ‘win-win’ for employers and prospective employees alike.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases