George Brown College's (GBC) Centre for Business has announced the introduction of a new Customs and Trade certificate program set to launch in January 2026. This two-semester postgraduate program will prepare students for in-demand careers in the customs and trade sector, responding to growing industry needs for specialized talent.
Addressing a critical skills gap
The Customs and Trade certificate program has been developed to meet the increasing demand for qualified professionals with specialized knowledge in international trade regulations, customs documentation, and global supply chain practices.
"Global trade continues to evolve rapidly, with increasingly complex regulatory environments creating high demand for specialized knowledge," said Dr. Nadira Singh, Associate Dean of the Schools of Human Resources and Management. "We've structured this program to provide hands-on experience with industry-standard software and current trade regulations, ensuring our graduates can step directly into roles that support Canada's critical trade infrastructure."
Real-world preparation for industry careers
Students in the program will gain a foundation in the laws, procedures, and documentation required to move goods and people across international and domestic borders. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for careers with the Canada Border Services Agency, customs brokerages, customs consulting firms, and private-sector import/export organizations.
"The introduction of our Customs and Trade certificate reflects our commitment to developing programs that are on the cutting edge of changes occurring. This program in particular responds to the emerging economic and global trading trends that are shaping the new world order of regional trade agreements, the emergence of mega-regional trade agreements, multilateral agreements, and protectionism," said Dr. Ian Austin, Dean of the Centre for Business. "We've intentionally created a niche program that delivers what employers in this sector are looking for-professionals who understand the complex regulatory and legal framework of customs and trade, delivered to them in a practical and practitioner-oriented way."
Industry-connected learning experience
Extensive input from industry professionals has guided the program's development, ensuring that graduates will be job-ready upon completion.
"Our curriculum development always begins with industry consultation through our partnerships and program advisory committees," explained Dr. Eileen DeCourcy, Vice President Academic at George Brown College. "For this program, we engaged with customs brokers, trade compliance specialists, and regulatory experts to identify the skills and knowledge that are most valuable in today's environment. This approach ensures our graduates can make immediate contributions in their new roles."
The program will feature current Canadian and international customs regulations, practical experience with industry software, instruction from faculty with professional experience in customs and trade, and a focus on global trade trends and compliance.
Discover your pathway into this key economic sector with the Customs and Trades program
