Centennial, Fanshawe and Seneca partner with government and industry to fill skills gap in Ontario’s screen sector

First-of-its-kind collaboration creates eight film and television production micro-credentials

(London and Toronto, ON) – Three postsecondary institutions are working with industry partners to address the skills shortage in Ontario’s screen-based industries.

Centennial, Fanshawe and Seneca colleges have collaborated to introduce a suite of eight micro-credentials. The short programs are designed to help industry professionals upskill and current students who are content creators learn additional in-demand production and technology skills.

With film and television production at record levels in Ontario, employers are reporting difficulty finding enough qualified workers with up-to-date skills in industry-standard technologies.

Credentials offered through this first-of-its-kind partnership include Grip/Lighting and Television and Film Production Accounting Basic Skills at Centennial; Location Sound, Previsualization and Virtual Production – Unreal at Fanshawe; and Media Organization for Unscripted TV – Avid, Output and Delivery for Unscripted TV – Avid and Virtual Production – Unity at Seneca.

Courses will be taught by respected industry professionals and offered online, in person and through hybrid delivery, helping students balance work priorities and learn from wherever they are in Ontario.

This collaboration is developed with funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Challenge Fund and the support of industry partners Avid, The Stratagem Group and Unity.

Also partnering on the project is POV, which will help members of equity-deserving groups access the micro-credentials and diversify representation in Ontario’s screen-based industries.

To learn more about these micro-credentials and register today, visit Centennial, Fanshawe and Seneca online.

Quotes

“The television and film industry, and related digital industries, are growing rapidly in the Greater Toronto Area. To keep up with this growth and career opportunities for our students, Centennial College is proud to collaborate with Fanshawe and Seneca, through the Government of Ontario’s Challenge fund, in the development of discrete micro-credentials that absolutely meet today’s industry needs, tomorrow’s changing requirements and key labour shortages.”

– Nate Horowitz, Dean, School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design, Centennial College

“Drawing on the collective resources of our three colleges was essential in developing this diverse package of micro-credentials, aimed at upskilling the workforce for the film and television industries. With production booming in Toronto, this training will provide much needed talent development to address labour shortages and prepare workers for new opportunities in this rapidly changing field.”

– Rob Carver, Associate Dean, School of Contemporary Media, Fanshawe

“This suite of micro-credentials gives students a real advantage in developing the skills that will lead them to employment in Ontario’s screen-based industries. We’re working with industry leaders to offer training on the platforms and technologies that are being used in film and television right now, meaning graduates of these courses will emerge ready to immediately join the workforce.”

– Kurt Muller, Dean, Faculty of Communication, Art and Design, Seneca 

“Stratagem is delighted to support this project and is encouraged to see these dynamic colleges working in collaboration to help address this acute labour shortage across Ontario.  Film and television industries are growing quickly and this innovative program will help prepare the future workforce of Ontario for exciting careers in these booming fields.”
 
– Jeff Melanson, Partner, The Stratagem Group

About Centennial College:

Established as Ontario's first public college in 1966, Centennial College primarily serves the Greater Toronto Area with five distinct campuses. It is known for its exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building. Centennial offers more than 400 diploma, certificate, graduate certificate, apprenticeship and degree programs in business, media, arts, community and consumer services, engineering technology, health care, hospitality/tourism and transportation. These programs, delivered in class and online, promote experiential learning with laboratory instruction, co-op education and industry placements. Centennial enrols 25,000 full-time students and 18,000 part-time learners annually.

About Fanshawe:

Fanshawe is one of Ontario’s largest colleges, serving students with a promise to educate, engage, empower and excite. The College has over 200,000 alumni and attracts students from 80 countries every year, opening up a world of possibilities through more than 200 degree, diploma and certificate programs, along with apprenticeship training. 
 
Located in London with additional campuses in Simcoe, St. Thomas, Woodstock and throughout Huron and Bruce Counties in Ontario, Fanshawe College has been providing excellence in academic learning and industry training for more than 50 years helping people to unlock their potential and achieve success.
 

About Seneca:

Seneca is taking on the great challenges of our time – rebuilding the economy, equity and sustainability – while navigating through the pandemic safely. We’re delivering great polytechnic education that combines rigorous academics with practical training. From health care to technology, business to creative arts, community services to arts and sciences, we help students get ready to make their mark in the world. We’re #SenecaProud of our expert faculty, excellent staff and outstanding facilities. We have deep connections with industry and offer thousands of co-op and work placements to get our graduates job-ready. Full-time or part-time, in-person or online, students choose the option that suits them. Learn more: senecacollege.ca

For more information, contact:

Mark Toljagic, Senior Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-605-6012; mtoljagic@centennialcollege.ca

Kyle Rooks, Corporate Communications Officer, Fanshawe, 519-520-6679; krooks@fanshawec.ca  

Ryan Flanagan, Media and External Relations Specialist, Seneca, 416-764-0996; ryan.flanagan@senecacollege.ca