CAYUGA—A county-wide technology hub is taking shape at Cayuga Secondary School (CSS). Beginning in September 2026, CSS will serve as Grand Erie District School Board’s (GEDSB) Technology and Innovation Hub for Haldimand County. The hub model brings together a suite of new tools designed to support student learning for all kinds of technologies.
“The Technology and Innovation Hubs bring together specialized equipment, modern learning spaces, and industry-aligned programming to help students explore skilled trades, technology, and innovation pathways,” said Ryan Strang, Senior Manager of Communications and Community Relations for GEDSB.
CSS was selected as the Haldimand location based on its existing strengths in technological education, available space to support specialized programming, and being a centralized location for students across the county.
The Technology Hub
Under the hub structure, every secondary student in Grand Erie will have a designated Technology Hub school they may choose to attend for access to a broader range of technology courses, with the ability to pursue credits in four pathways – apprenticeship, college, university, and workplace.
Students will have access to both hard technology courses, such as construction, manufacturing, or transportation technology, and soft technology courses, such as computer programming, graphic design, or video production.
The hub is designed to extend beyond a traditional technology classroom to offer “access to specialized equipment, flexible learning environments, and experiential, project-based learning opportunities,” said Strang.
Students engage with both hard and soft technologies in ways that reflects real-world applications, supporting creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. As the program expands, the Cayuga hub will offer a full range of technology course options.
The school’s offerings will include broad-based technologies in Grades 9 and 10, such as communications technology, computer technology, construction technology, green industries, hairstyling and aesthetics, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing technology, technological design, and transportation technology.
Transportation technology is one of six highlighted sectors at CSS. The course includes hands-on experience working with vehicles, tools, and shop equipment, building skills for careers such as automotive service technicians, aircraft maintenance engineers, and heavy equipment mechanics.
Cayuga’s offerings through the program are aligned with multiple pathways, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Specialist High Skills Major programs, cooperative education, and post-secondary options.
Strang said, “Students can earn pathway-supported credits while developing skills relevant to apprenticeships, college and university programs, or direct entry into the workforce.”
The school currently offers Specialist High Skills Major programs in Transportation and Manufacturing, with anticipated future growth. It also provides a Dual Credit Welding program with Mohawk College, allowing students to earn Canadian Welding Bureau certifications. Students who complete a Specialist High Skills Major receive a red-seal designation on their diploma, while completion of OYAP-FAST results in a blue-seal designation.
The Innovation Hub
The Innovation Hubs are designed to provide experiential STEAM learning for both elementary and secondary students through technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, coding, drones, and video creation.
Strang said the goal is “to inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.”
Grand Erie works with local employers, community organizations, and industry partners to support experiential learning and inform programming.
One example cited by Strang is Manufacturing Day, when almost 20 manufacturing facilities across the district welcome students to tour their operations.
Each hub location – Cayuga Secondary School in Haldimand County, North Park Collegiate and Vocational School in Brant County and the City of Brantford, and Simcoe Composite School in Norfolk County – will follow a similar model while offering slight differences in sector focus.
The Technology and Innovation Hubs officially begin in September 2026. Registration is currently open for all three locations.
Strang said the Cayuga hub “is open to those residing within Haldimand, including students outside Cayuga Secondary School’s regular catchment area.”
Out-of-area students are required to take a minimum of one technology credit during each academic school year.
Interested students must complete a Grand Erie secondary school registration form, schedule a registration meeting with the Technology Hub school, complete the online 2026–27 transportation request form, and finalize course selection. Families with questions can contact myblueprint@granderie.ca.
“Transportation requests are reviewed as part of the registration process,” Strang said, noting the transportation request form will be used to assess needs and provide supports where applicable.
So far, responses have been positive.
“Early feedback from students and families has highlighted strong interest in hands-on, technology-focused learning and expanded pathway options,” Strang said, adding that existing innovation programming has reinforced the value of modern learning environments that support future-focused career exploration.
