Building International Relationships Through Specialized Military and Cybersecurity Training

Willis College is strengthening its international presence as a provider of specialized military and cybersecurity training, with members of the Jordanian Armed Forces now participating in hands-on training through a Canadian-Jordanian partnership.

Training commenced September 5 through an initiative developed by Willis College in partnership with Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) and supported by funding from Canada’s Department of National Defence. Members of the Jordanian Armed Forces have begun hands-on labs, assignments and practical cybersecurity training in a new dedicated space at King Hussein Business Park in Amman.

The initiative builds on Willis College’s experience delivering practical, career-focused training in technology and cybersecurity, and its work supporting military and Veterans communities in Canada.

For Willis College, the Jordan initiative is also an example of how Canadian expertise can contribute to international partnerships at a time when Canada is placing greater emphasis on building relationships and opportunities with a broader range of global partners.

“Canada is a country with a lot to offer internationally,” said Henry Devlin, President and CEO of Willis College. “Partnerships like this give Canadian organizations an opportunity to build lasting relationships with countries that are looking to strengthen their own capabilities, while also bringing Canadian expertise into new markets.”

Building relationships beyond the training

With the Jordanian training now underway, Devlin and Willis College COO Ramona Buda recently met with Her Excellency Sabah Nizar Al-Rafie, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Canada.

Their discussion included the training being provided to the Jordanian Armed Forces in partnership with HTU, Jordan’s vocational training landscape and various initiatives connecting Canada and Jordan.

The meeting reflects an important part of Willis College’s approach to international work: building relationships alongside the delivery of training.

“We’re interested in more than simply delivering a program and moving on,” said Devlin. “We want to understand the priorities of our partners, build strong relationships and look for opportunities where Canadian expertise can continue to contribute in a meaningful way.”

Canada has increasingly emphasized the value of diversifying international relationships and building partnerships with countries that can work together on shared priorities. Willis College sees specialized military and cybersecurity training as an area where it can contribute to that international conversation.

“Trust is at the centre of international training partnerships,” said Devlin. “Our partners need to know that we understand their needs, that the training is practical and relevant, and that we’re committed to the relationship. That’s the kind of trust we’re working to build.”

Looking ahead

Willis College’s international focus extends beyond Jordan, with the college preparing to represent Canada as part of the Government of Ontario’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and AI Export Business Mission to Digital Bridge Kazakhstan this fall.

The October mission will provide an opportunity for Willis College to represent Canadian expertise internationally and connect with organizations working in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and technology.

“We’re proud of the expertise we’ve developed here in Canada, and we’re interested in understanding where that expertise can be useful internationally,” said Devlin. “Every market and every partnership is different, so the first step is always listening, learning and building relationships.”

As Willis College continues to develop its international presence, its work in Jordan provides a tangible example of the college’s ability to deliver specialized training in collaboration with international partners, while its continued global engagement opens the door to future possibilities.