Schneider Electric and Centennial College Team Up to Advance Future-Ready Skills, Innovation and Sustainability
MILTON, Ontario, October 22, 2026--Schneider Electric Canada, a global energy technology leader, and Centennial College today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The two will explore a collaboration focused on advancing workforce development, experiential learning, applied research, innovation and sustainability. The agreement establishes a framework for the organizations to identify and pursue opportunities that help prepare students for the future of work, while supporting Canada's evolving innovation economy.
The collaboration combines Schneider Electric's expertise in electrification, automation and digitalization with Centennial College's commitment to applied learning, industry collaboration and workforce development. It is intended to support greater connections between industry and academia while creating opportunities to advance talent development, future skills readiness and technology-driven innovation.
Potential areas of focus include industry-informed education, work-integrated learning, digital transformation, smart technologies and sustainability initiatives that support decarbonization and energy efficiency.
"Strong collaboration between industry and education is essential to preparing the workforce of tomorrow," said Hugo Lafontaine, Vice President, Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric Canada. "As Executive Chair of our Educational Committee, strengthening the connection between education and industry is an area I'm deeply passionate about. Through this collaboration with Centennial College, we look forward to exploring opportunities that connect students with real-world experiences, emerging technologies and the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital, electrified and sustainable economy. Together, we can help foster innovation, support talent development and create meaningful pathways between the classroom and the workplace."
"The energy transition is a people transition," said Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO, Centennial College. "Canada will need about 130,000 more skilled workers to double our electricity supply by 2050, and no college can train them on its own. This partnership connects our students with Schneider Electric's technology, expertise and real-world challenges – in the classroom, in the lab and on the job – helping deliver on our mission of education for career success."
By bringing together industry expertise, applied learning and emerging technologies, the collaboration aims to create new opportunities for students, educators and industry partners while contributing to a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future.