Episode #83: "250 Students in One Year: Filling Canada’s Mental Health Skills Gap with Dylan Matter” with Dylan Matter
What does it actually take to change a family’s trajectory? In this episode of EdUp Canada, host Michael Sangster sits down with Dylan Matter, Chief Operating Officer of Cambria College in British Columbia — a leader with 18 years in the career college sector who has quietly become one of its most respected voices.
Dylan opens up about his unlikely entry into education (hint: it started behind a coffee bar), what it means to watch a first-generation graduate walk across a stage surrounded by 15 proud family members, and how Cambria trained 250 mental health support workers in a single year — not because the government asked, but because the community needed it.
Together, Dylan and Michael dig into the layers of regulation most people never see, why the location of a career college in a strip mall or above a restaurant is a deliberate strategy — not a compromise — and what it really means when a school’s survival depends entirely on whether its graduates find jobs. This is an honest, grounded conversation about what skills training looks like from the inside.
Episode #82: "The College Where Volunteering Pays the Tuition” with Tim Ogilvie
What happens when the healthcare system is so desperate for trained workers that employers are sponsoring students before they've even been accepted into a program? That's just one of the realities Tim Ogilvie — VP and Dean of MCG Career College and Chair of the Alberta Association of Career Colleges — unpacks in this conversation.
Tim grew up in rural Nova Scotia, the son of a factory worker, and found his footing through a small private career college. That experience never left him — and it's driven a career built on fighting for students who need fast, flexible, affordable pathways into the workforce. From healthcare programs with $25,000 signing bonuses to a college that lets students pay 100% of their tuition through community volunteering, Tim makes the case — with data and hard-won stories — that career colleges aren't an alternative path. They're often the best one.
Episode #81: "Most Working Actors Trained at a Career College" with Michael Coleman
What does it actually take to build a lasting career in one of Canada's most dynamic industries — film and television? Michael Coleman, President and CEO of Vancouver's Story Institute, has spent over 35 years answering that question from every angle: as a working actor, a prolific writer, a voice artist, and now as the founder of a provincially regulated career college that does one thing exceptionally well.
In this episode, Michael pulls back the curtain on what makes career college training fundamentally different from a traditional academic path — and why that difference matters for students, for the industry, and for the broader Canadian economy. From a student who landed a role in a Christoph Waltz feature, to a graduate who became a fan favourite on a globally streamed series, Michael's stories illuminate what happens when practical training meets real industry opportunity.
Whether you're weighing your options for skills training, leading an institution, or thinking about how career colleges contribute to local economies, this conversation will shift the way you think about what education can look like.
Episode #80: Alex Usher on Post-Secondary Squeeze, Student Debt, and the Future of International Education
What does Canada's post-secondary system actually deliver — and for whom? In this candid, wide-ranging conversation, Michael Sangster sits down with Alex Usher, one of Canada's most respected higher education analysts and president of Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA), to take an honest look at the pressures reshaping post-secondary education in Canada.
Usher pulls no punches: university systems are more financially fragile than colleges, student debt is set for a sharp rebound, and Canada may be sleep-walking into a workforce crisis driven by demographic decline and misguided immigration policy. But there's optimism here too — for the institutions nimble enough to move fast, build strong outcomes, and demonstrate clear value for students and society.
This episode weaves through student debt trends, OSAP reform, the international student caps, global talent flows, career college perceptions, and the remarkable resilience of skills-first education — all filtered through Usher's signature blend of data rigour and straight talk. Whether you're setting education policy, leading a career college, or deciding where to invest your tuition dollars, this conversation gives you the unvarnished picture.
Episode #79: No ECE Shortage, No Waitlists: What One Province Got Right with Cindy Lidster
Canada's healthcare workforce isn't just stretched — it's cracking. And the institutions best positioned to fix it are being overlooked, undersupported, and in some cases, actively undercut by operators running so-called "colleges" that are little more than nursing homes with a logo.
