Department of National Defence – Employer of the Year 2026
Alumni of Distinction Awards > 2026 > Department of National Defence
The greatest value in education comes when it connects learners with the people, organizations and challenges shaping the world around them. Algonquin College’s partnership with the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is a powerful example.
With more than 190 Algonquin College learners currently completing co-op placements with DND, the partnership brings together learning and service. This gives learners meaningful experience in high-demand fields while helping DND build its civilian workforce and supporting the broader defence team it needs. It is a relationship that creates opportunity, develops talent and delivers impact, making DND a fitting choice for Algonquin College’s Employer of the Year at the 2026 Alumni of Distinction Awards.
“Algonquin College is a valued partner to DND and the CAF, helping to develop a strong pipeline of skilled talent in key areas such as the trades and information technology (IT), with a high volume of IT students especially via the co-op program each year,” said Dwayne McDonald, Director General of Human Resources Operations at DND. “The College also supports CAF members through specialized training and educational pathways, including opportunities to receive academic credit for eligible military training and experience.”
The connection between the Defence Team, which comprises DND and the CAF, and the College is particularly valuable in fields where demand for skilled talent is growing, including cybersecurity, geomatics, IT, engineering technology and more. The College’s reputation for educating future workers in these fields makes it an invaluable partner, giving learners the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in complex and meaningful work environments across DND and the CAF.
Beyond these programs, the Defence Team and Algonquin College have also developed specialized education and training programs that respond directly to defence needs. The College has worked with the Canadian Forces School of Military Mapping to deliver the Geomatics Technician program, which trains modern “military mappers” in geospatial capture, analysis and presentation, using cutting-edge technology to develop maps and terrain intelligence.
“We are proud to recognize the Department of National Defence as our Employer of the Year and to celebrate a partnership that creates meaningful opportunities for our learners,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College’s President and CEO. “Algonquin College is committed to supporting Canada’s defence sector through education, experiential learning and specialized training in high-demand fields, connecting our learners with the real-world challenges and opportunities that support Canada’s security and prosperity.”
The College also recently partnered with CAF Cyber Command to support the education and training of CAF cyber operators. In an era of ever-increasing cyber threats, the College provides CAF Cyber Command’s operators with foundational training required to successfully detect, analyze and respond, helping defend military networks and support CAF operations in Canada and internationally.
“Algonquin College provides programs that align closely with Defence Team operational needs, helping to address high-demand and hard-to-fill positions,” said McDonald. “Additionally, its leadership in military-focused training and research supports innovation and workforce development that are critical to both current and future Defence Team priorities.”
Looking ahead, the partnership has significant room to grow. Over the next 10 years, DND expects to see increased co-op and experiential learning opportunities, while the Defence Team expects to expand specialized training and expanded talent pipelines to help keep Canada’s capabilities aligned with future defence needs.
“As demand grows for specialized skills in areas such as cybersecurity, engineering technology and the trades, Algonquin College will remain a valued partner in helping us attract and develop the next generation of talent,” McDonald said. “We anticipate continuing to welcome a high volume of co-op students while exploring new ways to collaborate in support of the Defence Team’s evolving workforce needs.”
Algonquin College’s Employer of the Year Award recognizes DND’s commitment as an employer and celebrates the Defence Team’s broader and ongoing commitment to developing a highly competent, highly trained defence workforce. It recognizes a partnership that offers students practical, on-the-job experience, gives military members access to education and professional development opportunities and provides a strong pipeline of skilled workers ready to strengthen Canada’s future.