Georgian College and the Royal Canadian Navy plan to collaborate to provide more opportunities for education and employment.
They now have a Memorandum of Collaboration to create clearer education, training and career pathways.
A release from the college says, “Through the Centre for Marine Training and Research at Georgian’s Owen Sound Campus, the college is well positioned with training expertise, such as Marine Emergency Duties, basic seamanship, marine engineering and navigation.
Georgian College is well positioned to support refresher training, upskilling, and occupation-aligned learning for reservists and active service members, while also creating strong pathways for future entrants to the marine sector.
The agreement will connect Georgian students with experiential learning and Navy career opportunities, and for reservists and active service members, it will expand access to training, upskilling and recognition of prior learning.
The collaboration focuses on creating greater awareness of marine programming and expanding short-term and industry-certified training aligned with Navy occupations.
A May 2026 Conference Of Defence Associations Institute National Marine Workforce Development Strategy, developed in coordination with the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard, notes the Navy needs to grow by more than 3,000 personnel to meet its defence mandate and identifies stronger partnerships with marine training institutions as an important part of expanding workforce capacity.
Building on cadet placements aboard Navy vessels to complete required sea time, the partnership creates opportunities to build on programs such as the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan.
Kevin Weaver, Georgian College President and CEO says in a statement, “Georgian College is proud to work alongside the Royal Canadian Navy to strengthen marine workforce pathways,” adding, “This collaboration builds on the strength of our post secondary marine programs, which help develop future talent for the sector, and on our expertise in modular, industry-connected training that supports reservists and active service members. Together, these strengths position Georgian as a responsive partner in meeting Canada’s evolving marine training needs.”
Under the agreement, the Navy will provide Georgian College recruiters and students with enhanced access to information on Canadian Armed Forces and Navy career opportunities, collaborate on experiential learning with serving members, and explore training, refresher and upskilling opportunities for Navy reservists and active service members.
Captain Geoff Hamilton, Commander, Naval Reserve Central Region says in a statement, “This collaboration with Georgian College is an important step in strengthening Canada’s marine and naval workforce for the future,” adding, “By connecting students with meaningful opportunities to learn about and serve in the Royal Canadian Navy, while also supporting the education and professional development of our reservists and sailors, we are creating pathways that benefit both the Navy and Canada’s broader marine sector. Georgian College’s expertise in marine training, combined with its strong commitment to experiential learning, makes it an ideal partner as we work together to attract, develop and retain the skilled personnel needed to meet Canada’s maritime and defence priorities. We look forward to building on this partnership and inspiring the next generation of Canadian mariners and naval professionals.”
Back in March, Georgian signed a memorandum of collaboration with Canadian Forces Base Borden and the Military Personnel Generation Training Group, focused on improving access to postsecondary education, recognizing prior learning, facilitating access to talent, and supporting serving members, veterans and their families as they transition into civilian careers.
Meanwhile, the Province has also launched The Future of the Great Lakes Economy: Ontario’s Marine Transportation Strategy, which aims to strengthen Ontario’s position as a leader in marine transportation.