In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster sits down with Cindy Lidster — a former nursing professor at the University of New Brunswick turned career college founder and president of the New Brunswick Association of Private Colleges and Universities. Cindy saw two things coming in 2014 that nobody wanted to believe: that the future of frontline nursing would be delivered primarily by personal support workers and healthcare aides, and that the future of education delivery was going online. She built her college around both predictions before most institutions had even started the conversation. When the pandemic hit, she was ready.
In this episode, you'll hear what it actually looks like to run a high-standards career college in a province that's quietly building one of the most collaborative relationships between private colleges and government in the country. You'll hear about two women in their early twenties who gave up their home in Scarborough, quit their jobs, and moved to New Brunswick — all to enroll in a PSW program they hoped would lead to permanent residency and a career in care. Their placement partners want to hire them full-time. Cindy is quietly waiting to see how it ends.
You'll also hear about a sector working hard to clean its own house: the site visits that revealed "colleges" operating out of care homes, the association standards being built to mean something beyond a government checkbox, and the LPN training waitlists that are already so long Cindy is drafting a proposal for a third provider in the province.
If you've ever wondered whether skills-based training can genuinely change someone's life — or what it looks like when a province actually gets career college policy right — this episode is a masterclass.
Episode 78: 3,000 Jobs, No Graduates: Career Colleges and Canada's Dental Crisis with Cheryl Russell-Julien & Tara Fitzpatrick
Canada is in the middle of a dental assisting crisis — and most people have no idea. In this special Dental Assistants Recognition Week edition of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster sits down with two of the sector's most respected voices: Cheryl Russell-Julien, Director of Academics and Quality Assurance at a regulated career college and a leader within NACC member institutions, and Tara Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA).
Together, they unpack what it actually takes to become a dental assistant through a career college, why over 3,000 dental assistant positions sit vacant in Ontario alone, and why recent changes to federal and provincial training grant funding could make things dramatically worse. You'll hear real stories from the chair — from a dentist in Cornwall who couldn't open his office for three days because his assistant was sick, to students who walked out of career college programs feeling genuinely prepared, career-ready, and connected to a profession for life.
If you've ever wondered whether a short, focused training program can truly launch a meaningful career — or what happens when healthcare workforce pipelines start to crack — this episode is your answer.
Episode 77: Dental Assistant Recognition Week: Natalie Marsh on Demand, Training, and the Future of Canada’s Oral Health Workforce
On the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster speaks with Natalie Marsh, President of the Canadian Dental Assistants Association, to mark Dental Assistant Recognition Week and discuss the essential role dental assistants play in Canada’s oral healthcare system amid growing attention on dental care and the CDCP. Marsh describes significant demand across provinces, growing student interest with waitlists, and persistent shortages tied to retention, fair wages, licensing costs, and maternity leaves and retirements. She explains the one-year, dentistry-focused training pathway, national licensing exam, and province-by-province differences in scope of practice that complicate mobility and drive the need for greater standardization. Marsh shares why the work is rewarding—especially helping patients regain smiles with dentures—highlights posture and adaptability as key skills, and emphasizes advocacy to make dental assisting better understood as a regulated healthcare profession.
Episode #76: Breaking Profession Prejudice: The Real Value of Skills Training with MP Garnett Genuis
MP Garnett Genuis, Conservative Shadow Minister for Employment, joins host Michael Sangster to tackle Canada's youth unemployment crisis and reveal why career colleges are essential to closing the nation's skills gap. This conversation goes beyond politics to explore how training systems can—and must—evolve to meet labour market demands, the hidden costs of "profession prejudice," and why every job deserves dignity and respect.
5 Reasons You Should Listen
Discover the real drivers behind youth unemployment – Learn how immigration policy, training misalignment, and economic factors create barriers for young workers, plus specific policy solutions being proposed to address these systemic issues.
Understand the 80% employment success rate – Hear about groundbreaking research showing career college graduates find work directly related to their training at rates traditional universities can't match, revealing what makes skills-focused education so effective.
