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Canada needs skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals ready to make an impact. Regulated career colleges provide hands-on training, real-world experience, and co-op opportunities to help graduates gain confidence, build skills, and launch meaningful tech careers.

Canada’s digital economy is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes an urgent need for skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals. From protecting sensitive data to managing complex networks, graduates who are ready to contribute from day one are essential to supporting businesses, government, and communities across the country.

Careers that transform. Skills that make an impact.

As cyber threats evolve and technology becomes increasingly central to business operations, employers are seeking graduates who are knowledgeable, confident, and work-ready. Meeting this demand requires education pathways that combine strong technical foundations with hands-on, workforce-aligned training.

A Growing Need for Cybersecurity Professionals

The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) forecasts approximately 15,900 new job openings for Cybersecurity Specialists between 2024 and 2033. At the same time, an estimated 18,700 job seekers are expected to enter the field, pointing to a moderate labour market shortage for this in-demand role.

This gap highlights the critical importance of training skilled professionals who can secure Canada’s digital infrastructure, protect organizations from cyber threats, and support a resilient IT workforce.

Hands-On Learning That Builds Confidence

Regulated career colleges play a critical role in preparing students for today’s workforce by prioritizing practical, job-ready training. In fields like IT and cybersecurity, knowledge alone isn’t enough; true readiness comes from building on that knowledge through hands-on experience.

Through regulated career college programs, students benefit from:

✅ Labs and simulations that mirror real-world IT and cybersecurity challenges
✅ Project-based learning that lets students apply concepts in practical, meaningful ways
✅ Co-op placements or internships that immerse learners in professional workplace environments
These hands-on experiences help students translate what they’ve learned into practice, build confidence, and understand workplace expectations long before graduation.

Workforce Readiness in Practice

Taken together, this is what workforce readiness looks like in practice. A strong IT career is built on applied learning with solid technical foundations which regulated career colleges are designed to deliver. Through hands-on training and real-world placements, students gain practical experience, build confidence, and graduate workforce-ready.

These programs do more than teach technical skills; they open doors to employment. According to a NACC survey conducted by Nanos Research, 34% of students are hired directly by the organizations where they complete their practicums or internships, while 43% use these flexible programs to change careers or enter new fields, demonstrating how this supports both immediate employment and long-term career mobility.

Stories on Workforce Impact: Graduate Highlights

Through Start Strong 2026, NACC is highlighting the impact of regulated career colleges across Canada by sharing real graduate experiences that show how hands-on training and workplace exposure support meaningful career outcomes. Below, you’ll find stories from graduates whose pathways into IT and cybersecurity were shaped by applied learning, supportive training environments, and real-world experience.

Also, explore our Digital Defenders – Skilled, Trained, Trusted campaign, which focused on how regulated career colleges strengthen Canada’s cybersecurity workforce.

Stories on Workforce Impact: