New Brunswick Community College

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is a public post-secondary institution in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, established in 1974 to provide accessible, hands-on education focused on career preparation and regional economic development.^[1] With six campuses located in Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John, St. Andrews, and Woodstock, NBCC serves learners across the province, emphasizing applied learning through co-ops, internships, practicums, and industry partnerships.^[2][3] The college is organized into eight schools—Arts, Community and Protective Services; Wesley Armour School of Business; Engineering Technologies; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information Technology; Trades; and Professional and Part-Time Learning—offering more than 90 full-time certificate and diploma programs in fields such as business, health, technology, trades, and creative arts.^[3] These programs typically range from one to three years in duration, with many designed for seamless transfer to university degrees, contributing to NBCC's role in fostering social and economic prosperity.^[1][3] In the 2023-2024 academic year, NBCC enrolled 13,130 learners across full-time, part-time, continuing education, and apprenticeship programs, surpassing its target by 5% and reflecting a 36.6% increase over five years.^[2] The institution employs 1,055 staff members and maintains strong graduate outcomes, with 93% of 2023 graduates employed within one year (as of the 2024 survey).^[4] NBCC also supports international students from over 70 countries and Indigenous learners.^[5][2] In 2024-2025, NBCC faced a provincial cap on international study permits, projecting a 39% drop in international enrollment, while expanding programs in priority sectors like health, education, and trades to address workforce needs.^[6]

History

Founding and Early Development

The New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) was established in 1973 under the New Brunswick Community College Act, which received royal assent on June 7 of that year.^[7] This legislation created two autonomous community college corporations to deliver post-secondary non-university education across the province: the English-language NBCC and the French-language Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB).^[8] The initiative aimed to enhance economic development and social well-being by providing accessible technical, vocational, and applied training tailored to regional needs, building on earlier provincial efforts in adult and skills education.^[9] NBCC's formation involved the amalgamation of longstanding vocational and technical schools that had developed independently since the early 1900s, enabling a coordinated provincial network from the outset. Predecessor institutions included the Carleton County Vocational School in Woodstock, founded in 1913 as one of Canada's first dedicated vocational facilities, as well as later establishments like the Bathurst Vocational School (1961), Moncton Vocational School (1962), Saint John Vocational School (1963), Edmundston Vocational School (1964), Miramichi Vocational School (1968), and Fredericton Vocational School (1969).^[10][11] This merger preserved regional expertise in trades and practical skills while standardizing curricula and administration under a single entity.^[12] During its initial decade, NBCC prioritized infrastructure consolidation and program expansion to address workforce demands in a bilingual province. Key early developments included the 1975 opening of the Bathurst campus on the grounds of predecessor institutions like Collège du Sacré-Coeur, which facilitated technology-focused training and supported English-language delivery in Acadian communities.^[12] By emphasizing hands-on education in areas such as health sciences, business, and industrial trades, NBCC quickly established itself as a vital contributor to New Brunswick's post-secondary landscape, enrolling students from diverse backgrounds and fostering partnerships with local industries.^[9]

Expansion and Key Milestones

Following its establishment in 1973 through the amalgamation of existing vocational and technical schools across New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) rapidly expanded to form a province-wide network dedicated to post-secondary non-university education. This merger incorporated longstanding institutions such as the Carleton County Vocational School (also known as L.P. Fisher Vocational School) in Woodstock, founded in 1913, and the Saint John Vocational School (established 1963), enabling NBCC to deliver hands-on technical and vocational training from multiple locations immediately upon inception. By 1974, the college operated six English-language campuses—Fredericton, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John, St. Andrews, and Woodstock—offering programs in fields like trades, health sciences, and applied arts to address regional labor needs. This foundational expansion laid the groundwork for NBCC's role in supporting economic development, with early growth focused on integrating diverse facilities to serve over 10,000 learners annually by the late 1970s.^[12][13] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, NBCC continued to evolve amid provincial education reforms, enhancing program offerings and infrastructure to meet emerging industry demands. Influenced by the 1975 LeBel Report on technical training, the college broadened its scope to include advanced apprenticeships and specialized diplomas, while investing in campus upgrades such as new workshops and labs. Enrollment surged during this period, reflecting NBCC's adaptation to workforce shortages in sectors like manufacturing and fisheries; by the early 2000s, the institution had established additional delivery sites, including First Nations partnerships and online learning options through its virtual campus initiative launched in 2000. A pivotal restructuring occurred in 2010 under the New Brunswick Community Colleges Act, which transformed NBCC into an autonomous public education corporation, streamlining governance and enabling greater flexibility in program innovation and international collaborations.^[12][8] Key milestones in the 21st century underscore NBCC's commitment to research, infrastructure, and accessibility. In 2012, the college launched its Applied Research and Innovation Centre, marking a decade of community-engaged projects by 2022 that addressed real-world challenges in sustainability and technology. The 2022-2023 fiscal year celebrated the 50th anniversary of NBCC's incorporation, coinciding with record enrollment of 12,294 learners and recognition as one of Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource, where it ranked 16th overall in research intensity among medium-sized institutions. Further expansion included a $45.9 million investment announced in 2022 for redeveloping the Saint John Campus, adding modern facilities like an atrium and student services centre to boost capacity in health and trades programs. In 2023, NBCC unveiled its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, "Going Beyond," emphasizing skills training for priority sectors amid an aging workforce, with initiatives like expanded co-op programs and the planned addition of over 200 new seats in trades for fall 2025. In 2025, NBCC expanded programs in priority sectors like health, education, and construction trades, as announced in June. These developments have solidified NBCC's impact, with graduate employment rates consistently exceeding 90%.^{[14][15][16][17][6]}

