Sheridan's SHIELD: Supporting military-connected learners and their families
Sheridan is building on our longstanding mission of responding to the needs of industry and community by launching the Sovereign Hub for Innovation, Education and Leadership in Defence (SHIELD), a coordinated, institution-wide initiative that will support military-connected learners while strengthening workforce development, responsible innovation and strategic partnerships.
At a time when Canada's defence and security are evolving rapidly and creating new demands for talent and innovation, SHIELD will help Sheridan anticipate and respond to these emerging needs by:
- Supporting military-connected learners and their families through flexible and responsive education and training pathways that recognize their existing experience and skills;
- Developing future talent and upskilling existing workers in response to changing industry and workforce needs;
- Advancing responsible, applied research and innovation by bringing together Sheridan’s creative, technical and applied learning strengths with real-world challenges; and
- Strengthening partnerships with industry, community and government to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and economic and community resilience.
Build your future at Sheridan: From military service to academic and career success
Wherever you are in your military or civilian journey, you do not have to navigate your next step alone. Explore your program options, learn about available supports and discover how your previous education, training and experience may contribute to your academic journey at Sheridan. Whether your goal is to advance while serving, transition to a new civilian career or build on the skills and experience you already have, we are here to help you move forward.
At Sheridan, we:
- See the whole learner, recognizing the personal goals, experiences and skills, circumstances and aspirations that each military-connected learner brings to college.
- Recognize the realities of military service, including training, deployments, postings and other service commitments that may affect a learner’s studies.
- Understand that service affects the whole family, including the unique responsibilities, experiences and transitions of spouses, children and caregivers.
- Provide a clearer path through college, helping military-connected learners find the information, supports and connections they need to pursue their academic and career goals with confidence.
- Understand that transition takes time. Whether you are transitioning to civilian life or preparing for a career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) during your studies, we are here to support you on your journey.
Military-connected learners at Sheridan receive various benefits including:
- Connection and community to help you build relationships, integrate, access relevant resources and feel supported throughout your experience at Sheridan.
- Academic advising and support to help you navigate your program of study, understand your options and adjust to college life.
- Accessible entry, including waiver of entry requirements for select programs,
- Recognition of prior learning and experience, for military training, education and experience in the form of academic credit through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process, including occupation –specific assessment and recognition.
- Financial guidance to help you explore funding, benefits and other financial supports that may be available to you.
- Career support to help you translate your military experience and skills into meaningful civilian career opportunities, and to explore career opportunities in the CAF.
- Co-curricular record for serving scholars: to recognize you while you serve, Learners who are or become active members of the CAF while studying, receive a CCR for their service.
Are you a military-connected learner?
At Sheridan, we recognize the diverse experiences of those who serve, those who have served and the families who support them. You are eligible as a military-connected learner if you are:
- Currently serving members (Regular Force or Reservists)
- CAF Veterans
- Immediate family of CAF service members or veterans
- Department of National Defence - Public Servant
- Military Veterans of Allied Nations
Connect with us
Please reach out to us at SheridanShield@sheridancollege.ca if you have any questions or you need any support. We are happy to serve you.