Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s Employment in Canada (2001-2024)

Canada’s post-secondary education system is a vital component of the nation’s workforce development, with Community Colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s playing a critical role. Understanding employment trends in this sector helps policymakers, educators, and job seekers align with evolving demands. This article analyzes employment data from 2001 to 2024, revealing growth patterns, economic impacts, and future opportunities.

Employment Trends in Community Colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s (2001–2024)

Key Data Overview

• 2001 Employment: 103,968 employees
• 2024 Employment: 141,731 employees
• Overall Increase: ~37% growth over 23 years

Significant Growth Periods

• 2006–2009: Annual growth between 2–3% reflecting increased enrollment.
• 2019: A strong 3% growth before the pandemic impact.
• 2022–2024: A remarkable post-pandemic recovery with 5-6% annual growth.

Pandemic Impact

• 2020: The sector experienced a 7% decline, the steepest in two decades, highlighting the disruption caused by COVID-19 on education employment.

What are CEGEPs?

CÉGEPs (Collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel) are public post-secondary colleges in Quebec, Canada that provide:

• Pre-university programs: Typically 2 years, preparing students for university studies.
• Technical/vocational programs: Usually 3 years, focused on practical skills for direct entry into the workforce.

Key Facts:

• Unique to Quebec’s education system.
• Serve as an intermediary step between high school (which ends after Grade 11 in Quebec) and university.
• Offer Diploma of College Studies (DEC) upon completion.
• Cover a wide range of fields including sciences, arts, technology, and skilled trades.

CÉGEPs are a critical part of Quebec’s educational infrastructure, balancing academic and practical education.

Number of People Employed in Community Colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s in Canada (2001-2024)

Year	Total Employees in Community colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s	Growth YoY
2001	103,968
2002	105,840	2%
2003	108,175	2%
2004	107,657	0%
2005	108,160	0%
2006	110,687	2%
2007	114,468	3%
2008	117,258	2%
2009	119,979	2%
2010	119,196	-1%
2011	118,706	0%
2012	119,523	1%
2013	120,016	0%
2014	120,660	1%
2015	119,661	-1%
2016	121,644	2%
2017	122,400	1%
2018	123,778	1%
2019	127,350	3%
2020	118,857	-7%
2021	121,168	2%
2022	128,537	6%
2023	135,535	5%
2024	141,731	5%

Source:

Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0202-01  Employment by industry, annual