Niagara College reinforced its commitment to workforce development on March 31, partnering with the Niagara Region to host the Building Bridges: Niagara Region Early Years and Child Care Sector and Niagara College ECE Networking Night.
The event brought together current students and alumni from NC’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program with approximately 25 employers from across the region, highlighting growing career opportunities in a sector facing significant labour shortages.
NC ECE students and alumni meet with potential employers during the networking event.
Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are in critical demand across Ontario, including in Niagara, due to the expansion of child care spaces under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system.
“The Niagara Region oversees more than 200 licensed child care centres, with the sector as a whole operating at an average of approximately 75 per cent capacity, largely due to a shortage of qualified staff – particularity Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs),” said Jennifer Butera, Manager Children’s Services Community Strategy and Partnerships. “As a result, many child care spaces remain unavailable to families despite existing physical capacity. To meet current demand and move toward full operation, the sector requires hundreds more educators, with staffing needs expected to grow in the coming years.”
The networking night was designed to help address this gap by directly connecting students and job seekers with employers. Attendees had the opportunity to meet representatives from licensed child care centres, EarlyON Family and Child Centres, licensed home child care providers and community organizations. Employers were primarily recruiting for RECE roles, along with other front-line positions such as early childhood assistants and supply staff.
The evening also featured presentations on the child care sector in Niagara, career pathways after graduation, and supports available through Niagara Region Children’s Services, including certification and tuition reimbursement programs. Representatives from the Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC) shared information about professional learning opportunities and supports available to RECEs.
Following the presentations, attendees gathered in the Learning Commons for a networking and recruitment session, where they could share resumes, speak directly with employers and participate in on-the-spot informal interviews – offering some the potential to secure employment even before graduating.
From a workforce development perspective, the event plays a key role in bridging the gap between education and employment. By bringing employers and students together in one space, NC and the Niagara Region are helping to build a strong pipeline of qualified professionals while supporting recruitment and long-term retention in the child care sector.
“This event is a testament to the important community partnerships that the College has with the Niagara Region and our shared commitment to meeting the needs of today’s workforce,” said Kim Ann Laush, Associate Dean, School of Community Services. “Early Childhood Educators play a vital role in our communities, and we’re proud to work with the Region to help our students and alumni transition into meaningful careers in the field.”
