Laurentian University and Cambrian College team up for a new environmental solutions program

Laurentian University and Cambrian College in Sudbury are collaborating on a new environmental solutions program.

The program is meant to prepare students for roles in government, or industry, where they're working on environmental policies and solutions to meet emissions or waste targets.

"We actually had a labour market study done and it turns out that environmental jobs in Canada, and this is back in 2024, are seven per cent of the national workforce," said Joy Gray-Munro, dean of Laurentian's faculty of science, engineering and architecture.

"And it's expected to increase."

Gray-Munro said the program is not meant to replace the environmental sciences program Laurentian cancelled in 2021 when the university was in creditor protection due to its insolvency.

"This program is something that Laurentian has never done before and the collaboration with Cambrian College makes this program even stronger," she said.

"So in my opinion, this program is the best of both worlds for students in terms of getting both theoretical and hands-on applied knowledge that are going to prepare them for the workforce."

Students who enrol in the program will do their first two years at Laurentian, switch to Cambrian for their third year and return to Laurentian in their final year.

Upon graduation they will earn both a bachelor of science from Laurentian, and a graduate certificate from Cambrian.

"This collaboration represents the best of what our institutions can offer when we work together," said Janice Clarke, vice-president of academics at Cambrian College, in a news release.

"Students gain practical, hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic studies, preparing them for successful careers in the environmental field."

Gray-Munro said Laurentian is aiming to have 30 students when the program kicks off in the fall of 2026.