Georgian College and the Canadian Armed Forces are collaborating on a specialized mechatronics training program that will prepare 20 soldiers for technical roles supporting domestic and expeditionary operations.
Beginning in November, soldiers from the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers School will travel from Base Borden to Georgian’s Barrie Campus for a focused 140-day technical training program designed to support Electronic-Optronic Technicians.
The students will receive hands-on training in Georgian’s purpose-built laboratories, which are designed to meet the specialized needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Mechatronics combines mechanical engineering, electronics, automation, robotics and computer systems, with a focus on the design, operation and maintenance of modern automated equipment and advanced technologies.
“As a military-connected college, we’re proud to collaborate with the Canadian Armed Forces to support the development of highly skilled talent,” says Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College. “This program reflects our commitment to delivering responsive training that meets emerging workforce needs while helping learners build expertise in areas such as automation and advanced manufacturing. Together, through applied learning, leading-edge technology and strong industry expertise, we’re creating opportunities for economic growth, addressing the modernization and evolving skillset of our military and supporting the technological advancement of Canada’s defence sector.”
The partnership is also intended to strengthen Canada’s skilled workforce, support innovation in advanced technologies and create new career and employment pathways for military personnel as military operations become increasingly technology-driven.
The program was jointly developed by Georgian’s Continuing Education and Corporate Training Team and the School of Engineering, Technology and Applied Sciences. Georgian regularly designs and delivers customized training programs for employers, including the CAF.
“The new military tailored Mechatronics program at Georgian College marks another important step in the Canadian Armed Forces’ modernization and recruiting efforts,” says Major Tim Hallonquist, Officer Commanding, Artisan Company, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineering School. “Electronic-Optronic (EO) Technicians play a critical role in maintaining the Army’s electronic power systems, sensors, sighting systems, electrical interfaces, and optical equipment.
Georgian College and Canadian Forces Base Borden also announced an expanded partnership through a Memorandum of Collaboration in March 2026, reinforcing their commitment to expanding education and training opportunities for military-connected learners.
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