This September, 25 senior high school students will step inside Canada’s largest technology park for a unique, hands-on learning experience designed to ignite future careers in tech.
Students enrolled in the School Within Innovative & Future Technologies (SWIFT) Program will learn in the heart of the Kanata North Technology Park. Their personalized learning pathways—aligned with Ontario’s Ministry of Education curriculum—will be enhanced by dedicating 50% of instruction to technology-driven programming led by industry professionals. This includes hands-on workshops, simulation labs, virtual reality, media production, and other immersive, real-world experiences.
“SWIFT is more than a learning opportunity – it’s a launchpad for Canada’s future tech talent,” says Kelly Daize, Executive Director of KNBA. “The secret sauce is bringing industry into the classroom, giving the students first-hand experience with the technology, tools, challenges, and breakthroughs that shape real-world careers. The goal is to have a technology focused High School in Canada’s largest technology park.”
The focus is to break down misconceptions, showcase the diversity of tech careers, and build confidence through practical, work-integrated learning. By immersing students with real companies, real projects, and real technologies, the program connects education directly to career pathways.
KNBA’s member companies will lead technical workshops, hackathons, mentorship sessions, tours and more. Students will also utilize the Hub350 spaces including the Ross Video media lab to document their experiences and enjoy full access to KNBA facilities and enjoy KNBA community programs such as volleyball and yoga, promoting both professional and personal development.
Backed by Industry Visionaries
The program has the support of Terry Matthews, tech pioneer and chairman of Wesley Clover.
“Educating young talent and introducing them to technology has always been a priority for me,” says Matthews. “This is exactly the kind of opportunity we need to nurture future innovators. There is no better place for students to explore tech than in, Kanata North, home to Canada’s largest tech park.”
A Different Kind of Classroom
“We always work to make our classrooms meaningful and relevant,” says Jennifer Coleman, Systems Principal of Student Success and Experiential Learning at OCDSB. “The outcomes from our students will be impressive and inspiring.”
Student recruitment and education delivery will be led by OCDSB, KNBA will provide the technology programming delivered by industry and SCC is responsible for the infrastructure, and the immersive technology experiences in the classroom.
“It creates this ultimate work-integrated learning experience,” says Brad Loiselle, CEO of Skills Council of Canada (“SCC”). “When students walk into our SkillsHub training environment, it’s going to be completely different from a typical high school. Every day will bring something new and innovative.”
Loiselle adds that SCC’s contribution includes setting up an immersive training center with gaming powered computers, a fully equipped virtual reality lab with dozens of headsets, several simulator rooms, an EV room, and 3D printing capabilities. In collaboration with KNBA and member companies, SCC is also helping shape curriculum pathways that reflect the latest industry needs—from semiconductors and mobility to AI, cybersecurity to innovation in skilled trades and green energy.
“Our role is to ensure students are immersed in real-world tech and develop the skills industry needs today and tomorrow,” Loiselle says. “SWIFT is a model for how education, industry, and community can come together to shape the future of talent development in Canada.”
Written by Jeff Buckstein, Ottawa Business Journal.
