A new collaboration between the presidents of five universities, including Dr. Leo Groarke at Trent, and four colleges, together with municipal and economic development leaders, will focus a spotlight on educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in the municipal administration and community services sector. The Eastern Ontario Task Force is developing a Workforce Development Strategy and is engaged with municipal and community services as they prepare for a major generational change in the Eastern Ontario labour force.  

“Trent is pleased to be part of this significant Eastern Ontario post-secondary institution collaboration with Eastern Ontario municipalities and economic development agencies,” said John Knight, manager of corporate research partnerships in the Research Office at Trent University. “In the next few years our municipal collaborators are going to experience a wave of retirements, and we want to make sure our student graduates are aware of these new career opportunities. We also want to partner with Eastern Ontario regional economic agencies in attracting new investment to our region, with a specific focus on building awareness of our Trent Research and Innovation Park, and the advantages that Trent offers to clean technology companies”

The Workforce Development Strategy combines the efforts of nine educational institutions, including Trent, working with economic development agencies and municipal partners.

Together, Trent and the partner institutions will offer hundreds of online courses especially relevant to individuals developing careers in the municipal or community services sector. The task force’s work is also supported by the following: Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council, Eastern Ontario Mayor’s Committee and the Eastern Ontario Regional Network