George Brown College

Teaching Tomorrow's
Skills Today

Impact Report 2018–2019

Three students socialize with each other.

As technological advances transform Ontario’s labour market, George Brown College is preparing the innovative, adaptable graduates our province needs to fill emerging jobs in new sectors. Blending theory with experiential learning, applied research and entrepreneurship opportunities, our programs deliver the skills industry needs most — both now and into the future — and prepare learners to thrive in a world of rapid change.

Our three campuses anchor neighbourhoods throughout Toronto, supporting the growth of our city and the success of its diverse communities. George Brown is integral to the social and economic success of Ontario.

PDF Impact Report PDF

Strengthening Our Economy

A strong economy requires a highly skilled workforce. George Brown programs are developed in consultation with industry and designed to meet the rapidly changing needs of the labour market. We connect employers to top talent, train and retrain students to meet evolving industry needs, and help fill critical vacancies across the GTA and beyond.

George Brown College has partnered with more than
5,000
5,000
companies this year.
91%
91%
of employers are satisfied with the George Brown graduates they’ve
hired. [1]

Why Students Come
to George Brown [2]

Pie chart of why students come to George Brown Pie chart of why students come to George Brown
48%
to start their careers
22%
to change careers
15%
to advance in their current careers
13%
to prepare for further post-secondary study
Map of the Greater Toronto Area
69%
of students plan to work in the GTA after
graduation. [3]

George Brown College logo
26,417
companies employ George Brown College
graduates. [4]

Enhancing Workplace Readiness

To ensure a smooth transition into the labour market, we’ve made experiential learning a top priority. George Brown students have meaningful access to industry through work-integrated learning opportunities, industry projects, interactive simulations, capstone projects and more, enabling them to develop the technical skills and soft skills employers value most.

98%
of George Brown’s career-focused programs* include at least one experiential learning
opportunity. [5]

*Excludes upgrading and preparatory programs.

Three people

These experiences matter greatly to our community:

Nearly 2/3 of students said the opportunity to get work experience is what makes George Brown stand out from other colleges and universities.[6]

George Brown students completed work or study abroad experiences in

27 COUNTRIES

gaining valuable international experience.[7]

World map indicating countries where George Brown students complete work or study abroad experiences
World map indicating countries where George Brown students complete work or study abroad experiences
World map indicating countries where George Brown students complete work or study abroad experiences
Australia
Austria
Bangladesh
Belgium
Brazil
China
Denmark
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Italy
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
UK
USA
Vietnam
Australia
Austria
Bangladesh
Belgium
Brazil
China
Denmark
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Italy
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
UK
USA
Vietnam
Australia
Austria
Bangladesh
Belgium
Brazil
China
Denmark
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Italy
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
UK
USA
Vietnam
Australia
Austria
Bangladesh
Belgium
Brazil
China
Denmark
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Italy
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
UK
USA
Vietnam

Soft skills in the age of AI

From driverless cars to robots that can interpret medical images or analyze stocks, artificial intelligence is transforming the job market. While technical skills will always be essential, job seekers also need to hone their soft skills — those uniquely human capabilities that robots lack. At George Brown, we’re helping students build soft skills in three key areas:
Interpersonal Capabilities

Self-awareness, self-regulation, stress management, resilience, interpersonal communication, empathy, social responsibility, openness and adaptability to cultural and other diversity, collaborative teamwork.

Adaptability

Flexibility, resilience, initiative, creativity, entrepreneurship, openness to continual lifelong learning.

Complex Thinking

Analytical and critical thinking, complex problem-solving, insight, resourcefulness, novel and adaptive thinking, data, digital and media literacy.

Supporting Industry Partners

As one of Ontario’s top research colleges, we support small and medium-sized businesses in accessing the expertise, equipment and funding support they need to develop innovative products and services. Working with students and employees in state-of-the-art facilities, our partners conduct applied research projects ranging from food and beverage development to sustainable construction, while helping prepare job-ready graduates with the skills to innovate and lead.

$6,904,111

in applied research funding
received this year.

$996,004

industry contributions

$4,296,058

external grant funding

$1,612,049

institutional funds

118

partners worked with us to design, prototype or test new products and services

8

micro businesses

18

large businesses

92

small and medium-sized enterprises

including

28

start-ups

118

partners worked with us to design, prototype or test new products and services

8

micro businesses

92

small and medium-sized enterprises

18

large businesses

including

28

start-ups

Graphic of Toronto skyline
533

prototypes

51

new products

5

new services

were developed with support from our applied research teams.[8]

118

partners worked with us to design, prototype or test new products and services

8

micro businesses

92

small and medium-sized enterprises

18

large businesses

including

28

start-ups

Graphic of Toronto skyline
533

prototypes

51

new products

5

new services

were developed with support from our applied research teams.[9]