Organization and Governance

Administrative Structure

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) operates as a provincial Crown corporation under the oversight of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. It is directed by a Board of Governors that establishes policies to align with the college's mandate of enhancing New Brunswick's social and economic well-being through post-secondary education, training, and applied research.^[18][19] The Board of Governors consists of 15 members: 12 appointed by the Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, and 3 internal members (one academic staff, one non-academic staff, and one student) selected by their peers. The board is responsible for strategic planning, financial accountability, risk management, and fostering an inclusive institutional culture. It operates through four standing committees: Audit (chaired by Jocelyn Chan), Governance (Catherine Lawrence), Human Resources (Nicole Gionet), and Nominations (Mike Wright). For the 2025-2026 academic year, Wes McLean serves as Chair and Shawn Mesheau as Vice-Chair.^[19][2][20] At the executive level, NBCC is led by President and CEO Mary Butler, who has held the position since 2019 and oversees the overall operations and strategic direction. Reporting to the president are two vice-presidents: Ann Drennan, Vice-President of Academic, Innovation, and Student Affairs, responsible for educational programs, research, and student support; and Heather Allaby, Vice-President of Engagement and Experience, focusing on community partnerships, marketing, and stakeholder relations. Additional key executives include Jean Goguen, Executive Director of Finance, managing fiscal resources; and Rosalynn Alessi, Executive Director of People & Culture, who handles human resources and organizational development.^[18][2] The administrative framework is guided by three organizational pillars: Education That Works (emphasizing learner success and program relevance), Going Beyond In All That We Do (prioritizing stewardship and exceptional experiences), and Impact Through Relationships (driving employment outcomes and community engagement). This structure ensures alignment with provincial goals under the New Brunswick Community Colleges Act.^[2]

Leadership and Affiliations

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) operates as a provincial Crown corporation under the oversight of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.^[18] The institution's governance is led by a Board of Governors, which establishes policies to promote social and economic well-being through education and training. The board consists of 15 members: 12 appointed by the Minister and 3 selected internally to represent academic staff, non-academic staff, and students.^[19] For the 2025-2026 academic year, Wes McLean serves as Chair and Shawn Mesheau as Vice-Chair, with committee leadership including Jocelyn Chan (Audit), Nicole Gionet (Human Resources), Catherine Lawrence (Governance), and Mike Wright (Nominations).^[20][19] Executive leadership at NBCC is headed by President and Chief Executive Officer Mary Butler, who began her second term in 2024 after serving since 2019.^[21][18] Under her direction, the college has seen enrolment growth exceeding 33% since 2019.^[22] Key senior executives include Ann Drennan, Vice President of Academic, Innovation and Student Affairs; Heather Allaby, Vice President of Engagement and Experience; Jean Goguen, Executive Director of Finance; and Rosalynn Alessi, Executive Director of People & Culture.^[18] These leaders oversee operations across NBCC's six campuses, focusing on hands-on training and industry partnerships. NBCC maintains affiliations with national educational organizations to support its mission in post-secondary education. It is a member of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), which represents publicly supported colleges and institutes, enabling NBCC to participate in advocacy, professional development, and collaborative initiatives.^[10] Through CICan, NBCC engages in national efforts to advance vocational training and innovation. Additionally, as a public institution, NBCC aligns with provincial government priorities for workforce development, fostering partnerships with local industries and international entities for student pathways and applied research.^[23]

