Survey shows that the vast majority of career college graduates secure jobs related to their field, with nearly a third hired before they even graduate.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON, December 8, 2025 – New data released today has proven the incredible speed and efficiency with which regulated career colleges are able to connect graduates directly to jobs in their chosen field. NACC is proud to release these results, which show that our network of career colleges is delivering powerful results for Canada and providing vital employment connections for graduates. The survey, conducted by Nanos Research, underscores the crucial role regulated career colleges play in supporting Canada’s workforce and economic growth.
The data shows that over 80% of employed career college graduates report working in jobs directly related to their program of study. Significantly, three in five graduates found employment within just three months of graduation—including 30% who were hired before they even graduated. These outcomes highlight the sector’s responsiveness to labour market needs and its ability to deliver high-quality, career-ready graduates for in-demand fields.
“At a time when Canada is working to accelerate workforce development and keep our industries competitive on the world stage, regulated career colleges are delivering results,” said NACC CEO Michael Sangster. “This research shows that our graduates are not only finding work quickly, but are entering sectors that desperately need skilled workers, including healthcare, the skilled trades, early childhood education, cybersecurity and social services.”
Key Findings:
- Employment Success: Over 80% of employed graduates are working in positions directly or somewhat related to their field of study.
- Speed to Employment: 30% of learners found employment before they even graduated, and 60% were employed within three months of graduation.
- Employer Connections: 34% of graduates were hired by the organization where they did their practicum or internship.
- Workforce Integration: The data demonstrates the effectiveness of career colleges’ direct connection to local employers and the needs of local labour markets – helping graduates find jobs fast.
- Labour Market Impact: Career colleges graduate over 150,000 career-ready Canadians annually, supplying talent to high-demand sectors across the country.
“Through our research, we learned that changing careers or starting a new career was the primary motivation for two out of every five career college graduates in pursuing their education,” said Nik Nanos, Nanos Research Chief Data Scientist. “The value proposition career colleges offer is evidenced by the success of the students they graduate in being gainfully employed either prior to or shortly after graduation, in positions relevant to their field of study.”
NACC’s network of over 500 regulated career colleges works closely with industry, government, and alumni to design programs aligned with evolving workforce needs. With flexible scheduling, small class sizes, and comprehensive learner support, career colleges offer accessible pathways for Canadians of all backgrounds to launch new careers or upgrade their skills.
This new data arrives as federal policymakers consider changes to federal student grants that will impact access to career college programs. NACC urges all levels of government to recognize the proven outcomes delivered by career colleges, empower students to make the choices that work best for them, and ensure equitable access to financial supports for all learners.
About the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC):
NACC represents over 500 regulated career colleges across Canada that offer innovative, industry-driven skills training designed to graduate high-quality workers for the most in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.
About Nanos Research:
Nanos Research is one of North America’s premier research and strategy organizations. Since its founding in 1987, Nanos Research has helped corporations, government agencies and advocacy associations understand and chart the public mood. Its reach is global and it applies the latest machine learning algorithms for exceptional insight. Today, Canada’s largest private broadcaster depends on Nanos Research as the official pollster of record for CTV News. The Nanos Group of Companies includes Ethic Strategies and Nanos dimap analytika.
Media Contact:
Scott Bandy
scott.bandy@crestviewstrategy.com
613-880-1654
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