Samsung and Centennial College write a new chapter in education with the Samsung Tech Institute

New continuing education partnership is the first of its kind in Canada, and will train students to understand, diagnose and service Samsung digital appliances

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - In a move designed to foster innovative new approaches to continuing education, today Samsung Electronics Canada and Centennial College announced a landmark partnership to bring the Samsung Tech Institute to Canada. The new education program will train students to understand, diagnose, and service select Samsung home appliances as certified Samsung product technicians.

The new initiative will be known as "The Samsung Pathway," and will integrate two new courses into Centennial's Electronics Engineering Technician Diploma curriculum. Students will receive a unique certification from Samsung Electronics Canada as an industry recognized qualification, beyond their diploma. The Samsung Pathway will provide an exclusive framework of knowledge that will directly impact the careers of graduates*, and aligns with recent government initiatives to promote jobs in skilled trades, a recent area of focus for provincial education programming.

Centennial will begin offering the first classes for the new program this September. As part of the partnership, Samsung has created a Branded Digital Services Lab stocked with Samsung home appliances to help bring the practical components of the program to life. As well, each school year, Samsung will update the lab to maintain its technological relevance and to ensure students are learning on the best and most recent technology Samsung has in the Canadian marketplace.

"At Samsung, we hope to inspire Canadians to pursue their passions and reach their full potential," said Mark Childs, Chief Brand Officer, Samsung Canada. "This new partnership with Centennial College allows us to engage with tech savvy students, who will get closer to our brand as we help foster a next generation of Samsung experts."

The Samsung Tech Institute will offer select graduates co-op and apprenticeship opportunities along with their newfound expertise. In addition, three $1,000 Samsung Scholarships will also be offered to top students for achievements in academics.

"Partnering with an innovative technology company like Samsung is a logical progression of the real-world learning opportunities we provide our students," said Ann Buller, President and CEO, Centennial College. "Samsung products are used and enjoyed in millions of Canadian homes, and the additional training will serve as a tremendous asset to Centennial graduates moving forward in their careers."

Established in 1966, Centennial College is one of Toronto's leading technology colleges. The Electronics Engineering Technician Diploma emphasises a focus on digital electronic communications, medical equipment, microcontrollers, mobile applications, computers, and transceivers.

Recent industry sales comparisons have shown Samsung is Canada's number one Home Appliance Brand** for the twelve months ending December 2014 and the individual months of January 2015 to April 2015, inclusive. The Samsung Tech Institute will aim to increase the number of qualified Service Technicians and Samsung brand ambassadors within Canada for this line of products, and will ensure superior customer service for Samsung consumers.

Furthermore, current technicians will have the opportunity to study within the program, developing their industry knowledge and increasing their career potential.

With the first round of graduates set to enter into the work force in 2016, this is an exciting movement for students, Centennial College, Samsung consumers and the Samsung Electronics Canada brand.

About Samsung Electronics Canada

Samsung Electronics Canada inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances and printers. Samsung is a leader in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home initiatives. In 2014, Samsung was ranked one of the top 10 most influential brands in Canada, based on a study by Ipsos Reid. Committed to making a difference in communities across Canada, its Samsung Hope for Children corporate giving program supports children's education, sustainability and health-related issues. Globally, Samsung employs 319,000 people across 84 countries with annual sales of $196 billion.

About Centennial College

Established in 1966, Centennial College is Ontario's first public college. It primarily serves the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area through four campuses and four satellite locations. Centennial is best known for its record of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building. It currently supports enrolments of 19,000 full-time students and 20,000 part-time learners. For more information, visit www.centennialcollege.ca

*Post-graduation employment or higher earnings not guaranteed.

**Reference to Home Appliances means major appliances (full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, cook-tops, washing machines and clothes dryers) and is based on dollar sales between 2014-2015 in Canada as measured by The NPD Group, Retail Tracking Service in its 2014 and 2015 Retail Tracking Service reports.

SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Paul Cartwright, North Strategic for Samsung Canada, [email protected]