Student looks at a computer screen
Digital Experience
Hospitality student pours a cocktail
Food & Beverage
Students interact on a rooftop patio
Intelligent Built Environments
8
research areas of focus where industry and community partners access vital research and development support from the college’s academic centres.
Student works in mechanical engineering lab
Product Development
A group of students cheering
Social Innovation
Fashion student works on a pattern with an instructor
Fashion
Students interact with a client who has a prosthetic device
Health & Wellness
A teacher and student look at a book together
Teaching & Learning
8
research areas of focus where industry and community partners access vital research and development support from the college’s academic centres.
Student looks at a computer screen
Digital
Experience
Fashion student works on a pattern with an instructor
Fashion
Hospitality student pours a cocktail
Food
& Beverage
Students interact with a client who has a prosthetic device
Health
& Wellness
Students interact on a rooftop patio
Intelligent Built
Environments
Student works in mechanical engineering lab
Product
Development
A group of students cheering
Social
Innovation
A teacher and student look at a book together
Teaching
& Learning
8
research areas of focus where industry and community partners access vital research and development support from the college’s academic centres.
Student looks at a computer screen
Digital Experience
Hospitality student pours a cocktail
Food & Beverage
Students interact on a rooftop patio
Intelligent Built Environments
A group of students cheering
Social Innovation
Fashion student works on a pattern with an instructor
Fashion
Students interact with a client who has a prosthetic device
Health & Wellness
Student works in mechanical engineering lab
Product Development
A teacher and student look at a book together
Teaching & Learning

Fostering Entrepreneurship

At George Brown, we see entrepreneurship as a powerful way for students and graduates to build new skills, bring their creative ideas to life and prepare for success in the innovation economy. Our entrepreneurship hub, startGBC, offers a dedicated co-working space, mentorship opportunities, workshops and other resources for participants from all areas of study.

117
117
start-ups were supported by George Brown this year through startGBC, the Digital Media & Gaming Incubator, and Enactus. [9]


startGBC Digital Media & Gaming Incubator Enactus

startGBC clients brought

224 new products to market

launched

49 new services

and incorporated

10 new companies


Icon of hand holding a dollar sign
The annual revenue of entrepreneurs supported by startGBC this year was more than
$1.6 million.[10]


Icon of hand holding a dollar sign
72%
72%

of students want to develop their entrepreneurship skills, and they’re finding the support they need at George Brown.[11]

2,621
2,621

students were engaged through entrepreneurship-related workshops, outreach events and activities this year.[12]

27
27

George Brown courses teach entrepreneurship and small business management skills.



Empowering Diverse Learners

Students come to George Brown at all ages and stages, from varied social, cultural and economic backgrounds. We’re committed to making post-secondary education accessible to all, through pathway programs and support services that meet the unique needs of our diverse learning community.

Backpack icon
36%
of students are the first in their family to receive post-secondary education.
Globe icon
80%
of first-semester students were born outside of Canada or have at least one parent who was born outside of Canada.[13]

4,128
people were supported by Community Partnerships Office programs focused on overcoming barriers to post-secondary education, including: [14]
recent immigrants
single parents
at-risk youth
unemployed/ underemployed people
mental health survivors
recent immigrants
unemployed/underemployed people
single parents
mental health survivors
at-risk youth
Icon of person climbing stairs
739
739

students got the academic upgrading support they needed to enter a post-secondary program. [15]

George Brown College Foundation

raised more than

$5 million

in revenue for scholarships, capital and special projects.

disbursed more than

1,250

scholarships worth

$1.5 million[16]

These scholarships and projects were made possible by the generosity of our donors.

PDF George Brown College Foundation PDF

Helping Neighbourhoods Thrive

Our campuses are woven into the fabric of Toronto’s diverse communities, with many students providing services to our neighbours as part of their experiential learning. As the college grows, we’re helping our city grow – both by anchoring new communities along Toronto’s waterfront and by educating a new generation of nurses, early childhood educators, entrepreneurs, construction managers, chefs, gerontology workers, business and community leaders, volunteers and more.

7,093
7,093

community members supported by our student-operated health and wellness clinics and childcare centres.[17]

7,907
7,907

audience members attended our theatre productions.[18]

149,600
149,600

transactions completed at our student-operated restaurants: The Chefs' House, The Café, Chef on the Run. [19]

1,683
1,683

sales made at our fashion and design stores: IN Store, City Uptown, City Downtown.[20]

2,877
2,877

spa services provided by our School of Makeup and Esthetics. [21]

Waterfront Campus Expansion

This year, we expanded our Waterfront Campus with a new School of Design facility, adding more than 100,000 square feet of hands-on learning and industry research space. As the home of our Innovation Exchange — a living lab that tests commercial ideas, concepts and user functionality — this state-of-the-art facility is preparing students to become the design leaders of tomorrow, while helping businesses adapt to digital disruption and the smart economy.

Exterior of the new School of Design facility at the Waterfront Campus.

This year, we expanded our Waterfront Campus with a new School of Design facility, adding more than 100,000 square feet of hands-on learning and industry research space. As the home of our Innovation Exchange — a living lab that tests commercial ideas, concepts and user functionality — this state-of-the-art facility is preparing students to become the design leaders of tomorrow, while helping businesses adapt to digital disruption and the smart economy.

