Canadian institutions detailed programs and training opportunities across various fields of knowledge during the event, held in August
By Pedro Augusto
Artificial intelligence applied to education and the digital transformation of teaching took center stage in discussions at the Brazil-Canada Education Forum, organized by the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC). Held on August 20, the event brought together representatives from Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC), the Consulate General of Canada, the CCBC itself and educational institutions from both countries, as well as Brazilian schools and students seeking educational opportunities in Canada.
For William Bertaiolli, coordinator of the CCBC Education Committee and Brazil Manager at Sault College, the event strengthened the collaboration among different stakeholders in the education sector around the goal of deepening ties between Brazil and Canada. “It was a joint effort, bringing together relevant content to continue building this bridge,” he said. According to him, the mission of the CCBC Education Committee is precisely to bring the Canadian and Brazilian education sectors closer together.
Throughout the program, the Forum explored the educational connections between the two countries and presented different perspectives on education and the labor market. “We had institutions discussing the engineering, communications, entertainment, healthcare and technology markets — essential content for those building this connection between the two countries,” Bertaiolli highlighted.
Among the topics discussed, artificial intelligence applied to education and digital learning stood out in the presentations. Representing the MEC, Filipe Girardi, Head of the International Affairs Advisory Office, identified these areas as some of the most promising opportunities for expanding cooperation between Brazil and Canada. “When we look to the future, we see promising opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence applied to education,” he said. In another address, he reinforced the urgency of using new technologies, including AI, to improve learning, support teachers and expand educational opportunities.
SAIT
Representing the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Vitor Moraes, who oversees the institution’s international operations in Brazil, highlighted the strong connection between technology and Alberta’s economic demands, citing areas such as energy, cybersecurity, cloud computing, automation, software development and data analytics. In presenting the institution’s work, he also emphasized its infrastructure for preparing professionals to address real-world market challenges, including the Cyber Range, an environment designed to train students in response to the growing number of cyberattacks in the Calgary region.
For Moraes, this alignment between education and the labor market is one of SAIT’s key differentiators. “SAIT’s goal is to prepare students and professionals to stand out in the job market, both in Canada and here in Brazil,” he said.
Langara College
Julia Facchini, Langara College’s Marketing representative for Brazil and the Caribbean, presented the institution’s educational model in Vancouver, highlighting the freedom students have to build different academic pathways. Options include shorter programs with an applied focus on the labor market, as well as the University Transfer model, which allows students to begin their studies at the college and later transfer credits to universities such as the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU).
According to Facchini, the model allows students to combine more practical training with the opportunity to continue their studies at leading institutions. “This flexibility allows students to start in a broader field and complete their education in a more specific career aligned with the work they want to pursue,” she said.
University of Niagara Falls Canada
Created as part of an economic development plan for Niagara Falls, the University of Niagara Falls Canada has shaped its academic offerings around the region’s professional demands, with programs focused on areas such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, management and artificial intelligence. The institution also seeks to expand options for students considering destinations beyond Canada’s major urban centers, such as Toronto and Vancouver.
For Carolina Vayda, the university’s Business Development representative, this connection between education and the labor market is essential to the development of new educational destinations. “These programs exist because there is demand for professionals in the region,” she said.
Douglas College
Douglas College, a public institution located in the Greater Vancouver area, presented its postgraduate options, focused on upskilling and developing the competencies most in demand in the Canadian labor market. With more than 30 postgraduate programs among its more than 100 options for international students, the institution offers programs in areas such as technology, data analytics, marketing, finance, logistics, compliance and ESG, with an emphasis on practical training and industry connections.
“We will work to ensure that you develop skills aligned with market needs, always with a strong focus on practical learning,” said Natalia Horta, Douglas College’s International Recruitment Specialist for Brazil and the Southern Cone.
Sault College
Sault College presented its educational offerings in some of the areas with the highest demand in Canada, including engineering, skilled trades, technology, healthcare and sustainability. Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the institution is part of a region with strong industrial activity, home to companies in the steel, manufacturing, energy and aircraft maintenance sectors. This creates opportunities for qualified professionals and students seeking an education closely connected to the labor market.
Presenting this landscape, William Bertaiolli, Sault College’s Regional Manager in Brazil and National Lead, highlighted the strong complementarity between Canadian demand and the availability of Brazilian professionals. “Canada has a demand for qualified professionals, and Brazil has this specialized workforce. Brazil can contribute significantly to Canada’s development,” he said.
University Canada West
The growth of startups, technology companies and small businesses is expanding professional opportunities in Canada, particularly in regions such as British Columbia. During the CCBC Education Forum, University Canada West (UCW) presented the country’s business and entrepreneurship ecosystem, highlighting the importance of education, networking and connections between universities and the labor market for those seeking to build an international career.
Camila Santo Andrea, Business Development Manager at University Canada West, emphasized that the university environment can provide important support both for those who want to become entrepreneurs and for professionals seeking opportunities at established companies. “One of the greatest benefits of joining a college is becoming part of this community in Canada — the networking,” she said.
