In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster engages in a detailed conversation with Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary and Federal Government MP from British Columbia, recorded live on Parliament Hill. They discuss a wide range of topics including Noormohamed's unconventional career trajectory, his experiences in the tech and political sectors, and his work during significant events like the 2010 Olympics and various crises in British Columbia. The conversation highlights the importance of upskilling, lifelong learning, and the role of various educational institutions in workforce development. They also address current government efforts in AI, digital innovation, and immigration policies aimed at attracting skilled workers to Canada.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster speaks with Dave Shaw, Production Manager at Mujo Learning Systems. They discuss the importance of experimenting with new technologies, particularly in the field of education. Dave shares insights into how Mujo provides up-to-date, practical curriculum packages for career colleges, focusing on rapidly changing fields like digital marketing and artificial intelligence. The conversation also covers the development of courses tailored to current industry practices, the importance of adaptability, and the benefits of asynchronous learning models.

This episode is sponsored by Gale Force Wins

Gale Force Wins is an Atlantic Canadian and veteran-owned digital content company specializing in genuine, authentic storytelling that emotionally connects with your audience.

They focus on capturing the real stories about regulated career colleges from students and faculty to employers and community partners. Their team comes right to your location and quickly creates powerful content to support your marketing efforts, saving you time and money. Graduation ceremonies are a perfect time to capture those special moments with all the key people in one place.

NACC members get a special offer when booking early, so don't miss out. Visit www.galeforcewins.com to learn more. Gale force wins genuine and authentic storytelling done with speed and ease.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster interviews Jeffrey Orridge, former CFL commissioner and new head of the King's Trust Canada. They discuss the mission of King's Trust, focusing on empowering youth facing barriers through skills development and workforce readiness. Orridge outlines the organization's programs, which include mentorship, networking events, and an online skills academy. They also touch upon Orridge's diverse career path from law to marketing and his experiences with influential mentors. The episode underscores the importance of soft skills, critical thinking, and adaptability in achieving career success.

This episode is brought to you by Halladay Education Group Inc

Led by Doug Halladay, Halladay Education Group is North America's Leading M and A advisory firm focusing exclusively on the sale of private educational institutions, including career colleges across Canada and the United States.

With decades of experience and a global reach, they provide confidential, customized solutions to help owners plan a successful exit, maximizing value, and protecting their legacy. Right now, there is exceptional buyer demand for healthcare-focused career colleges serving primarily domestic students. If your institution offers programs in healthcare, personal support, medical administration, or nursing pathways, this is an ideal time for you to explore your options.

Whether you're ready to sell, considering your future, or just curious about market trends. Halladay offers expert guidance through the entire sale or merger process from preparation to closing. They work closely with you to ensure a smooth strategic transition with minimal disruption. If you're a career college owner, don't wait.

Reach out for a confidential, no obligation consultation to learn what your school might be worth in today's market. Visit holidayeducationgroup.com  to schedule your private consultation. The trusted name in private school sales, maximizing value, minimizing disruption.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster is joined by Sterling Simpson, Vice President of Business Development at Enrollment Resources. They discuss the crucial role of regulated career colleges in helping students find the right educational paths and the impactful work these institutions are doing to improve lives. Sterling shares his unique journey from a career in digital marketing to his current role, where he uses his expertise to enhance student experiences and outcomes within the career college sector. They also highlight the importance of quality education, employer partnerships, and the high level of regulation these colleges adhere to, ensuring successful career transitions for students.

This episode of the EdUp Canada podcast is brought to you by Points for School

You can use your mileage points to pay for tuition. No more trips and toasters for mom and dad.

Why not use those points for tuition? Check out Points for School on the NACC website and see if it's something that'd be good for you or your institution.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster is joined by Rod Gilbert, President of the Canadian Construction Association, to discuss the vital need for skilled workers across various sectors, particularly in construction. The conversation delves into the essential role of training and continuous learning in building a successful career and supporting national infrastructure. Rod highlights the significant challenges and opportunities within the industry, the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, industry, and government, and the critical need for strategic immigration and public policy alignment. Additionally, the discussion touches on the impact of tariffs, the need for comprehensive infrastructure planning, and the role of mentoring in professional growth.

This episode is brought to you by CTMS Travel Group

CTMS is a proudly Canadian company and the official travel management partner of NACC. With more than 40 years of experience and a people-first approach, they know how to make travel seamless for regulated career colleges, whether it’s a single flight or a large group event.

Travel planning can quickly become time-consuming and overwhelming, especially for busy education teams. That’s where CTMS stands out. Their expert team provides customized travel programs, exclusive pre-negotiated rates, and full support for budgeting, compliance tracking, and even emergency assistance, with 24/7 access to real professionals when you need it most.

And here’s the best part: NACC members can take advantage of zero booking fees until December 31st.

CTMS Travel: corporate travel made simple. To learn more, visit ctmstravel.com or call 1-866-359-2867.

In this episode of the Edup Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster welcomes Philippe Taza, CEO of Higher Education Marketing (HEM). They discuss the crucial role that external vendors like HEM play in connecting students to the right educational programs. Philippe shares insights on the evolution of digital marketing and attribution, illustrating how complex and multifaceted student recruitment has become. The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship in career colleges and how impactful moments can shape careers. Philippe emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and adaptation, particularly with the rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT. This episode encapsulates the mission of Edup Canada: exploring how training and skills can lead to lasting career success.

