In response to the need for skilled workers to meet pressing industry requirements, Humber Polytechnic has evolved its program offerings with the launch of its first Master’s program in Advanced Manufacturing.  

The new program is designed to fill the existing skills gaps industry is facing and prepare a highly skilled workforce ready to tackle society’s key challenges brought on by shifting global trade dynamics and other factors.  

By bridging the talent gap, Humber is helping prepare a highly qualified workforce to propel the province’s economy forward and drive productivity – a metric that has been declining steadily over recent decades. 

The Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is distinct from existing Master’s programs in the province as it focuses on applied and interactive learning. 

“This Master’s program is more than a credential. It is a strategic investment for Ontario’s and Canada’s economic future,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic. “In today’s global climate where trade tensions and tariffs are reshaping supply chains, we must invest in building and keeping our manufacturing capacity here at home. We thank the Ontario government for allowing us to invest in homegrown talent that will help our province and Canada attract, retain, and grow the next generation of advanced manufacturing leaders. Our graduates will be the driving force behind domestic production and innovation for years to come.” 

The program was developed to meet the demands of industry and will help students find their edge by providing a Master’s-level education focused on implementing and optimizing advanced manufacturing technologies.  

“The Master's in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering from Humber Polytechnic will help address the skills gap in the manufacturing sector, equipping graduates with the expertise needed to drive innovation and boost Canada’s productivity,” said Vincent Travaglini, president and CEO, StackTeck. “Being a long-term partner of Humber Polytechnic, both our Mold Making and Automation value streams will welcome graduates from these programs. We look forward to continuing our work with Humber to drive impact in our industry.” 

Graduates of the program will be prepared to enhance efficiency, optimize automation and improve competitiveness within Ontario’s manufacturing sector. As global trade dynamics shift and disrupt supply chains, Canada is accelerating its capacity to innovate, manufacture and compete from within. The Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing directly addresses the critical talent gap that impacts the growth of domestic manufacturing.  

"The Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering will address the issue of low productivity in the manufacturing environment and will provide a platform for industry to implement Industry 4.0 and 5.0," said Shaun Ghafari, dean, Engineering with the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology. 

The two-year, six-semester program culminates with an Applied Research Industry Project in its final term. Its first cohort of students is scheduled for Fall 2026. 

A key feature of Humber’s program is that all research and scholarly activities within the program directly address industry challenges and can be conducted in real-world settings. Currently, no other program in Ontario’s post-secondary system is specifically designed to achieve these objectives and Humber is among a select group of post-secondary institutions, including in leading European countries, that deliver applied, industry-focused Master’s education in advanced manufacturing. 

The program will be housed at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI) with a curriculum designed in collaboration with industry partners that includes courses in advanced robotics, the Internet of Things, engineering leadership, production planning and control and smart maintenance. The program also benefits from the Barrett CTI’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Consortium, a group of nine advanced manufacturing partners that provide labs and learning spaces with the latest equipment and technology.    

“Humber Polytechnic’s Master's in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is a major development for the industry,” said Yarek Niedbala, vice-president of Technology Advancement, KUKA Robotics Canada Ltd. “This program will develop the highly skilled talent needed to drive automation, innovation, and productivity in Canada’s manufacturing sector. We’re excited to see its impact and continue our collaboration with Humber.” 

This program is one of the first to be launched as part of the Ontario government’s new initiative to allow colleges and polytechnics to deliver Master's level education in specialized and high-demand fields of study. 

More information can be found by visiting the Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering program webpage. 

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