Humber Polytechnic is responding to the urgent need for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding clean energy sector and has launched its School of Clean Energy within the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology.
The transition to clean energy is a growing global priority as electricity demand surges due to artificial intelligence, data centres and widespread electrification. It's estimated that Ontario alone must more than double its electricity generation capacity by 2050 to keep pace.
"The time for implementation has arrived, which is why we have launched the School for Clean Energy. We can't have all these climate and net-zero goals without building a workforce that can meet the moment," said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO. "Humber is positioning our students to become leaders, innovators and disruptors in this evolving industry as we build on our long-standing commitment to developing industry-responsive programs and facilities."
The School of Clean Energy reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the sector by bringing together Humber's strengths in skilled trades, engineering and Information & Communication Technology (ICT). Learners will gain hands-on experience in emerging technologies such as nuclear and renewable energy, smart grids, battery storage, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and AI-driven energy optimization systems.
To help address the clean energy skills gap, Humber is developing and launching new specialized programs in areas including nuclear power operations, renewables, energy management, sustainable architectural design, smart grids and AI-driven energy optimization. The programs are developed and updated in collaboration with Canadian and international industry partners and community organizations to ensure graduates gain job-ready skills.
The polytechnic is also building pathways that allow graduates and working professionals to enter or transition into clean energy careers.
Recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 10 consecutive years, Humber is committed to sustainability and climate action and is working to become one of the first Canadian post-secondary institutions to reach net-zero emissions by 2029. The School of Clean Energy will leverage Humber's campuses as living laboratories, offering students applied learning opportunities supported by real-world infrastructure.
"The future of work is changing, and this new educational hub is designed to provide our learners with the edge they'll need to succeed in high-demand fields," said Francis Syms, associate dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology, and head of the School of Clean Energy.
Through industry partnerships, applied research, work-integrated learning opportunities and capstone projects, Humber engages hundreds of students and partners annually to help develop innovative solutions and strengthen the workforce needed to support Canada's transition to a net-zero future.
More information can be found on the School of Clean Energy webpage.
