Conestoga and its graduates are featured in the 2018 edition of Technology Spotlight, an annual business publication focused on the region’s technology industry.
The publication is produced by the Waterloo Region Record. The theme for this year’s edition is Pioneers & Pathfinders - the people and institutions whose contributions to the local innovation culture have a far-reaching impact here in our community and all around the world.
In his article, “Conestoga College preps grads for a future full of change,” reporter James Jackson highlights some of Conestoga’s outstanding graduates, including James Hobson, local entrepreneur and innovator who credits the hands-on learning he received in the Mechanical Systems Engineering degree program at Conestoga for preparing him for his current success.
Also featured is Brenda Halloran, former mayor of Waterloo, who is deeply involved in Canada’s tech sector in her current roles as board chair for Startup Canada as well as president of the Trillium Innovation Venture Group. A two-time graduate of the college, Halloran describes the critical role that Conestoga plays in the region’s advanced manufacturing and technology industries.
In the article, President John Tibbits emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and training to support workforce development and adaptation as technological change and global competition continue to revolutionize the way Canadians live and work.
“When people talk about innovation and entrepreneurship, one of the keys is having a skilled labour force to incorporate new technology and adapt,” Tibbits is quoted as saying.
The article also highlights the impact of Conestoga graduates, who contribute more than $2.3 billion to the regional economy each year and own more than 3,500 local businesses.
The digital edition of Technology Spotlight 2018 is available online on the Waterloo Region Record website. “Conestoga College preps grads for a future full of change” begins on page 18.