This episode is brought to you by ArchieCPL by KnowMeQ

 Archie is a revolutionary credit for prior learning tool that turns PLAR into a recruitment revenue-generating superpower. Archie turns applicants into students in minutes, and it can do it with incredible accuracy that saves colleges and applicants time and money.

So you can say buy, buy, buy to manual eligibility assessments, and that means more students in the right program and on the path to success. You can learn more about Archie at knowmeq.com. When you're there, you can book a free demo, and when you meet with their team of educators on a demo, mention Ed up Canada to activate Archie for free for three months at your college.

Big conversations start with Archie. 

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster interviews Tania Johnston, CEO of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada. They discuss the wide range of career opportunities available within the mechanical trades, emphasizing the importance of apprenticeship programs, advocacy, and the significant roles these trades play in the construction industry. Tania provides insights into the association’s efforts to address labor shortages, promote women in trades, and the impact of their advocacy work. They also highlight the need to reintroduce trade education in high schools and advocate for targeted immigration to address workforce gaps. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of mentorship and the various paths within the mechanical trades that can lead to long-term, fulfilling careers. 

This episode is brought to you by HEM Education Marketing Solutions 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from speaking with schools across the country, it’s that having a strong admissions and marketing system isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. That’s where HEM comes in. 

HEM has been working with regulated career colleges since 2008, offering data-driven digital marketing and a powerful all-in-one CRM & Student Management System called HEM-SP, built specifically for education. It streamlines everything, inquiries, applications, payments, scheduling, and more, freeing up your team to focus on what matters most: supporting students. 

What stands out to me is how much colleges trust HEM to help them grow, and how often they stay long-term. It’s a sign that their approach actually works. 

Want to see what HEM can do for your school? Visit www.hem.agency to book your free 15-minute strategy call and get a personalized demo. 

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster interviews Heather Yang, the President and CEO of Anderson College. They discuss the college's 140-year history and its significant impact on the community, including a recent celebration event partnering with Make-A-Wish Canada. Heather highlights the college's evolution from a secretarial school in 1885 to a modern institution offering high-demand programs, particularly in healthcare. The conversation also covers the challenges and successes of transitioning to online learning during the pandemic, the importance of mentorship and community support, and the crucial role career colleges play in filling workforce gaps. Heather shares personal insights on leadership and the collective effort required to sustain and grow the sector.

This episode is brought to you by Smart Owl. If you are ready to build future-ready programs that make a real impact, visit Smart Owl today to discover how Smart Owl is shaping the future of education in Canada. Smart Owl Education Consulting for a smarter future.

In this episode, host Michael Sangster interviews Joel English, President Emeritus for Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, and Tidewater Tech, and he is the President of English Advisory, a higher education consulting firm based in Norfolk, Virginia. The conversation delves into the importance of career education and its transformative impact on students' lives. Joel shares his journey from academia to career education, highlighting the moral dilemma he faced and how it led him to help students gain practical skills and achieve employment. The discussion also covers the pressing need for skilled aviation maintenance workers, and the launch of a new documentary 'Tradeswomen,' aimed at inspiring more women to enter the trades. Joel emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration across borders to address the growing demand for skilled workers.

This episode is sponsored by eLoft Careers. eLoft Careers offers online, on-demand job search courses designed specifically for students, teaching them how to build standout resumes and cover letters, master interviews, and navigate today’s job market with confidence.

⁠Want to see for yourself? Try it free with a small group! Email info@eloftcareers.com by August 15, 2025, or visit eloftcareers.com.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, hosted by Michael Sangster, Jamie Burton, CEO of INNoVA, discusses how ensuring accessibility can lead to better business outcomes and attract top talent. Jamie introduces INNoVA as a unique social enterprise focused on creating solutions for people with disabilities in Canada. They dive into INNoVA's three main services: accessibility consulting, workplace accommodations, and business intelligence. The conversation also highlights their innovative app, Sphere, which aims to assist individuals in self-discovering the tools they need to succeed. The discussion touches on broader themes of data privacy, strategic thinking, mentoring, and the importance of experiential learning. 

IIn this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster delves into the importance of skilled trades and their impact on the Canadian economy. He is joined by Emidio D'Alfonso, Vice President of Skilled Trades for North American Trade Schools and a board member of the National Association of Career Colleges. With nearly 30 years of experience, Emidio shares insights on the demand for skilled trades like electrical, HVAC, welding, and home renovation. He discusses the evolving perception of skilled trades as viable career paths and the critical role they play in addressing labor shortages. Emidio also touches on his own career journey, the importance of mentoring, and the impact career colleges have on students' lives. The podcast emphasizes the significance of hands-on learning and the role of career colleges in preparing students for successful careers.

In this episode of the Edup Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster is joined by Vasco Alcantara and Krystin from Placement Pass, to discuss their work in assisting career colleges across Canada. The discussion highlights Placement Pass's role in validating medical and non-medical documents for student placements, thereby transferring risk and liability away from colleges and ensuring regulatory compliance. Krystin explains her role as a clinical manager, handling exceptions and detecting fraud, while Vasco shares insights into building relationships with institutions and the overall benefits of their services. The episode also touches upon the importance of organizational leadership skills and mentorship in career success.