As engineering continues to evolve in response to rapid technological advancements, educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
At the forefront of this transformation is Dr. Shaun Ghafari, Ph.D., P.Eng., the Dean of Engineering at Humber Polytechnic. With an extensive background in engineering education, applied research, and industry collaboration, Dr. Ghafari is guiding Humber Polytechnic toward a future that prioritizes hands-on learning, digital skills, and sustainability.
In this interview, Dr. Ghafari discusses the evolving role of engineering education, how Humber is adapting to industry demands, and the importance of experiential learning. He also shares insights into the institution’s commitment to ethical and sustainable engineering practices, as well as its efforts to prepare students for lifelong career success in a fast-changing world.
How has the role of education in engineering evolved over the years, especially with the rise of new technologies?
SG: Today’s skills-based and knowledge-based economy requires highly qualified skilled workforce who can creatively approach and solve multidisciplinary, open-ended problems on a global landscape.
Humber Polytechnic is meeting the needs of a changing and in-demand industry by developing multiple opportunities for learners to gain a competitive advantage. Delivering a polytechnic model of education means that the school’s programs are career-focused and responsive to changes in competitive global job markets.
One of the largest polytechnics in Canada, Humber is bolstering its technology and engineering programs to meet the growing demand for skilled designers and builders, while also incorporating AI elements in a wide range of programs outside the traditionally technical fields. Humber is also exploring new teaching methods that use AI to optimize learners’ experiences.
In your opinion, what are the key skills and knowledge that an engineering education at Humber does to prepare students for the challenges of the modern industry?
SG: Enhancing skills for the digital age is crucial for employability.
Humber continues to evolve and enhance teaching and learning within the digital space. Recognizing that people must continue to advance their digital competencies with the pace of technological change, Humber is enhancing the knowledge and skills of its community to ensure they can work and learn in these new environments.
In addition, our engineering programs provide a unique opportunity for our students to gain hands on experience with the newest technology in emerging technologies such as robotics, IoT, and machine learning.
How important is hands-on experience (labs, internships, projects, etc.) compared to theoretical knowledge in engineering education?
SG: As Canada’s most comprehensive higher education institution both in the range of credentials and in the depth of our programs, Humber Polytechnic is leading the province and country in advancing academics with a polytechnic education model that is hands-on and industry-responsive.
It offers a distinct third option between university and college – one that combines deep, theoretical learning with applied, real-world experience to foster lifelong employability for our graduates.
Academic theory blended with applied learning provides a strong educational foundation, while state-of-the-art facilities, capstone projects and work placements provide experiential learning in the classroom, and in the industry.
This hands-on involvement not only helps address existing skill gaps in the industry but also empowers students to graduate with the critical thinking and hands-on skills that will launch their emerging careers. It’s a great opportunity for them to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world challenges.
With the rapid advancements in technology, how is Humber keeping up-to-date with the current needs and trends of the engineering industry?
SG: Humber continues to develop new programs to meet industry demands. For example, Humber launched three Bachelor of Engineering Degrees in Information Systems Engineering; Mechatronics Engineering; and Sustainable Building Engineering; and we have developed a full proposal for an Applied Master’s in Advanced Manufacturing. This degree is designed to focus on digital manufacturing with advanced robotics skills in combination with practical knowledge of systems integration, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
To support industry-driven skills, Humber is acquiring the latest technology and equipment for real-world learning opportunities so that learners gain critical skills for the jobs of tomorrow. Humber offers mechatronics training and development through applied research and capstone projects, workforce training, certification, professional development, and micro-credentials.
This is contributing to a pipeline of diverse industry professionals for workforces across the advanced manufacturing spectrum. It is also providing access to education through scholarships within the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology and is engaging in outreach to encourage education in STEM-related fields for elementary and secondary school students.
In addition, Program Advisory Committees help Humber create and maintain one of the most dynamic program rosters in Canada by keeping Humber connected to the trends and needs of society. Members interact with other leaders in their fields to help ensure programs remain current and relevant to the marketplace needs.
Program Advisory Committee members include: employers, graduates, business and industry leaders, and representatives from professional and accrediting bodies and agencies.
Located at our north campus, The Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation is a 93,000-square-foot facility designed to be a powerhouse to technological innovation and to leverage Humber’s proven leadership in automation and robotics.
Working with our industry partners, we are able to provide small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), faculty members, and students with cutting-edge resources throughout the Barrett CTI’s many interactive labs, technology zones, and maker spaces. Partners, SMEs, faculty members, and students work together as collaborative teams to tackle business challenges.
How does education in engineering impact the ethical and sustainable practices within the industry?
SG: With a decade of experience implementing sustainable practices and living our sustainability commitments, Humber has created a blueprint to empower our learners to shape a better tomorrow.
Students choosing to learn at Humber Polytechnic – a leading sustainable institution – will be uniquely positioned to address the climate crisis and create impact in their local and global communities.
For example, The Sustainable MicroGrid and Renewable Technology (SMART) Lab is the latest initiative in a long-standing partnership between Humber and Siemens Canada.
This lab and the accompanying PV Smartflower provide an environment to train students and professionals on using microgrids and expand our ability to work with industry partners on applied research.
The SMART Lab is an innovative Living Lab that provides an educational and experimental platform to train students and professionals on the use and control of distributed energy resources (DER) in a microgrid, renewable-based generation, and reliability in electrical power supply.
The field assets of the SMART Lab comprise, but are not limited to, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Photo Voltaic (PV) Systems, Electrical Vehicle (EV) chargers, programmable loads, a DER controller for protection, and smart meters.
Humber is also stepping up to the challenge that the climate crisis poses by accelerating our net-zero target by more than two decades. In 2029, Humber Polytechnic will be among the first institutions in Canada to reach net zero—proving that bold goals, paired with concrete actions, can drive transformative change. There are not many Canadian institutions taking on decarbonization at this pace and scale, and we hope our work will inspire change far beyond Humber’s campuses.
What role does Humber do in preparing students for a career in engineering, and how should professionals approach lifelong learning?
SG: As a polytechnic institution, Humber provides students with opportunities to put their knowledge and skills to the test. Competing and participating in challenge-based learning initiatives does more than just put theory to the test; it catapults students into situations that sharpen their problem-solving capabilities, enhance their innovative thinking, and fortify their technical proficiency under pressure. This competitive environment simulates the realities that await in their future careers, preparing them not only to meet industry standards but to set and exceed them.
In a world where technological advancements and industry shifts occur at an unprecedented pace, staying ahead means continually updating and expanding our knowledge and skills. Humber’s micro-credentials provide professionals with an opportunity to showcase their expertise in a specialized area.
For example: we offer upskilling opportunities to people in manufacturing roles through our online, self-paced micro credential in Advanced Manufacturing, which helps workers to advance their careers in the sector.