Learn about policy changes affecting student aid – Get the inside story on Budget 2024's proposal to eliminate student grants for private institutions and why this could hurt the very programs training workers in high-demand fields like nursing and healthcare.
Explore how to match training with real job opportunities – Gain insights into the geography gaps, skills mismatches, and credential recognition challenges preventing qualified workers from filling available positions across Canada.
Rethink what makes a "good" career – Challenge assumptions about university versus trades through powerful stories about personal support workers, skilled tradespeople, and the philosophy that all work—when done with creativity and passion—deserves equal respect.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 19 "From Sea to Civilian Success: Why Naval Officers Make Invaluable Hires with Lt. Jordan Monroe"
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Lieutenant Jordan Monroe, a 16-year Royal Canadian Navy veteran and Naval Warfare Officer aboard HMCS St. John's. Currently deployed on a six-month mission to Europe, Lt. Monroe shares candid insights into what naval careers actually look like—from the educational opportunities that drew him in, to the 702 days he's spent at sea, to the leadership skills that make veterans invaluable in any workforce.
This conversation goes beyond recruitment talking points. Lt. Monroe discusses the real challenges of deployment life, how modern connectivity is revolutionizing family communication at sea, and why the ability to "learn fast and deal with things you've never seen before" is the most transferable skill the military builds. Whether you're exploring naval careers, working with veterans, or simply curious about what life aboard a Canadian warship entails, this episode offers an authentic look at service, sacrifice, and skill development.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 18 "250 Miles From Land, Closer to Space: Inside the Life of a Naval Warfare Specialist" with Petty Officer First Class Anthony Hickey
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada Podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Petty Officer First Class Anthony Hickey aboard HMCS St. John's Halifax in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With 21 years of service in the Royal Canadian Navy, Hickey shares his journey from basic training to becoming an Above Water Warfare Director—the pinnacle of his specialized trade.
In this conversation, Hickey opens up about leading a team of 15 sailors, the profound moments that make naval service rewarding (including unexpected whale watching), and the real sacrifices families make to support those who serve. He discusses his six deployments across the Persian Gulf, Black Sea, and Baltic regions, and explains what Operation Reassurance 2025 means for Canada's NATO commitments.
This episode explores the unique career opportunities available in the Royal Canadian Navy, from specialized electronic warfare training to leadership development programs. Hickey also addresses the evolution of family support systems within the military and why more Canadians need to understand the scope and impact of the RCN's global operations.
Whether you're an elected official considering military investments, a career college leader exploring partnership opportunities, or a student seeking a meaningful career path, this conversation offers an authentic look at what naval service truly means.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 17 "Operations Room to Ocean Crossing: What It Takes to Lead Naval Warfare" with Lieutenant Navy Buxton
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada Podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Lieutenant (Navy) Buxton, Weapons Officer aboard HMCS St. Johns, as the ship crosses the Atlantic on deployment.
With 18 years of service and nearly seven more to go on his current contract, Lt(N) Buxton shares his journey from a 19-year-old recruit to a senior operations room officer commanding critical warfare systems. He discusses why he joined (hint: paid university education at Royal Military College was a major draw), what keeps him serving, and his honest advice for anyone considering a naval career.
From 12-hour watch shifts to coordinating complex warfare operations, Lt(N) Buxton provides a rare insider's perspective on what leadership actually looks like in the Royal Canadian Navy. He also opens up about how the Navy's culture has evolved—with dramatically improved mental health supports and family services that make deployment more manageable for service members and their loved ones.
Whether you're a student exploring technical careers, an educator guiding workforce development, or a leader interested in modern military employment practices, this episode reveals why the Navy remains an attractive career option for skilled Canadians.
