Niagara College launches unique Defence Systems Engineering Technology programs
Press Release + Noah Note
As Canada strengthens its defence readiness and technological innovation, new programs at Niagara College will give students hands-on experience building drones, instrument payloads, and autonomous systems, preparing them for sought-after careers in defence, security, aerospace, and emerging technologies.
“As autonomous systems including drones play an increasingly important role across industries, Niagara College’s new Defence Systems Engineering Technology programs respond to Canada’s need for skilled innovators,” said Duane Bender, Dean of NC’s School of Media, Trades and Technology. “The program will prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving field that is shaping the future.”
The Defence Systems Engineering Technology (three-year) and Defence Systems Engineering Technician (two-year) programs offer experiential learning in mechatronic and photonic (optic/laser) systems for the development of real-world aerial, terrestrial and marine drones.
As Canada’s 2025 ‘Canada Strong’ federal budget accelerates defence spending and calls for modern equipment and a stronger domestic defence industry, NC’s new program aims to strengthen Canada’s workforce and technical capabilities.
“Niagara College is committed to delivering innovative programming that aligns with industry needs,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “By launching the Defence Systems Engineering Technology programs, we are once again responding to a national call – preparing skilled graduates to work with drone technologies that are increasingly critical to national defence and public safety.”
“These new programs at Niagara College align directly with the federal government’s priorities to strengthen Canada’s defence readiness and grow our domestic innovation capacity,” said Member of Parliament – St. Catharines, Chris Bittle. “This Training will help ensure students are ready for high-skilled careers in a rapidly expanding sector.”
Today, drones play an increasingly vital role across public safety, defence, and aerospace as well as advanced manufacturing, environmental imaging, and healthcare. Drones support search and rescue efforts, natural disaster response, forest fire surveillance, environmental protection, support for rural and remote communities, and sovereignty and oversight in the Arctic and Northwest Passage.
Demand for Canadian-made drones is rising, fueled by security and cybersecurity needs best met through domestic development.
“Today’s industry demands a skilled workforce capable of manufacturing defence products in Canada,” said Dwayne Charette, President at Airbus Helicopters Canada. “Building a local ecosystem with expertise and capacity to fulfill the requirements of Canada’s defence interests would be a game changer right here in Niagara.”
The new programs build on 25 years of NC’s leadership in photonics education and address evolving industry needs and emerging technologies.
“With many Photonics graduates already building successful careers in defence, these new programs are the logical evolution of our photonics programs, and reflect the demand we know is there, while providing students with cutting-edge opportunities to advance drone technology and become leaders in the field,” said Bender.
NC has also launched a new, one-year Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate program, which equips students with the practical and theoretical expertise needed to secure digital systems and data.
Industry voices support
“With the increased use of drones, marine robotics, and ground-based rovers, we are moving to a more complex world especially in the defence sector. Learning advanced manufacturing techniques including the use of 3D printers to rapidly prototype, develop and manufacture drones is the future of Canadian defence. The hands-on experience Niagara College can provide, mixed with the increasing demand for skilled individuals in the mechanical, electronic, and robotic systems, this program really looks to shine.”
Simon Lyddiatt, Vice President of Bornea Dynamics Limited and NC alum (Electronics Engineering Technician, 2015).
“Canada has an increasingly important role to play in supplying advanced defense technologies for its own needs and for our NATO allies. Meeting these demands requires a strong domestic talent base, and programs like those being developed at Niagara College are essential to building the engineering and technical skills Canada needs. Strengthening this capability at home helps ensure Canada remains a reliable, capable partner in an increasingly complex global security environment.”
Carlo Salvarani, CEO, Shark Marine Technologies Inc.
Noah Note: Bravo to Niagara College for taking the important move to expand into defence-focused education. While still small and limited, it is still important for educational institutions to be active, participating members in the defence conversation.
It is a small step. It is still limited; however, it opens the door to future programs and collaborations down the road, and that is the important part. Well done!
How ironic that Niagara College takes the lead as it sits on the lands that the U.S. so vigorously tried to wrest the future Canada into the Union that most Loyalists didn’t trust, that the constitution that proclaimed it was “for the people” was not for people like them. I’d like to hear that its neighbouring Brock University, named after the greatest defender of Canadian sovereignty, will lift the banner of defence studies to the highest level to combine the elements of ‘how to” at the college level with the “where to” at the university level.