An interview with Frank Sorochinsky, President, George Brown College

Q.What are some of the most popular programs at George Brown College?

A.A while ago, we decided to focus on creating centres of excellence that related to sectors that are vital, both for the economic and the social well being of Toronto and the surrounding area. We have a Financial Services Centre of Excellence because of the heavy concentration of financial services jobs. We're focusing our programs so they are connected with that sector, from the point of view of jobs and careers. Students coming in will get to experience the sector for themselves.

The programs are designed with the sector's involvement. They ensure the programs are relevant, the material is relevant and current, and that it will help students prepare for the future. There is a strong practical component to our programs as well -- each one offers co-op experience within the sector. Students can experience what the culture is like firsthand.

Q.What is another hot area at the school?

A.Microelectronics is a foundational technology course that involves many industries. We have 35 partners that work with us in these programs to prepare students for entry into a wide variety of work in that sector, whether it's a small emerging high tech business or a large company.

Another area is the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Building Technologies. As the population ages, so does the infrastructure, so our focus is to bring together the most modern technology to deal with the restoration of large commercial buildings and other structures. The program couples construction with renovation and restoration to create a cycle of construction.

We have a strong nursing program and many other health-related programs as well. Given the demographic of the population, there is a tremendous need -- some might say it's a crisis -- for healthcare workers, so we are focusing our programming in that direction. We are working with Ryerson University, and we now offer a collaborative, four-year nursing program, where students get the advantage of what we offer and what Ryerson offers.

Q.What kind of opportunities are there in hospitality and tourism?

A.Toronto is the single largest tourist destination in Canada, and as a result there are a lot of employment opportunities in hospitality and tourism. We have a strong program in both the culinary area, hotel management and tourism management.

We have arrangements with various hotels and restaurants where students can gain practical experience with them. The programs themselves are very practical, and we have labs very much like those in industry. We also have a restaurant on campus that gives students an opportunity to show off their stuff.

Q.What about the school makes you most proud?

A.The students leaving here and going out and making a difference in areas important to Toronto from a social and economic point of view. In our community service programs, we have a relationship with more than 1,800 social agencies, so there's a strong connection on the social front as well. We prepare students to work to help make Toronto a better place to work and live.

Nothing excites me more than seeing a student come in from the front end with trepidation, a level of expectation and nervousness, and seeing them develop over the course of their program.

Q.What is in the future for George Brown?

A.I think the financial services area is one where we are expanding rapidly, as well as microelectronics. We've been growing substantially, and we currently have $50 million in capital expansion to accommodate future students.



Next Story

Big brother is watching you

Jumping on the 'brand' wagon

UP & RUNNING- Build a better business than your boss

HEALTH CONNECTION- U of T hosts ALS chair

YOUTH FORCE- No Grade 12 diploma not an obstacle

Think work is boring?

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- A world of opportunities

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- A world of knowledge awaits job seekers

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- Put your best foot forward

THE NATIONAL JOB FAIR- Maximize your prospects

2005 Archives -- 2004 Archives

2003 Archives -- 2002 Archives