The future of work is shifting at a rapid pace and Humber Polytechnic is ensuring its students are prepared to thrive in their careers with programs that meet the changing needs of learners and industry alike.
Dr. Gina Antonacci, senior vice-president, Academic, believes Humber offers more than just degrees, diplomas and certificates. To her, it’s a place where students unleash their potential, discover the person they’ve always known was in them and gain confidence.
“As the workforce evolves, so do we,” said Antonacci.
Humber’s strategic vision, Building Brilliance, positions the institution as a leader in tackling the country’s productivity crisis. It will do so by transforming education to a personalized, human-centred learning model that empowers students; becoming the go-to destination for partners seeking to solve problems, increase productivity and commercialize innovations; and leading through bold actions that inspire change in society and education.
One example of this vision in action is the launch of 45 new programs over the next few years spread across all six of Humber’s faculties.
Each program embraces the polytechnic model of education that blends theory with hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities alongside work-integrated learning opportunities that put students in real-world settings.
Many focus on STEM and health care, and all reflect a broad spectrum of disciplines aligned with labour market needs. Industry professionals on program advisory committees help shape curriculum to ensure graduates are job-ready upon graduation.
“At Humber, we know the future of work is changing faster than ever and we’re responding with bold, innovative solutions that prepare our learners for today’s jobs and tomorrow’s possibilities,” said Antonacci. “By combining theory with hands-on learning and strong industry connections, we’re ensuring our graduates are adaptable, resilient and ready to lead.”
Further responding to shifting industry needs, Humber established the School of Clean Energy that launches this fall. With energy security and sustainability at the forefront of global and national priorities, the school will leverage Humber’s award-winning campus as a living lab. Students will gain hands-on experience in renewable energy, smart grids, battery storage, and AI-driven energy optimization — skills that are critical to building the workforce needed for a net-zero future.
Canada has the knowledge, technology, and experience to lead the clean energy transition, particularly in nuclear power, and the School of Clean Energy builds on Humber’s leadership in this sector through strategic partnerships.
Health care is another industry undergoing rapid transformation and Humber is responding by expanding its offerings. The Faculty of Health & Wellness has been rebranded as the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, reflecting its broader scope. Within it, the newly created School of Nursing, led by inaugural dean Dr. Sandra Filice, is set to strengthen the province’s nursing workforce at a critical time.
Recognizing the degree to which Ontario’s health-care systems rest on the scale and capability of nursing support, it’s critical that post-secondary education expand the capacity and scope of nursing education. The School of Nursing aligns with accreditation recommendations and bolsters existing plans for program growth and expansion. It also reflects the many years of exceptional nursing education that Humber has provided.
This new school positions Humber as a leader in health-care education in the province while building brilliance for students, the health and life sciences sectors and the wider community.
Engineering is another area of importance — for both Humber and society.
Last year, Humber opened its School of Engineering that’s built on curiosity, creativity, innovation and a shared drive to make the world better through engineering. Learners gain hands-on experience with updated technologies along with opportunities for real-world applied research with industry partners and faculty.
The School of Engineering has more than 2,000 students enrolled in 15 different programs that range from one-year certificates to four-year Bachelor of Engineering degrees.
Like the Schools of Clean Energy and Nursing, the engineering school reflects Humber’s commitment to preparing the next generation to tackle society’s most pressing challenges.
Antonacci emphasizes that these new schools are more than academic expansions — they are strategic investments in the future of Ontario and Canada.
“These areas are critical to the future of our province and our country,” she said. “We are training the next generation to solve problems we can’t even see yet.”
