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Leaders from across New Brunswick's education sector are working together to create stronger connections between learning, opportunity, and long-term workforce participation.

The University of New Brunswick, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), and New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) have taken a critical step towards strengthening New Brunswick’s public education system.

Earlier this year, more than 40 leaders from across EECD and New Brunswick’s two largest public post-secondary institutions came together around a shared commitment to improve learner outcomes, strengthen educational pathways, and address provincial workforce challenges through a more coordinated, system-wide approach.

Together, the working group has identified three priority areas for collaboration among public post-secondary institutions and government:

• Strengthening student engagement and participation in education and training;
• Retaining New Brunswick students within the province's public post-secondary education system;
• Increasing mobility between colleges and universities through more connected pathways.

 “We all want to see students succeed and thrive in the classroom and beyond, that’s why the 12-year education plan for the anglophone sector, Strong Basics, Bright Futures emphasizes initiatives to foster skill development and provide robust education-to-work transitions,” said EECD Minister Claire Johnson.

“Part of that is built on enhancing foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, targeting early interventions, and improving career pathways through experiential learning opportunities. We want to equip youth with the knowledge and skills not only for employability, but also to be able to be lifelong learners who can further their education.”

Building a more connected education system

While collaboration between post-secondary institutions and government is not new, this partnership represents a new way of approaching a shared challenge.

For the first time, UNB, NBCC, and government partners are coming together to examine education from a system-wide perspective, rather than through individual mandates or organizational interests. By bringing together decision-makers from across the province’s education continuum, the group is working toward a more coordinated approach that helps learners move more seamlessly between education, training, and employment.

This work comes at an important time for New Brunswick. Approximately 16 per cent of youth aged 15 to 29 are currently not participating in employment, education, or training (NEET), reinforcing the need for a more coordinated approach to learner success across the public education system.

A shared commitment to learner success

The working group will focus its collective efforts on identifying opportunities to strengthen student supports, improve awareness of educational and career pathways, enhance transitions between institutions, and create stronger connections across the province’s public education system.

Early conversations have highlighted the value of increased access across rural and urban communities, earlier career exploration and planning, enhanced guidance services, stronger pathway and bridging programs, and meaningful first-year experiences.

These efforts will help create more flexible and accessible pathways that enable students to pursue their goals while building the skills and experience needed for future success.

“Student success is a shared responsibility. When educators, institutions and government partners come together around a shared vision, we can open doors to new opportunities for young people and help them reach their full potential,” said Dr. Petra Hauf, Provost and Vice President Academic at UNB.

“I'm proud of the work we have accomplished together to support learners as they navigate their futures with confidence. By strengthening these partnerships, we are creating clearer pathways to success for students and helping build stronger communities throughout New Brunswick.”

A unified approach to New Brunswick’s future

At the centre of this partnership is a shared belief that New Brunswick's future will be built by people, and that the opportunities created for learners today will become the talent the province depends on tomorrow.

Education plays a critical role in developing the workforce needed to support economic growth, innovation, and resilient communities. By aligning efforts and focusing on shared outcomes, government and public post-secondary institutions can improve learner outcomes, strengthen workforce participation, and help build the talent New Brunswick needs for the future.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to see what is possible for their future and the support needed to get there,” said Ann Drennan, Vice-President, Academic Innovation, NBCC.

“By working together to help more New Brunswickers access education, develop their talents, and achieve their goals, we create benefits that extend far beyond the individual. We strengthen our communities, support employers, and help build a more prosperous future for our province.”

Looking ahead

While this work is still in its early stages, the working group remains committed to advancing its shared priorities through ongoing collaboration. Together, partners will continue engaging key stakeholders and subject matter experts to help inform future work, strengthen partnerships, and support meaningful, system-wide progress.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Communication@nbcc.ca
Media@unb.ca

ABOUT NBCC:

As one of New Brunswick’s largest postsecondary education institutions, NBCC drives social and economic wellbeing across the province. NBCC welcomes more than 12,000 learners each year through quality-assured, relevant training opportunities. NBCC is committed to accelerating skills development, innovating educational delivery, and reaching unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. Find out more at: www.nbcc.ca.

ABOUT UNB:

Established in 1785, the University of New Brunswick is Canada’s longest standing English-language university and New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive institution. Located on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional Wolastoqey land, UNB’s Fredericton and Saint John campuses welcome nearly 10,000 students from over 100 countries, offering a world class education across more than 250 innovative programs, certificates and diplomas. UNB is New Brunswick's sponsored research leader, advancing knowledge in areas including energy, health, environment and security. Together, UNB is transforming communities and helping shape a more just, equitable and inclusive world.