Sarah Watts-Rynard

[Polytechnics Canada @PolyCan]

And it’s a wrap! The 2026 Polytechnic Showcase has come to an end.

This year’s Showcase was truly inspiring. We heard future-focused conversations on topics critical to Canada’s growth and prosperity. Across sessions on defence, skilled trades, AI, commercialization, clean energy and workforce development, our member institutions demonstrated how they are innovating to meet today’s workforce needs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

From industry partnerships to applied research and talent development, polytechnics reinforced what sets them apart: agility, responsiveness and an ability to adapt to labour market demands with speed and impact.

We are grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible, and to our member institutions for bringing such a high level of insight, collaboration and innovation to the Showcase.

See you next year in October 2027 for the 2027 Polytechnic Showcase, hosted by BCIT!

Until then.

#PCInnovationPartners

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Living the conversation about ambition in the face of challenges #PCInnovationPartners

[NAIT @NAIT]

Retention in the skilled trades starts long before someone considers leaving.

Ashleigh Kaliszuk, an instructor in the Crane and Hoist Operator program, shared her takeaways from CONEXPO 2026, North America's largest construction conference, in an article for techlifetoday. She highlights how day‑to‑day leadership and workplace culture directly influence whether skilled trades professionals stay, grow, or walk away.

She also reflects on industry conversations around accountability, respect, and the behaviours that shape job sites, reminding us that culture is more valuable when it’s demonstrated daily.

Read more on techlifetoday:
https://t.co/flx51XjP3H
#SkilledTrades #WorkforceRetention #IndustryLeadership #Construction #NAIT

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Just finished cross-country interviews with @CBC radio hosts to talk about new federal investments in apprenticeship. Now let’s get to the work of ensuring #apprentices can move efficiently from registration to completion, something a majority do at Canada’s #polytechnics.

[Polytechnics Canada @PolyCan]

What does it take to build a skilled trades workforce that's truly future-ready?

According to our report, 𝘚𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 & 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺: 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢'𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥, it requires:
🛠️ Industry-aligned programs
🛠️ Hands-on work-integrated learning
🛠️ Strong partnerships with employers

Canada's leading polytechnics deliver all three, at state-of-the-art training facilities. From the @AlgonquinColleg Centre for Construction Excellence to the @RRCPolytechNews Skilled Trades and Technology Centre, polytechnics are training the best and brightest for the most in-demand skilled trades in the country.

By aligning training with labour market needs, polytechnics are strengthening industries, fostering innovation and boosting Canada's productivity.

Learn more in our report: https://t.co/ZaDISlwm4F

[Polytechnics Canada @PolyCan]

The 2026 Polytechnic Showcase is coming to @HumberPoly !

From May 12–14, leaders in education, industry and applied research will gather at Humber Polytechnic’s Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI) — a 93,000 sq. ft. hub purpose‑built to power the future of technology and innovation.

Located at Humber’s North Campus in Toronto, the Barrett CTI showcases Humber’s leadership in automation and robotics, systems integration, design, augmented and virtual realities, and user experience testing. Through collaborative labs, technology zones and maker spaces, industry partners, SMEs, faculty and students work side by side to tackle today’s most pressing business challenges.

Join us this May as we explore how polytechnic partnerships power innovation across Canada.

Learn more and register here: https://t.co/YySeGUqLWe

#PCInnovationPartners

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

@HumberToday @HumberPoly Congratulations ... another example of (fun) experiential learning.

[Generator at Sheridan @SheridanRIE]

Earning top spots in @R_Infosource's 2025 rankings @sheridancollege solidifies its leadership in applied AI research: 

 #1 in Canada for AI Research Partnerships
 #2 for completed AI Projects
 #4 provincially among Ontario Research Colleges 

Learn more: https://t.co/2fgxe6aMfs

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Amazing to hear how energy efficiency is being integrated at every stage! An ambitious project that showcases what's possible in today's construction sector.

[Humber Today @HumberToday]

Are you curious about what’s been happening at @HumberPoly’s Humber Cultural Hub? Here’s an update on all the progress that’s been made as work on Phase 2 of the project continues.

Read more in Humber Today: https://t.co/r1sQptZTRt

@HumberLakeshore

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Ready to welcome #PCPropellingProductivity delegates!

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Getting ready to welcome our delegates for #PCPropellingProductivity!

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Strong industry-education partnerships are at the heart of a polytechnic education. https://t.co/34IkLhpCcJ

[NAIT @NAIT]

We’re thrilled to share that #NAIT Applied Research was ranked 3rd on Canada’s Top 50 #ResearchColleges list by Research Infosource in 2024!

This recognition highlights our team's unwavering commitment to driving innovation alongside our industry and community partners. All while supporting #Alberta’s economic development and advancing solutions for a more sustainable future.

Thank you to our dedicated team and partners for making this achievement possible! Read more: https://t.co/8WqJFskGGi

[Seneca Polytechnic @SenecaPoly]

Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility. Bespoke education. Career-ready and world-ready. #ThisIsSenecaPolytechnic

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Ever driven by ⁦⁦@bcit⁩ aerospace campus and wanted to take a peek? After at least a decade, managed to snag a tour today!

[Polytechnics Canada @PolyCan]

Gone are the days when hotly debated discussions about the solutions to Canada's lagging productivity were restricted to economists and central bankers - Canada's premier polytechnics and their applied research projects are now leading the charge! 📊

Read more about the substantial economic benefits of polytechnic applied research in this @TorontoStar op-ed, written by @PolyCan CEO @SarahWRynard 👇
https://t.co/NsKiJGLR7g

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

So proud to see @PolyCan members hosting sessions to support leadership training for women in trades! @WinSETTCentre

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Great initiative to give students work experience while also supporting international communities! Congratulations!

[KPU Health @KPUHealth]

Welcome back to our incredible nursing students who have just returned from their 17-day field school in Guatemala! During their time there, they provided basic checkups, distributed medication, and offered healthcare education to the community. 🏥🌍

[Sarah Watts-Rynard @SarahWRynard]

Staying ahead of the curve by integrating new technology and new approaches to business and societal challenges! See one aspect of @sheridancollege work in this area at https://t.co/IxcV6yDM29

[sheridancollege @sheridancollege]

Each of Sheridan's five research and entrepreneurship centres, part of @SheridanRIE, are incorporating generative AI into their projects to support community partners in different ways. Read more at #SheridanNewsroom: https://t.co/zVMuYkOvK5

[SAIT @sait]

Develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills while gaining practical experience in AI implementation and operation. Stay ahead of fast-moving technologies and become a sought-after expert in the AI field with SAIT's new Integrated Artificial Intelligence program.