Georgian College and Canadian Armed Forces collaborate to deliver specialized mechatronics program

October 2, 2026

Georgian College and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), on behalf of the Department of National Defence, announced their collaboration to deliver a specialized mechatronics program to 20 soldiers of the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers School (RCEME).

(L-R) Megan Fenton, Executive Director, Student Success, Georgian College; Michael James, Professor, School of Engineering, Technology and Applied Sciences, Georgian College; Mary Johnston, Director, Continuing Education and Corporate Training, Georgian College – for larger view, click on image

Beginning in November, soldiers will travel from Base Borden to Georgian’s Barrie Campus to participate in a focused, rigorous 140-day technical training program, designed to support Electronic-Optronic Technicians for domestic and expeditionary joint forces operations.

The students will receive training and hands-on learning in Georgian’s purpose-built labs, carefully constructed to meet the specialized needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, automation, robotics and computer systems. It focuses on the design, operation and maintenance of modern automated equipment and advanced technologies, making it highly relevant to today’s manufacturing, defence and industrial sectors.

“As a military-connected college, we’re proud to collaborate with the Canadian Armed Forces to support the development of highly skilled talent,” said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, 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.”

Military operations continue to become increasingly technology-driven, and the partnership presents a unique opportunity to strengthen Canada’s skilled workforce, support innovation in advanced technologies and create new career and employment pathways for military personnel.

This program is jointly developed by Georgian’s Continuing Education and Corporate Training Team and the School of Engineering, Technology and Applied Sciences. Georgian is a trusted training partner to employers like the CAF, regularly designing and delivering customized training programs that strengthen workforce capability and advance organizational priorities.

“The new military tailored Mechatronics program at Georgian College marks another important step in the Canadian Armed Forces’ modernization and recruiting efforts,” said Major Tim Hallonquist (Officer Commanding, Artisan Company), Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (RCEME) 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.

“By adopting a systems-based learning approach and aligning military training with industry-recognized programs, we are preparing technicians to support emerging technologies and next-generation equipment. The RCEME School is proud to work with Georgian College in delivering this innovative curriculum and looks forward to developing the highly skilled technicians who will support the future of the Canadian Army.”

Georgian College and Canadian Forces Base Borden also recently announced an expanded partnership through a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) in March 2026, reinforcing the shared commitment both organizations have in deepening education and training opportunities for military-connected learners.

About Georgian College: At Georgian College, students are at the heart of everything we do. As a recognized leader in career-focused education and hands-on learning, Georgian is more than an education – it’s an experience! We offer more than 130 market-driven programs, including degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships. Georgian excels at applied, work-integrated learning, supported by small class sizes and comprehensive student services. Our dedication delivers results: Georgian consistently ranks among Ontario’s top colleges for graduate employment at 90.3 per cent. We are also Canada’s only Ashoka U Changemaker College, recognized for leadership in social innovation, and our broader institutional impact contributes significantly to economic growth and workforce development across the regions we serve.

About Canadian Forces Base Borden: Canadian Forces Base Borden (CFB Borden) is located approximately 100 kilometers north of Toronto, in the heart of Simcoe County, one of the major tourist areas in Ontario. The base is the largest training establishment in the CAF and is home to a variety of other military and Defence Team organizations. On average, CFB Borden trains 20,000 military personnel annually. It also employs approximately 3,250 military members and 1,500 civilians. CFB Borden comprises an approximately 12 km² (3,000 acres) training base and a 69 km² (17,000 acres) training area. The Commander of CFB Borden is also Commander of the Military Personnel Generation Training Group (MPGTG), the headquarters of which are also located at CFB Borden.