Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson and Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli visit Humber’s Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation

The ministers participated in a meeting and facility tour that highlighted how students, industry, and applied learning come together to deliver practical, productivity-focused outcomes

By Chris Clay on
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A group of people stand together.

With federal leaders on hand and students’ award-winning skills on full display, Humber Polytechnic’s Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI) offered a firsthand look at how advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and industry collaboration are shaping the next generation of workforce talent while addressing Canada’s productivity challenges and energy needs. 

Humber President and CEO Ann Marie Vaughan was joined by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson and Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli on Dec. 18 for a meeting prior to the tour of the Barrett CTI.  

Bob Barrett, a longtime supporter of Humber, as well as the chairman of Polytainers, and co-founder of The Barrett Family Foundation was in attendance and had the opportunity to share his story and vision behind the Barrett Centre with the Ministers. Industry partners including Peter Hass, general manager, Stelumar, and Todd Smith, vice-president Marketing and Business Development, CANDU Energy Inc. were also present and spoke about the benefits of their organizations’ respective partnerships with Humber. 

A powerhouse of technical innovation 

The 93,000 sq. ft. Barrett CTI facility located at Humber’s North Campus is designed to be a powerhouse of technical innovation and has become a living lab for mechatronics, automation and advanced manufacturing as students learn alongside representatives from leading companies in mobile technology, sensor technology, robotics, additive manufacturing and collaborative digital technologies. This technology and training prepare students to be leaders in STEAM fields.     

The tour included stops at the Magna Mechatronics Skills Training Room and the CISCO Digital Transformation Zone where the guests were introduced to Skills Competition training and the various research projects underway. 

A group of people stand together in front of a CISCO sign.

The Minister and Secretary were shown Humber's PV Smartflower, which is equipped with solar panels and follows the sun throughout the day, just like a sunflower. The electricity it generates is controlled by Humber’s SMART Lab.  

The tour focused on demonstrating Humber’s commitment to supporting government and industry by continuing to develop the skilled workforce needed to expand generation capacity and strengthen energy security as the demand for electricity surges across the country. 

For example, Humber’s School of Clean Energy trains learners in nuclear technology, smart grids, battery storage, AI-enabled energy systems, and cybersecurity. Through strategic partnerships with the Canadian Nuclear Association and AtkinsRéalis/CANDU, Humber is preparing talent across disciplines to meet national workforce needs in nuclear, clean energy and grid modernization.  

As well, Humber is working to create a pipeline of students to meet the needs of the rapidly growing modular homebuilding industry.  

Delivering practical and scalable solutions 

Emphasized during the tour was Humber’s focus on delivering practical, scalable solutions that help government and industry meet clean-energy targets, accelerate project timelines and strengthen Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness.  

Also featured was how the Barrett CTI is home to the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Consortium, a group of nine leading industry partners who work with Humber to train students and employees of Canadian companies.  

“The Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation shows what is possible when post-secondary education, industry and government come together with a shared commitment,” said Vaughan. “At Humber, we’re focused on developing the highly skilled talent and applied solutions Canada needs to boost productivity, strengthen energy security and compete globally. By giving students hands-on experience with advanced technologies and real industry challenges, we’re preparing the next generation of leaders to drive Canada's productivity, accelerate the clean-energy transition and support long-term economic growth.” 

The tour included a chance to connect with some impressive Humber students and recent graduates. Hodgson and Zerucelli met with Electromechanical Engineering Technology students Grant Maddock and Cole Hunter, who earlier this year earned a gold medal in the Mechatronics Team of Two division at the Skills Canada National Competition. They won gold in the same division at last year’s competition and have qualified for the WorldSkills International Shanghai 2026 Competition. 

Four people stand together and are talking to each other in front of a mechatronics system.

They met with Electromechanical Engineering Technology graduates Paxton Coghlin and Dillon Kong. Last year, the duo proudly represented Humber on the international stage as they competed at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France. Competing in the Mechatronics division, the two were awarded a Medallion for Excellence.  

After seeing the many banners celebrating the medals won by Humber students at Skills competitions, Minister Hodgson joked the students and recent graduates were “like (NHL superstar) Connor McDavid.” 

More information can be found by visiting the Barrett CTI website.