Georgian College connects with industry and alumni at builders’ association event

Georgian College recently participated in the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association’s (SCHBA) annual dinner, an evening that brought together industry leaders in the residential home-building sector.

The event was an opportunity to connect with employers and showcase how Georgian is fueling the skilled trades talent pipeline and preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Representatives from Advancement and Alumni Relations, alongside faculty and students from Design and Visual Arts, Skilled Trades and Engineering and Environmental Technology, participated in the event. Together, they delivered the evening keynote and a series of interactive program activations that demonstrated the breadth of Georgian’s applied learning.

Guests experienced custom Grizzly magnets engraved using an xTool P2 laser, drone technology capturing aerial views of construction on campus, advanced robotics demonstrations and student-led design projects featuring virtual reality and artificial intelligence. These activations highlighted the real-world skills students are developing and the advanced technologies shaping today’s job sites.

Georgian College staff explain how their drone operates.

The presentation, Powering Simcoe County’s next-generation workforce, focused on Georgian’s role in working collaboratively with industry to strengthen the skilled trades talent pipeline. Dean, Arts, Engineering, Trades and Technology, Dr. Rebecca Sabourin spoke to how Georgian is expanding access to skilled trades education, strengthening pathways into the trades and preparing students for increasingly complex job site environments. Senior Manager, Project Delivery, Facilities Management, Derek Keller, highlighted the Centre for Skilled Trades expansion underway at the Barrie Campus, outlining how new and modernized learning environments are supporting hands-on training and increasing capacity to meet industry demand.

Associate Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Relations David Bell thanked the association and its members for their ongoing support of Georgian students and graduates, and invited them to deepen their connection with the college through the Building Tomorrow’s Trades initiative, a micro-campaign focused on advancing skilled trades education.

“You play a critical role in shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals,” said Bell. “Through the jobs you provide, the mentorship you offer and the partnerships you build with us, you are helping to define what workforce readiness looks like in real terms.”

Georgian College staff at the Simcoe County Home Builders' Association's annual dinner.

The evening also underscored the important role that alumni and industry partners play in student success. Many Georgian graduates were in attendance, reflecting the strong presence of alumni across the sector. Approximately 71 per cent of association member businesses have employed or continue to employ Georgian graduates.

This connection between alumni, students and employers is central to Georgian’s approach. Through mentorship, hiring, partnership and ongoing support, this community helps open doors for students and ensures they are prepared to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.

The college extends its appreciation to the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association for the invitation and continued partnership. Opportunities like this strengthen the ties between education and industry and reinforce a shared commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce for the region.

Learn more about our Building Tomorrow’s Trades campaign.