News

Centre will focus on training and development in Real Time-3D Platform

(BRAMPTON, ON- December 8, 2022): Algoma University, in partnership with Unity, recently launched the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) to accelerate innovative new education, training and research opportunities during a special announcement at the Alderlea in downtown Brampton. The partnership will develop new programming opportunities for prospective students to support the anticipated exponential growth of augmented and virtual reality applications occurring in various occupational sectors across the globe.

Upskilling and reskilling are critical for any learner today thinking about being competitive in tomorrow’s job market. A recent study by PWC noted that by 2030, 23.5 million jobs worldwide will be using augmented and virtual reality. By partnering with Unity, the leading platform for creating and operating interactive content, Algoma is upskilling local talent, closing a skills gap, and building a talent pipeline for positive economic growth. Educational programming and spin-off research activity will further strengthen the Innovation Hub ecosystem in Brampton while providing new synergies between the University and local school boards, community organizations and industry.

“The National Centre of Excellence and Unity’s innovative technology are just the beginning of something big,” shared President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina. “We know the city of Brampton has aspirations to position itself as a key player within the innovation space with its location in the middle of Canada’s Innovation Corridor, and we are committed to playing a key role in this transformation.”

Programs facilitated by Algoma’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) division and academic units, such as the School of Computer Science and Technology (SCST), are slated to commence as early as May 2023.  Programming will include Information Technology (IT) post-graduate certificates, coding summer camps, micro-credentials in technology, and more. Led by faculty in the School of Computer Science and Technology, the NCoE will focus on advancing research and programs in Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and the development of related solutions in computing.

The National Centre of Excellence will also serve Algoma’s campus communities in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Guided by Algoma’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, unique programming opportunities will be made available to underrepresented populations, including Indigenous and Black youth.

“The biggest change between the workforce today and the workforce in 2030 will be the demand for advanced IT and programming skills,” said Stuart Trafford, Senior Manager, Channel Partner Development, Unity. “Through this partnership, we’re proud to equip Algoma University with the resources to better prepare learners for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Those interested in learning more about the Algoma University National Centre of Excellence, in partnership with Unity, are encouraged to contact info@algomau.ca.

November 25, 2022

By Woodrow Kolomvos, Contributing Writer for Bramptonist

See Full Article by clicking here.

As November comes to its end, residents of Brampton are in for a special treat to continue the celebration of this year’s holiday season with the Shine Bright Holiday Market.

This holiday market event will feature 18 craft, artisan, and food vendors, along with a handful of local businesses creating handmade gifts that are perfect for sharing with the ones you love. Brampton families can look forward to an appearance from Santa, as he will be visiting from the North Pole to stroll around Garden Square and chat with residents. Santa’s elves will also be attending to entertain attendees with magic, balloons, juggling and more.

Hosted by Hello Local, a platform created to support local small businesses and charities across Canada, in partnership with Downtown Brampton BIA, this event is the first of its kind for the downtown.

For Hello Local founder and event organizer, Linda, the Shine Bright Holiday Market is special for the residents of Brampton because, “The Shine Bright Holiday Market is a free event that brings the community together to kick off the holiday spirit.” She remarked that, “Residents of Brampton can indulge in festive drinks and food, enjoy holiday movies and music, take photos with Santa as well as shop for handmade, one-of-a-kind gift ideas from local small businesses, of which some are also residents of Brampton themselves.”

Hello Local is no stranger to supporting local businesses. In the platform’s first blog, “Why Shop Local”, published in 2021, they emphasized what it really means to shop local, explaining that, “Shopping local means supporting a small business owner’s dreams, supporting a local family with their day-to-day expenses so they can get by, and supporting our economy by putting money back into it.” Since its founding, Hello Local has hosted several events such as Green Markets (sustainable, eco-friendly and vegan products), Sweet Markets (food and dessert products), Mall Markets, and Streetsville Fall and Christmas Markets.

For Downtown Brampton, Linda highlighted that “The Shine Bright Holiday Market positively contributes to the businesses of Brampton, as there are a few local Downtown Brampton businesses participating in the event. Residents can partake in the festivities and then spend the day in Downtown Brampton to check out the local shops and restaurants.”

After a few difficult years following the COVID-19 quarantine lockdowns and, the current economic uncertainty, there is no time like now for residents of the downtown to head out and explore what local businesses have to offer and contribute to their communities.

The future is bright for Hello Local and their exciting steps into Brampton. This is only the beginning for their partnership with Downtown Brampton BIA, as after the Shine Bright Holiday Market, they will be back right, this time in Vivian Lane, with a smaller Holiday Pop-up Market that will continue every Saturday through December. This pop-up market will also host a Fill-A-Bus Donation Drive in support of Regeneration, a 365-day facility that offers several life-giving programs and services throughout Brampton.

When asked about what residents of Brampton can look forward to from Hello Local, Linda had this to say, “Hello Local organizes and curates other events in various locations across the GTA and Montreal and we hope to bring those fun and successful events to the residents of Brampton. You can check out our past events as well as upcoming events on our website: hellolocalshops.com. Thank you!”

The Shine Bright Holiday Market will be happening on Saturday, November 26th, from 10AM to 6PM in Garden Square. The Shine Bright Holiday Pop-Up Market will happen on November 27th from 10AM to 4PM in Vivian Lane, and return on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th. If you would like to learn more about the markets, check out the events page.