The Grand Erie District School Board and Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning are thrilled to announce a partnership that will redefine educational collaboration in Ontario. Starting September 2025, the two institutions will launch the first College-Within-a-School (CWAS) program in the province, building on the success of existing School-Within-a-College initiatives and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Conestoga and Grand Erie District School Board announced a groundbreaking partnership with the launch of the first College-Within-a-School (CWAS) program in Ontario.
The licensed agreement between Grand Erie and Conestoga will allow for significant renovations at the Tollgate Technical Skills Centre (TTSC), including a dedicated wing of the school, additional parking and storage facilities. Conestoga will invest $5 million in renovations, incorporating technology and resources to ensure a high-quality learning experience at TTSC, located at 112 Tollgate Rd.
Relocating the programs Conestoga currently delivers at the Brantford Airport to TTSC provides students with a seamless transition into post-secondary education and enables the college to offer an even broader range of programming. Delivering hands-on practical training to an increasing student population in the Brantford/Brant County community will help address local needs and support the area’s economy.
Conestoga program offerings at TTSC will include a variety of Ontario college certificate and diploma programs:
• Electrical Techniques (Ontario College Certificate, 1-year program)
• Motive Power Fundamentals - Automotive Repair (Ontario College Certificate, 1-year program)
• Motive Power Technician - Automotive Service (Ontario College Diploma, 2-year program)
The increased space at TTSC will also enable Conestoga to introduce additional programs in key sectors like trades training, personal support worker programming, and academic upgrading to meet local workforce demands. This collaboration underscores the commitment both institutions have to enhancing community relationships, improving access to educational services, and providing students with valuable opportunities.
Quotes
"I'm proud of the staff's work finding a partner that aligns with our vision to learn, lead, and inspire all students. Grand Erie is committed to expanding options and pathways for students to learn technological skills and enter the skilled trades, and this partnership with Conestoga is a great example."
Susan Gibson, Chair of the Board, Grand Erie District School Board
"This partnership puts students first and provides a breadth of pathway options to maximize their learning opportunities. With a significant investment from Conestoga, Grand Erie students can experience a college campus without leaving secondary school and expand their horizons to ease the transition to further education or training after high school."
JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, Grand Erie District School Board
“Conestoga has been a part of the Brantford community since 2012, and this partnership reflects our commitment to expanding and meeting the evolving needs of our students and the community. Our new space at TTSC will provide opportunities for additional programming and provides the ideal environment for students to successfully transition from high school to college, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to shape their future and meet employer needs.”
John Tibbits, President, Conestoga College
Media contacts:
Grand Erie District School Board: Ryan Strang, APR, Senior Manager, Communications and Community Relations, ryan.strang@granderie.ca
Conestoga College: Brenda Bereczki, Executive Director, Corporate Communications, bbereczki@conestogac.on.ca