Key Topics:
Career progression and opportunity in the Royal Canadian Navy
The role of a Weapons Officer and Operations Room Officer
How career college training (like supply chain management) applies to naval service
Evolution of military culture: mental health and family support
Work-life integration during deployment
Educational pathways through Royal Military College
What it takes to succeed in a demanding operational environment
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 16 "The Jack-of-All-Trades Advantage: What Naval Service Teaches About Building Diverse Skills" with Sailor First Class Langsford
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Sailor First Class Langsford aboard the HMCS St. John's Halifax while sailing in the North Atlantic. In this compelling conversation, Langsford shares his remarkable journey from healthcare worker during COVID-19 to making a 21-year commitment to the Royal Canadian Navy—a decision made just five years into his service.
Langsford provides an inside look at life as a Naval Communicator, explaining how his role bridges cutting-edge satellite technology with centuries-old maritime communication traditions. He discusses his diverse responsibilities, including serving as the ship's librarian, coordinating force evaluations, and managing critical IT infrastructure while at sea. The conversation reveals surprising insights about work-life balance in military service and the structured career progression that attracted him to leave healthcare.
Throughout the episode, Langsford emphasizes the unique satisfaction of naval service—from the technical challenges of maintaining communications in the middle of the ocean to the simple but profound experience of a sea breeze that "recharges your batteries." He offers candid advice for anyone considering a naval career and shares heartfelt messages to his family back home, providing an authentic glimpse into both the professional and personal dimensions of life at sea.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 15 When the Ship Goes Dark: Inside the Critical Role of a Marine Technician with Sailor First Class Scott
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Sailor First Class Scott, a Marine Technician (MarTech) aboard HMCS St. John's, to explore an inspiring career journey that challenges everything we think we know about skilled trades training.
Scott's story is proof that you don't need prior experience to build a rewarding technical career. Starting from "square one" with zero electrical training, he's now responsible for maintaining the complex electrical systems that power one of Canada's Halifax-class frigates—and he's planning to serve until retirement.
In this candid conversation recorded during the ship's deployment, Scott pulls back the curtain on life as a Marine Technician, the demands of shipboard life, and why he believes the Royal Canadian Navy offers one of Canada's best career pathways for young people interested in skilled trades.
Key Topics Discussed
What a Marine Technician actually does (and why this role is critical to naval operations)
How the Navy trains technical professionals from scratch—no prerequisites required
Why physical fitness is a crucial predictor of success in basic training
The real talk about work-life balance: 4-hour watches, maintenance duties, and staying connected with family during six-month deployments
How adaptability becomes your most valuable career skill
Why some careers are worth the challenge
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 14 "The First 3-4 Years Are the Hardest": Why Perseverance and Support Systems Build 30-Year Careers with Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon aboard HMCS St. John's during their six-month Atlantic deployment. With 17 years of service and plans for 13 more, Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon opens up about the realities of Navy life, from managing complex communication systems to maintaining family connections from thousands of miles away.
This conversation reveals the transferable skills that make naval veterans highly sought after by civilian employers, the support systems that help families thrive during deployment, and why the first few years of service are the most challenging—but also the most important to push through. Whether you're considering a Navy career, hiring veterans, or working in education and workforce development, this episode offers valuable insights into how structured support and perseverance create long-term career success.
Key Topics Discussed:
Career longevity in the Royal Canadian Navy and transition planning
The role of senior communication maintainer and technical skill development
Family support systems and community resources during deployment
The reality of living and working on a naval vessel
The Naval Experience Program: trying the Navy before committing
Why the first 3-4 years are the most challenging (and how to get through them)
Global travel opportunities and unique experiences
Transferable skills that civilian employers actively seek
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 13 Inside the Life of a Navy Martech: Maintaining Million-Dollar Systems While Building Your Future with Sailor First Class Mack
On this special episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Sailor First Class Mack, a Martech Electrical with eight years of Royal Canadian Navy experience. Broadcasting from the HMCS St. John's Halifax during their five-month deployment, Mack shares an honest, unfiltered perspective on what it's really like to maintain the complex electrical systems that keep naval vessels operational—and how this technical career builds skills that translate far beyond military service.
