George Brown College rebrands with construction focus

Key Takeaways:

• George Brown’s transition to a polytechnic marks a major step in workforce-focused education, emphasizing applied learning and aligning its programs with industry needs across construction and other sectors.
• The new Master of Construction Management program offers flexible, globally benchmarked training for working professionals, combining technical and executive-level management skills to prepare graduates for senior roles in the construction industry.
• Leaders from government, industry, and academia—including Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, former EllisDon CEO Geoff Smith, and Polytechnics Canada’s CEO—praised the initiative as a key driver of Ontario’s workforce development and Canada’s economic productivity.

The Whole Story:

George Brown College has officially transitioned to George Brown Polytechnic (GBP) and launched a Master of Construction Management program, signalling the institution’s commitment to advanced education and workforce development in the construction sector.

The one-year, three-semester MCM program offers flexible delivery through evening, weekend, and online classes designed for working professionals. The curriculum covers systems thinking, legal issues, strategic management, and productivity improvement, with content benchmarked against leading global programs from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.

“This transformation is not just a name change; it signifies our commitment to advancing education and workforce readiness,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic, in a news release. “The Master of Construction Management program reflects our dedication to equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry and bolster Canada’s productivity.”

The program prepares graduates for senior management roles and aims to bridge technical expertise with executive-level management skills. Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security approved the master’s program as part of the province’s workforce development strategy.

“George Brown Polytechnic’s Master of Construction Management program will ensure Ontario students gain the practical skills they need to lead major construction projects in communities across Ontario,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, in a statement.

Geoff Smith, Chancellor of George Brown Polytechnic and former CEO of EllisDon, noted the institution’s track record. “They produce job-ready graduates, including 200 in Toronto alone leading critical EllisDon projects,” Smith said in the release. “The master’s program will enhance the institution’s ability to train high-caliber talent.”

Sarah Watts-Rynard, CEO of Polytechnics Canada, highlighted the broader significance of the transition. “George Brown Polytechnic is a leader in addressing the challenges facing Canada’s economy. Graduates are workforce-ready from day one, thanks to training in environments that reflect real-world workplaces,” she said in a statement.