Canadian polytechnic institutions share a successful history in preparing career-ready graduates who combine critical thinking with theoretical understanding and practical competence.

Polytechnics develop the highly qualified skilled people essential to the Canadian economy by:

• providing career-focused and community responsive education developed in partnership with employers.
  
• committing to a wide range of credentials including bachelor degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, certificates, post-graduate offerings, continuing education and corporate training, spanning many fields.
  
• combining theoretical and applied learning, relevant work experience, and the opportunity to participate in applied research and commercialization projects.
  
• offering pathways that allow students to build on their credentials;  and recognizing previous learning.

Polytechnics Canada members develop curriculum through Program Advisory Committees (PACs) composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. The committees advise the Board of Governors of the member institutions with regard to the development of new programs, effectiveness of existing programs and community acceptance of polytechnic programs.

The Polytechnic Advantage is a three-pillared approach:

1. Strength in academic offerings
2. Strength in industry connections
3. Strength in applied research

Applied Degree curricula are guided by industry and include experiential components developed with industry. To ensure rigorous academic quality, the provincial ministries of education determine what institutions are allowed to offer applied degrees.

Virtually all universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees and some, but not all, offer post-graduate programs and online-learning.

Virtually all colleges offer two and three-year diplomas, certificates, and specialized corporate training. Some, but not all, offer apprenticeship training, applied degrees and online learning.

All Polytechnics offer:

• Four-year applied bachelor degrees
• Joint bachelor degrees with universities
• Three-year advanced diplomas (graduating technologists)
• Two-year diplomas (graduating technicians)
• Apprenticeships programs
• Post-graduate certificates
• Continuing education programs
• Post-secondary certificate courses
• Specialized corporate and government training
• Online learning and distance education

Student Focus

Polytechnics Canada’s research is primarily motivated by the creation of direct and indirect benefits for students. Applied research provides students with practical learning opportunities and produces outcomes that further economic success and employment opportunities.

Serving Canada’s Skill Requirements

Each year Polytechnics Canada graduates thousands of highly qualified skilled people (HQSP) needed to manufacture new products, deliver new services and enhance operating processes. Among their strengths, the members of Polytechnics Canada have recruited faculty from industry who understand the need to innovate and commercialize in order to exceed in the global marketplace.

With universities and colleges, polytechnic institutions are recognized as key contributors to Canada's innovation and competitiveness.

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