Confederation College has received $377,745 in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), which has created two new positions for the school.
The new manager of business development, and a lead researcher for computer science positions are in the school’s applied research and innovation sector.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski made the announcement last Friday on behalf of Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu, who is the minister responsible for FedNor.
He said both three-year positions continue what Confederation College already does, which is working with local businesses on research and innovation and also teaching the next generation of students who will eventually work in these companies.
“The project is pairing the proposed venue for funding with the already existing Natural Science and Energy Research Council of Canada grant, which the college already has for five years,” he said. “That will enable student researchers to be part of the project. The main focus of this initiative would be in software development, AI and computer programming.
Michelle Salo, college president, said the business development manager will “drum up” work with employers across Thunder Bay and the computer science researcher position will help with computer AI technology based solutions.
“We have numerous projects that we’ve helped (businesses) with in the past few years and hopefully we’ll be able to present more of it through the Chamber of Commerce and other venues, so people can actually see how much work is actually being done throughout the community with our students and our research team,” Salo said. “It’s a way for us to understand evolving needs with employers. What are the changes and skills that are required? What’s emerging and happening in their industry? But more importantly, it’s for our students to get that hands on experience that really puts them ahead in terms of job seeking and employment.”
She added that many of the college’s students who work on these projects, often get hired by the employer who they’ve been working with.
