POLYTECHNICS ARE…

Solving national talent shortages and boosting productivity

Stream our playlist showcasing how Canada’s polytechnics are fostering lifelong learning for the evolving job market

POLYTECHNICS ARE…

Unlocking Canada’s productivity with applied research

Read the full report on the economic impact of applied research at Canada’s polytechnics

POLYTECHNICS ARE…

Preparing tomorrow’s workforce

Learn how polytechnics are building a talent pipeline prepared to take on the future of work


noun
an institution of higher education providing technical, applied, hands-on learning; offering applied degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship training; fuelling business innovation with applied research expertise

Value and Impact

Polytechnics Canada is a non-profit association representing 13 leading research-intensive, publicly supported polytechnics and institutes of technology. We advocate for federal action in areas where polytechnics provide solutions for a more innovative, productive and globally competitive country. As a result, our advocacy priorities are related to:

Innovation & Productivity

Innovation & Productivity

Applied research at Canada’s polytechnics helps non-profit and business enterprises of all sizes find solutions to the challenges they face. In many cases, these projects are also supporting significant social advances from improving health and eldercare to boosting environmental sustainability.

Workforce Development

Workforce Development

Among Canada’s post-secondary institutions, polytechnics have proven themselves to be the most adaptable, agile and well-connected to industry. Polytechnics are focused on strategic workforce development, ensuring learners have the skills required to succeed.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion

Polytechnics are committed to creating equitable and inclusive places to study and work. Recognizing that the learning environment is enriched by those of various backgrounds and abilities, institutions offer programs and services to meet the needs of the students and communities they serve.

Applied Research Inventory

Applied research refers to an exceptionally broad range of innovation services that polytechnics offer business and community partners to advance new ideas or overcome challenges. Our applied research inventory is a searchable database showcasing the applied research expertise resident at our member institutions.

Get Social with Polytechnics

Canada's healthcare system is under immense strain – polytechnics are here to help!

Did you know? Over the next five years, in-demand healthcare roles are expected to increase by 8.4%.

Canada’s leading polytechnics offer programming that equips graduates to work in six of nine…

Education is different at Canada's polytechnics 💡

@NAIT operates at the heart of industry, connecting learners with leading employers through a practical, hands-on approach to education.

These industry partnerships are critical in fostering relationships between the learner…

Polytechnic applied research is fueling business innovation!

Polytechnics are engines of growth for small- and medium-sized businesses in Canada. In 2023-24, 85% of the 3,000+ business partnerships were with SMEs - bringing expertise, student talent and research capacity to…

Land Acknowledgement

As a national association, Polytechnics Canada acknowledges that our offices are located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation and that our members are located on the traditional territories of numerous Indigenous nations. We recognize there is much to learn on the path to reconciliation and that Canadian post-secondary institutions have a responsibility to be active participants. To learn how Canada’s polytechnics are supporting Indigenous inclusion on their campuses, click here.