Waterloo runs the full gamut of automotive talent. We have well-established manufacturing expertise. We have a thriving tech ecosystem. We have a history of robotics and automation innovation.
The scope of our automotive talent has fueled Waterloo’s success as an automotive hotspot in North America. And the depth and breadth of that talent can be uniquely attributed to the presence of three exceptional post-secondary schools in the Waterloo region—all with programs suited for automotive education.
With these programs, you can map Waterloo’s automotive talent and better understand how students educated in our community can contribute to your automotive company’s future.
University of Waterloo
Let’s start with the University of Waterloo. UWaterloo is the #2 engineering school in Canada and has the largest co-op program of its kind in the world. It’s also ranked #30 in the world in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
This means that UWaterloo graduates are some of the brightest and most experienced young professionals you can hire. They consistently make an enormous impact in the Waterloo region’s automotive sector.
Here are a handful of program offerings at UWaterloo applicable to automotive innovation:
- Mechanical Engineering (Undergraduate): Opportunities to focus on automotive systems, vehicle dynamics and energy-efficient design
- Mechatronics Engineering (Undergraduate): Emphasis on embedded systems and robotics, combining electrical, mechanical and design engineering for well-rounded, next-generation automotive talent
- Systems Design Engineering (Undergraduate): Interdisciplinary program covering control systems, sensors and automotive applications
- Electrical Engineering (Undergraduate): Specializations in power electronics, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicle control systems.
- Master of Applied Science, PhD in Mechanical and Mechatronics (Graduate): Advanced research in automotive systems, vehicle dynamics and autonomous vehicles
Wilfrid Laurier University
Right down the street from UWaterloo is Wilfrid Laurier University. Laurier is known for producing a steady stream of business-savvy talent with skills in entrepreneurship, science and tech. The school’s computing degrees, combined with its strong business programs, allow students to gain highly applicable knowledge about every facet of automotive enterprises.
Below is a list of relevant programs at Laurier:
- Computer Science (Undergraduate): Applicable to embedded vehicle systems and autonomous driving software, as well as relevant for vehicle telematics, in-vehicle software and connected systems
- Master of Applied Computing (Graduate): Relevant for advanced automotive tech such as autonomous driving, predictive maintenance and AI-driven vehicle systems
Conestoga College
Conestoga College completes the trifecta. A top polytechnic institution, Conestoga produces work-ready graduates in every manufacturing role, from engineering and automation to skilled trades and supply chain.
Here are some of its programs equipping students for the automotive industry:
- Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical Systems Engineering (Undergraduate): Opportunities to focus on vehicle design, connected vehicle technologies, sensors and robotics
- Mechanical Engineering Technology – Robotics & Automation (Diploma): Combined skills in the control of robotic and automated equipment, as well as mechanical technology, with theoretical knowledge
- Motive Power Technician (Diploma): Prepares students for service, diagnostics and vehicle systems with hands-on learning
- Automotive Engineering and Mechatronics (Continuing Education): Professional development for connected and autonomous vehicle systems
Key Takeaways
- Hire graduates from mechanical, mechatronics, systems design and electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo, one of the top engineering schools in the country
- Wilfrid Laurier University produces work-ready graduates in computer science and computing for the automotive industry
- With degrees and diplomas in automotive systems and automotive technology, Conestoga College is fueling Waterloo region’s automotive talent pipeline
These three post-secondary schools drive talent to local automotive companies. But Waterloo’s talent pipeline is more than just new graduates. Download our Manufacturing Talent Guide to take a deeper look at the workforce we have right here in Waterloo region.