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.

04:00 — When Three Siblings Choose the Same Path

06:00 — The 80% Employment Rate Universities Can't Match

11:00 — Navigating the Student Grant Changes Ahead

18:00 — The Weekly Flight from Newfoundland to Alberta

21:00 — Training Canadians to Cook Specialized Cuisine

26:00 — What a Doctor Taught His Politician Son

30:00 — The Plumber with a Physician's Passion

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/nojV4EmeSY3

Listen to past episodes here: https://www.edupcanada.ca/

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.

Key Moments:

00:00 - Opening: The transferable skills military service builds for civilian careers

02:00 - Why Lt. Monroe joined the Navy: family legacy, educational opportunities, and job security

04:00 - Life at sea: reaching 702 days on the water and the milestones sailors earn

06:00 - A day in the life of an Operations Officer: multitasking, planning, and constant learning

09:00 - Growing up fast: how military service accelerates personal and professional maturation

10:00 - Message to future sailors: learning invaluable skills that translate to any career path

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/viLWaTMLcKP

Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/

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.

Key Moments:

05:00 - Leadership opportunities and mentoring the next generation of sailors

06:00 - The reality of isolation at sea: Why the International Space Station crew is closer than any land-based humans

09:00 - How family support systems have evolved in the Navy and why they're critical to mission success

11:00 - Why more Canadians need to know about the RCN's global operations and the pride of wearing the flag

14:00 - Reaching the career pinnacle: 18 years of training culminating in the Above Water Warfare Director role

Read the full transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/y92CQPHmel4

Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/

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

Key Moments:

03:00 - Why join the Navy? The power of paid education and career pathways for young Canadians

05:00 - Inside the operations room: Technical trades, career progression, and coordinating complex warfare operations

07:00 - Career advice: "The job can be as rewarding as what you want to put into it" - making the most of military opportunities

08:00 - Culture shift: How the Royal Canadian Navy has evolved its mental health and family support services since 2013

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/4AkDLnqUlFJ

Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/

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.

Key Moments:

01:15 - The 21-year commitment: Langsford reveals he's signed on to serve until 2046

02:20 - Career transition: Why he left healthcare during COVID for the structure of Navy life

04:00 - Unique secondary duties: Serving as ship's librarian and IT administrator

06:10 - Role breakdown: What a Naval Communicator actually does, from SATCOM to flag signals

09:20 - Career advice: The "sea breeze moment" and why the Navy offers a unique life experience

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/EvjES0t9AnX 

Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/ 

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

Key Moments

00:00 - The fitness factor: Scott explains why physical preparation before basic training makes all the difference in starting your Navy career successfully

01:00 - MarTech explained: Breaking down the Marine Technician role—electrical vs. mechanical sides, and what it takes to keep a modern warship powered and moving

04:00 - From zero to professional: Scott reveals he had no electrical training before joining and learned everything through Navy training programs

05:00 - The reality of shipboard life: Understanding the demanding watch schedules, maintenance responsibilities, and the challenge of balancing work with personal wellness at sea

07:00 - Advice for future recruits: Scott's key message—come ready to adapt, arrive physically prepared, and understand that flexibility is essential to Navy life

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/H1Y2cznEYzm 

Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/

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

00:00 - Petty Officer 2nd Class Foulon on circumnavigating the globe through Navy deployments

02:00 - Planning for life after the Navy: excitement and anxiety about civilian career opportunities after 30+ years of service

04:00 - "Every day is different": The technical challenges and problem-solving required in naval communications

06:00 - Family support systems: How the Navy supports spouses and children during six-month deployments

09:00 - Critical career advice: "The first three or four years are the roughest" and why perseverance matters

09:30 - The Naval Experience Program explained: 3-9 month trial periods for those considering naval careers

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/xymnhpKU878

Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/ 

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.

00:42 - What does a Martech Electrical actually do? Mack explains the preventative and corrective maintenance work that keeps naval vessels operational across a large variety of equipment

01:35 - The critical career decision point: Why Mack's next training course (Integrated Platform Management System) will determine whether he stays for another five years or pursues his red seal certification

02:40 - "Play the game": Essential advice for anyone entering a new career or training program—how to mentally prepare and persist through challenging early stages

04:15 - "Honestly, just that we exist": A powerful reminder about career awareness—why an Alberta native had to join the Navy to learn the Navy exists, and what this means for career education in Canada

05:15 - The unexpected skill: How naval service develops the ability to "cope with boredom" and break free from constant phone addiction—a competitive advantage in the modern workplace

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/XQwvN6LMEoE 

Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/

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.

01:30 The dual role: Managing weapons systems while handling ammunition logistics like accounting

02:00 A day in the life: Managing weapons systems, drone defence, and combat first aid on a modern frigate

03:30 From layoffs to leadership: How job insecurity led to 22 years of stable naval service

05:30 The training advantage: Naval qualifications that transfer to civilian careers and everyday life

07:00 Pride in service: Representing Canada as a sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/xgV6wj3AyKb 

⁠Explore a career in the Royal Canadian Navy⁠: https://forces.ca/en/naval-experience-program/ 

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.

Key Moments

[04:00] 🎯 80%+ Employment Rate Reveal

[05:00] The Different Student Profile: 75% Already Working, 40% Have Children

[10:01] 🔥 30% Hired BEFORE Graduation - The Stat Everyone's Talking About

[13:15] 💰 Financial Reality Check: 57% Depend on Student Loans

[19:00] "Only 1 in 4 Has No Financial Worries" - Walking Through a Real Classroom

[20:35] 📊 70% Earn Under $60,000: Why This Proves Market Fit

[23:00] 🕐 "Today is Back to School Day for Someone"

[30:00] 💻 CompTIA Cybersecurity Case Study: When Employers Call Asking for Graduates

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/9eUQRDxFdrO 

Listen to past episodes here: https://www.edupcanada.ca/