Waterloo benefits from having three of Canada’s most highly-regarded post-secondary institutions – the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College.
For tech companies looking to grow, these schools are an incredible resource with a multitude of tech-specific programs.
While our “Tapping Talent: Tech Talent in Waterloo” booklet covers the Waterloo tech labour market in more detail – including experienced talent and cost comparisons – here’s a quick overview of how each school feeds the top-quality talent needs of tech companies locating in our community:
University of Waterloo
One of the top technical schools in North America, the University of Waterloo has Canada’s #1 Computer Science program, #2 Engineering program and the world’s largest collection of math and computer science talent.
Students are also top-quality – in 2018, more than 85% of students entering the Software Engineering program qualified with a 95% average in secondary school.
This school is also home to the world’s largest co-operative education program, which means the majority of their tech-oriented students graduate with two years of paid on-the-job experience.
Some relevant programs include:
- Software Engineering
- Nanotechnology Engineering
- Computer Science
Wilfrid Laurier University
Home to the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University plays a key role in developing the business talent needed to help tech companies grow.
In fact, the Lazaridis School specializes in technology management. Wilfrid Laurier University also claims Canada’s largest business-specific co-operative education program, which means hires from this school are work-ready.
Some relevant programs include:
- Business Technology Management
- Business Administration and Computer Science (double degree)
- Data Science
Conestoga College
One of the top polytechnic institutes in Ontario, Conestoga College specializes in producing work-ready talent, and has a particular strength in information technology and engineering programs. In fact, it’s the only college in Ontario accredited to issue engineering degrees.
Some programs that tech companies can recruit from include:
- Software Engineering Technology
- Big Data Solution Architecture
- Electronic Systems Engineering
Want more information about Waterloo’s tech talent pipeline and cost comparisons with Boston, New York, Toronto and Silicon Valley?