As a Martech Electrical, Mack is responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance on a wide variety of equipment across the ship. His journey from an Alberta kid with no clear direction to a skilled naval technician illustrates how structured training programs can transform uncertainty into capability. Mack's story challenges common assumptions about military careers while highlighting the flexibility and transferability of skills gained through Navy service—including pathways to red seal certification and the often-overlooked ability to focus without constant digital stimulation.
This conversation offers valuable insights for students considering career colleges, education leaders developing workforce programs, and anyone interested in understanding modern career pathways that combine hands-on technical training, stability, and purpose.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 12 How 22 Years OF Managing Naval Weapons Systems Prepared One Sailor for What's Next with Petty Officer First Class Evans
On this episode of the EdUp Canada Podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster sits down with Petty Officer First Class Evans, Weapons Engineering Technician Manager aboard HMCS St. John's. With 22 years of service under his belt, Petty Officer First Class Evans shares his unexpected journey from the tech industry crash to a fulfilling naval career, managing complex weapons systems and ammunition while travelling the world.
Episode #75: 30% Hired Before Graduation: The Career College Advantage That's Changing Canadian Lives with Nik Nanos
Join host Michael Sangster for a deep dive into groundbreaking research with one of Canada's most respected pollsters, Nik Nanos (Order of Canada, Chancellor of Carleton University). Fresh data from nearly 3,000 career college graduates reveals stunning employment outcomes and the urgent financial realities facing students who are reshaping their careers.
Key Findings:
30% of graduates hired BEFORE finishing their program
Over 80% employed in their field of study
60% find work within 90 days
75% of students working while studying
40% are parents balancing education and family
This isn't your typical education conversation. It's about agility, resilience, and how Canada's career colleges are meeting the workforce exactly where it needs to be.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 11 Master of Marine Systems: CPO Dollimont's Engineering Career at Sea with Chief Petty Officer Roger Dollimont
In this episode of the EdUp Canada Podcast's special series, 'Sea of Opportunities,' Chief Petty Officer Roger Dollimont from the HMCS St. John's shares his experiences and insights from his 24-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy. He discusses his role as the engineering chief of the Marine Systems Engineering Department, the nature of naval deployments, and the various skills and leadership qualities developed in the Navy. Dollimont also touches on the importance of adaptability and the diverse career opportunities available within the Navy. Additionally, he reflects on the evolving emphasis on family support within the Navy and provides advice for those considering a naval career.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 10 Sailing Aboard Opportunities: From Cook to Purple Trade in the Navy with Sailor First Class Christinson
In this special episode of the EdUp Canada Podcast's 'Sea of Opportunities' series, host Michael Sangster interviews Sailor First Class Christinson, a cook on the HMCS St. John's. Christinson shares his motivations for joining the Royal Canadian Navy, emphasizing the prospect of early retirement and career stability. He explains the concept of a 'purple trade,' which allows for diverse postings across various military branches. The conversation covers the multifaceted nature of his duties, which include casualty clearing and managing non-food orders, along with the unique challenges of cooking on a ship. Christinson also highlights the Navy's supportive infrastructure and evolving environment. The episode concludes with Christinson expressing gratitude and sharing a greeting to his family back home.
Sea of Opportunities - Episode 9 Anchors, Arms, and Adventure: The Life of a Navy Boatswain with Sailor First Class Hennebury
In this episode of the EdUp Canada Podcast, Sea of Opportunities, host Michael Sangster interviews Sailor First Class Hennebury, a Boatswain on board HMCS St. John's. Hennebury talks about her role, which includes managing small arms and small boats, standing watches, and conducting general maintenance. She discusses the demanding 12-hour shift schedule and gives advice for those considering joining the Navy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the commitment and responsibilities involved. Hennebury also shares personal reflections on her career choice and expresses gratitude toward her loved ones and fellow Canadians.