National Association of Career Colleges

08/22/2026

How Do Regulated Career Colleges Help Students Turn Their Passion Into a Career?

For students exploring a new career, the right education can provide more than classroom learning. Regulated career colleges offer career-focused training designed to help learners build practical skills and prepare for the workforce.

At L'Ecole de l'Automobile, Emilio Kassimatis is gaining hands-on automotive experience, learning from experienced instructors, and building confidence for his future career, even without previous experience working on cars.

“We can learn from the computer and then actually go and practice and learn with our hands.” 🚗🔧

Watch the full video to hear Emilio’s experience and discover what career-focused education can make possible: https://buff.ly/GTjoQGc

You don’t always need experience to get started. With the right lea...

08/21/2026

Great career education goes beyond the classroom. At regulated career colleges, student success is about more than completing a program, it’s about helping learners build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in the workforce.

In this video, Michael Boyd, Manager of Career Services at Willis College, shares how his team supports students through career exploration, practicums, interview preparation, and employer connections.

Because career-focused education is about preparing students not only to graduate, but to take their next step with confidence. 🎓

Watch the full video: https://buff.ly/rq7GKD2

08/19/2026

What happens when a career college CFO brings nearly 30 years of education-sector experience into the world of insurance?

In Episode 98 of The EdUp Canada Podcast, Michael Sangster sits down with Diane Stone, National Education Specialty Practice Leader at HUB International, for a wide-ranging conversation on AI risk, insurance gaps, regulation, and the evolving needs of Canadian career colleges.

Diane shares:
🔹 The two insurance gaps she sees most often across career colleges
🔹 How AI is creating new risks, and new insurance products
🔹 Why relationships remain essential in an increasingly AI-driven industry
🔹 What she learned about the agility and resilience of the career college sector
🔹 Why regulators can be part of the economic roadmap

🎧 Tune in to this episode and get Diane's perspective on protecting the future of Canada's career colleges: https://buff.ly/KwOa8zT

08/18/2026

Networking, connections & a little fun! 🎉

Some of the best conference moments happen outside the session room - over a great conversation, a shared laugh, or an unexpected new connection.

At the NACC 2026 National Conference, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from coast to coast to coast. From our Eastern and Western Receptions to networking events, live music, and special experiences, there’s something to look forward to beyond the sessions.

🎶 Connect with colleagues
🤝 Build new relationships
💬 Share ideas and experiences
🎉 Unwind, celebrate, and have some fun

Join us October 25–27 in Ottawa and make the most of every moment - in the sessions and beyond.

Explore the Full Agenda & Breakout Sessions, then register today and get ready to connect, learn, and have some fun: https://buff.ly/IcnhNCH

08/13/2026

🎓 Stronger English Skills. Greater Opportunities.

Language confidence can make a meaningful difference in a learner’s education, career preparation, and overall student experience.

Through NACC’s partnership with Oxford International Digital Institute (Oxford International Education Group) member colleges can access trusted English language programs designed to help learners strengthen their skills and prepare for success in today’s workforce.

With OIDI, institutions can:

✨ Support students in building practical English skills
✨ Create additional pathways for international learners
✨ Enhance student engagement, retention, and completion
✨ Offer flexible language learning solutions

When students have the language skills they need to succeed, colleges can help open the door to greater academic and career opportunities.

🔗 Discover how OIDI can support your institution: https://buff.ly/Tsim1TL

08/11/2026

Why do leaders from across the career college sector come together at the National Conference?

In a conversation with Allan Dale at the last joint conference, Sarah Patrick, Vice President of Academic and Campus Excellence at Summit2, shared how valuable it is for career college leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences.

This October, the 2026 NACC National Conference brings together Canada’s career college leaders, educators, policymakers, and industry partners for three days of collaboration, connection, and conversations shaping the future of skills development and career education.

📅 October 25–27, 2026
📍 The Westin Ottawa

Early Bird pricing has been extended until August 15, 2026, secure your spot today: https://buff.ly/MhcIJia

08/09/2026

Every successful career journey starts with a first step, and for Mustafa Alaji, that step was turning his lifelong interest in cars into hands-on training at The Automotive Training.

Growing up, Mustafa enjoyed learning about vehicles, and understanding how cars work. Today, he is building those skills through the Automotive Technician Service program, gaining practical experience and the confidence needed to pursue a career in the automotive field.

He also shares how real-world training, experienced instructors, and hands-on learning are helping him prepare for the future, with the goal of one day opening his own automotive shop.

Career education is about more than learning a skill. It’s about turning passion into opportunity and helping students build a future they can be proud of.

🚘 Learn how regulated career colleges help students connect their interests with meaningful careers: https://buff.ly/zcU3JFt

In this conversation, Mustafa Alaji, an Automotive Technician Servi...

08/08/2026

Skilled trades professionals play a vital role in building Canada's future, and the demand for trained workers continues to grow.

After moving to Canada, Dwayne Francis enrolled in Electrical and Network Cabling programs at a regulated career college (Herzing Trades) to build on his experience and prepare for new opportunities. Through hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world learning experiences, he developed the practical skills and confidence to enter the workforce.

Like many students at regulated career colleges, Dwayne found a supportive learning environment where staff and instructors were always ready to help. Their encouragement and guidance helped him stay on track and build the confidence to succeed.

Dwayne's story is one of many highlighting the strong skills and job readiness that graduates of regulated career colleges bring to the workplace, and the urgent need for more trained skilled trades professionals to meet Canada's workforce demands.

Watch the full video: https://buff.ly/t5fcKhV

08/07/2026

Every student journey begins with a decision, and the right support can make all the difference.

From choosing a new career path to crossing the graduation stage, students need guidance, encouragement, and a community that believes in them.

In this conversation, Loretta Lewis, Director of Student Services at Keyin College - Central, shares how their team supports students every step of the way; from admissions and orientation to accommodations, learning support, and graduation.

At career colleges, student success goes beyond the classroom. It means creating an environment where students feel supported, confident, and prepared for the workforce through hands-on learning and instructors who bring real-world experience into the classroom.

As Loretta shares, every student matters, and every journey deserves support.

🎓 Discover how career colleges are helping learners find a better way forward: https://buff.ly/7lSFTIN

08/06/2026

North American Trade Schools recently welcomed MP Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration, for a visit focused on workforce development and the growing demand for skilled trades in Canada.

During the visit, Mathew McCarthy, Director of Advocacy at the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC), joined representatives from NATS, Merit Canada and employer partner Reliance Home Comfort to discuss how private career colleges help address labour shortages by providing accelerated, hands-on training that prepares students for in-demand careers. Reliance Home Comfort also shared its experience hiring NATS graduates, highlighting the strong skills and job readiness they bring to the workplace and the urgent need for more trained skilled trades.

The discussion also covered key issues affecting career college students and graduates, including access to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), changes to student aid and the Canada Student Grant, and the importance of ensuring more Canadians have pathways into the skilled trades.

The visit concluded with a tour of NATS' pre-electrical, home renovations, cabinet making, welding, and HVAC programs, led by Campus Manager Kyran Fargnoli.

Thank you to MP Peter Fragiskatos and his team for taking the time to visit, learn more about career education, and discuss the future of skills training and workforce development in Canada.