Rendering of The Arbour.

In 2021, we’ll grow again with the construction of Ontario’s first mass-timber, low-carbon institutional building. The Arbour will be home to our School of Computer Technology, School of Architectural Studies, a childcare centre and a research hub focused on mass-timber construction. The modern, sustainable design by Moriyama & Teshima Architects and Acton Ostry Architects is already being recognized for its innovation:

Sustainability Prize at the 2019 MIPIM/Architectural Review Future Project Awards

First Award in the Institutional Concept category at Rethinking the Future’s 2018 Architecture, Construction & Design Awards

2018 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence

Rendering of The Arbour
Rendering of
The Arbour

George Brown College At a Glance

STUDENT ENROLMENT
2018 – 2019

31,557

full-time students
(including 922 apprentices)

2,988

part-time students

65,828

Continuing Education registrations

Icons of buildings
27%
27%

international students
Icon of airplane circling the globe
Icon of airplane circling the globe
Icon of airplane circling the globe

PROGRAMS OFFERED

171
full-time
programs
200
Continuing Education Certificates/Designations
Students take notes in class
19
Centre for Preparatory & Liberal Studies programs

Including:

  • Ontario’s only College Vocational program, a job-readiness program designed to support people with mild intellectual disabilities.
Design students work in a computer lab
44
Centre for Arts, Design & Information Technology programs

Including:

Close-up of sign language interpreter's hands
12
Centre for Community Services & Early Childhood programs

Including:

Health sciences students practice on a simulated patient
25
Centre for Health Sciences programs

Including:

Student in a chef's uniform plans a menu
17
Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts programs

Including:

Student in a hard hat works on a construction site
29
Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies programs

Including:

  • An Architectural Technology program that offers a pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree from the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology in Denmark.
Business students conduct a meeting
25
Centre for Business programs

Including:

  • Sport and Event Marketing, which has developed industry leaders such as Shannon Hosford, Chief Marketing Officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, and Dan MacKenzie, President of the Canadian Hockey League.

EMPLOYEES

Pie chart of full-time employees Pie chart of full-time employees
1,453

Full-time Employees
681
Support Staff
554
Faculty
218
Administrative Staff
Pie chart of part-time employees Pie chart of part-time employees
3,693

Part-time Employees
462
Continuing
Education
1,488
Support Staff
1,677
Faculty
66
Administrative
Staff
Greater Toronto's Top 2019 Employers logo

George Brown was named one of
Greater Toronto's Top 100 Employers for 2019.



Revenues & Expenditures 2018 – 2019

Operating Revenue by Source

  • $141M Ontario Government
  • $21M Federal Government
  • $225M Student Fees
  • $34M Ancillary
  • $12M Other
$433M

Operating Expenditures

  • $248M Salaries & Benefits
  • $90M Supplies and Other Expenses
  • $57M Plant, Property and Capital
    Amortization
  • $7M Scholarships & Bursaries
$402M

Operating Revenue by Source

  • $141M Ontario Government
  • $21M Federal Government
  • $225M Student Fees
  • $34M Ancillary
  • $12M Other

Operating Expenditures

  • $248M Salaries & Benefits
  • $90M Supplies and Other Expenses
  • $57M Plant, Property and Capital
    Amortization
  • $7M Scholarships & Bursaries
$433M
$402M
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Footnotes

  1. Key Performance Indicators, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Nov. 19, 2018
  2. GBC Student Poll #6, March 26-April 1, 2019, Institutional Research, George Brown College
  3. GBC Student Poll #3, Nov. 27–Dec. 7, 2018, Institutional Research, George Brown College
  4. George Brown College Alumni Relations Raiser’s Edge Database, results as of March 2019
  5. Enrolment Planning and Reporting Department, George Brown College
  6. GBC Student Poll #1, Sept 27-Oct 8, 2018, Institutional Research, George Brown College
  7. International Centre, George Brown College
  8. Research & Innovation, George Brown College
  9. startGBC, Digital Media & Gaming Incubator, Enactus GBC, George Brown College
  10. Campus Linked Accelerators and Ontario Centres of Excellence Annual Client Metrics 2018-19, George Brown College
  11. GBC Student Poll #2, Oct. 26-Nov. 4, 2018, Institutional Research, George Brown College
  12. startGBC, George Brown College
  13. 2018 Student Characteristics Study. Research & Evaluation, Office of the VP, Student Success
  14. Community Partnerships Office, George Brown College
  15. Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies, George Brown College
  16. George Brown College Foundation
  17. Centre for Health Sciences, School of Early Childhood, George Brown College
  18. Theatre School, George Brown College
  19. Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts, George Brown College
  20. Centre for Arts, Design & Information Technology, George Brown College
  21. School of Makeup & Esthetics, George Brown College

This Impact Report was designed by Graphic Design student Lee Jong and Interaction Design and Development student Gwen Chiasson, as part of the experiential learning initiative at George Brown’s IN design studio.