Campuses and Facilities

Campus Locations

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) maintains six campuses strategically located throughout the province of New Brunswick, Canada, providing accessible education in diverse communities. These campuses are situated on the traditional homelands of the Mi'kmaq, Wolastoq, and Peskotomuhkati peoples, with lands subject to treaties in effect since 1726.^[24] Each campus offers a range of programs tailored to local needs while sharing the college's commitment to practical, career-focused training. The Moncton Campus, the largest of NBCC's facilities, is located at 1234 Mountain Road in Moncton, New Brunswick's most populous city with over 150,000 residents. Serving more than 1,400 students annually, it features modern amenities including a gymnasium, fitness centre, cafeteria, bookstore, and student lounges, along with support services such as career counseling and a student union. The campus emphasizes programs in business, health, information technology, and trades, benefiting from its central urban position near shopping, housing, and public transit options like Centennial Park access.^[25] In Saint John, NBCC's campus is divided into two sites: the main facility at 950 Grandview Avenue and the Allied Health Education Centre at 380 Campus Ring Road, both in this historic port city of approximately 125,000 people. Accommodating over 1,500 students, it includes specialized engineering and trades buildings, a rock-climbing wall, gymnasium, and health-focused simulation labs. Key offerings span health sciences, engineering technology, business, and social services, enhanced by the city's cultural vibrancy, proximity to the airport, and connections to nearby cities like Fredericton and Moncton via public transit.^[26] The Miramichi Campus, situated at 80 University Avenue along the scenic Miramichi River in a community of more than 17,000 residents, supports around 500 students, nearly 20% of whom are international. It provides essential amenities and fosters a close-knit environment with access to outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking, as well as community events such as the annual Pumpkin Festival. Programs focus on applied arts, environmental systems, health, information technology, and trades, with convenient shuttle services from regional airports in Moncton and Fredericton.^[27] NBCC's Fredericton Campus is located at 26 Duffie Drive on the grounds of the University of New Brunswick in the provincial capital, a riverside city of about 60,000 along the Saint John River. Hosting over 400 students, it integrates with UNB resources like cafeterias and fitness facilities while offering dedicated spaces for business, civil engineering technology, health, information technology, and social sciences programs. The campus promotes community engagement through events such as barbecues and farmers' markets, with easy access to local retail, hospitals, and a supportive international student network.^[28] The St. Andrews Campus is located at 99 Augustus Street in St. Andrews, a picturesque seaside town of approximately 1,800 residents known as Canada's first resort town. Hosting over 250 students, including a growing number of international learners from more than 30 countries, it offers around 17 programs in business administration, health, information technology, social sciences, trades, tourism, and hospitality. Amenities include a cafeteria, gymnasium, fitness centre, and student lounges, all within walking distance to local shops, housing, banking, medical services, and beaches. The community attracts over 80,000 tourists annually, providing rich opportunities for hospitality and tourism studies alongside outdoor activities.^[29] The Woodstock Campus is situated at 100 Broadway Street in downtown Woodstock, a close-knit town of about 5,600 residents often called the "Hospitality Town." Serving more than 250 students, it provides programs in business administration, health, information technology, social sciences, and trades in a welcoming environment that encourages volunteering and community involvement. Facilities include a gymnasium, cafeteria, library, computer labs, and bookstore, with access to nearby outdoor pursuits like canoeing and snowshoeing. The campus is approximately one hour from Fredericton, with taxi services available though public transit is limited.^[30]

Infrastructure and Resources

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) operates across six campuses in New Brunswick, occupying over 1.4 million gross square feet of provincially owned facilities under a memorandum of agreement with the Government of New Brunswick.^[2] These campuses feature modern infrastructure designed to support hands-on learning, including specialized labs, computer facilities, and collaborative spaces. In 2023, NBCC implemented a province-wide networking upgrade using HPE Aruba solutions to enhance connectivity across its 28,000-square-mile service area, ensuring robust digital resources for students and faculty.^[31] The college's Library Learning Commons provides centralized access to academic resources, including eBooks, peer-reviewed journal databases, and multimedia collections available online via student accounts. Physical libraries are available at select campuses, such as Woodstock, offering quiet study areas and research support. Specialized labs support program-specific training; for instance, the Critical Infrastructure Security Operations Centre enables simulations of cybersecurity threats for critical systems like energy and water facilities, fostering industry partnerships.^[32][33] Campus amenities emphasize student well-being and recreation. Most locations include cafeterias (some operated by hospitality students), bookstores, and student lounges. Fitness and sports facilities are widespread:

• Fredericton Campus (located on University of New Brunswick grounds): Shares access to UNB's cafeteria, fitness centre, and housing; features state-of-the-art buildings for engineering and health programs.^[28]
• Miramichi Campus (including St. Michael’s Building and Field Training Centre): Supports trades and environmental training with outdoor access for activities like kayaking and hiking.^[27]
• Moncton Campus (centrally located): Houses a gymnasium, fitness centre, and dining facilities; nearby Centennial Park offers seasonal recreation such as skiing and biking.^[25]
• Saint John Campus (main site at 950 Grandview Avenue, plus Gerald S. Merrithew Allied Health Education Centre): Includes new engineering and trades buildings (added post-2016 infrastructure funding of $15.89 million), a rock-climbing wall, large cafeteria, and gymnasium; a $45.9 million redevelopment in 2022 added a lobby, atrium, learning commons, and student services centre.^[16][34][26]
• St. Andrews Campus: Fully equipped with a cafeteria, gymnasium, fitness centre, and lounges; walking distance to local amenities.^[29]
• Woodstock Campus: Provides a library, computer labs, gymnasium, and cafeteria; supports nearby outdoor pursuits like canoeing and snowshoeing.^[30]

These resources are complemented by student services, including career counselling and accessibility accommodations, available onsite at all campuses to promote inclusive learning environments.

Academic Offerings

Program Types and Degrees

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) offers a diverse array of programs designed to provide practical, career-oriented education, primarily through certificates and diplomas that emphasize hands-on training and industry relevance. These credentials are awarded upon successful completion of structured programs, aligning with the college's qualifications framework, which recognizes various levels of achievement from entry-level certificates to advanced diplomas.^[35] With over 90 full-time programs spanning more than 15 areas, NBCC focuses on two-year diploma programs that build foundational skills, one-year certificate programs for quicker entry into the workforce, and pathways for laddering between credentials.^[36][37] Full-time programs form the core of NBCC's offerings, typically leading to either a one-year certificate or a two-year diploma. Certificate programs, such as Administrative Professional or Business Fundamentals, provide targeted training in specific skills and often serve as entry points or bridges to diploma-level study, with credits transferable toward longer programs.^[38][39] Diploma programs, like Business Administration or Civil Engineering Technician, require two years of study and culminate in a Diploma, equipping graduates with comprehensive competencies for mid-level roles in fields such as health sciences, information technology, and trades.^[40] These programs incorporate apprenticeships in trades areas, where students alternate between classroom instruction and on-the-job training to earn industry-recognized certifications alongside NBCC credentials.^[41] Post-graduate programs, including graduate certificates and diplomas of advanced studies, target individuals with prior university degrees or college diplomas, offering one-year options to enhance specialized skills. Examples include Supply Chain Management and Logistics or Business Analysis, which provide practical experience to complement existing qualifications and facilitate career advancement.^[42][43] These credentials, such as the Graduate Certificate, recognize advanced achievement and are designed for professional development in areas like management and technology.^[35] In addition to full-time options, NBCC provides part-time education through credit and non-credit courses, as well as stackable microcredentials that can lead to certificates of completion or achievement. These flexible formats allow learners to earn credentials incrementally, covering disciplines from business to skilled trades, with official recognition for program completion.^[44][45][46] Overall, NBCC's program structure prioritizes accessibility and progression, enabling students to obtain certificates of achievement for partial completion or full diplomas for comprehensive training, without offering bachelor's degrees.^[47]

Fields of Study and Specializations

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) offers a diverse array of fields of study through its eight specialized schools, encompassing over 90 full-time programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in New Brunswick and beyond. These programs emphasize practical, hands-on training, often including co-operative education placements and industry partnerships to align with regional economic needs such as resource management, healthcare, and technology innovation.^[3] The curriculum spans vocational trades, professional diplomas, and certificate programs, with many leading to Red Seal certifications or pathways to university degrees.^[48] In the Wesley Armour School of Business, students pursue specializations in accounting, marketing, financial management, and human resources, with programs like Business Administration providing foundational skills for administrative roles across industries. The School of Health and Wellness focuses on healthcare delivery, offering specializations in medical laboratory technology, pharmacy technician training, and respiratory therapy, addressing shortages in clinical support professions. Engineering and technology fields are covered in the School of Engineering Technologies, where specializations include civil engineering technology, electrical and electronics engineering, and environmental technology, equipping graduates for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.^[3][48] The School of Information Technology emphasizes digital competencies, with specializations in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics to meet the growing tech sector demands. Trades-oriented programs in the School of Trades specialize in carpentry, welding, plumbing, and heavy equipment operation, often incorporating apprenticeship models for skilled labor certification. Human services and creative fields are addressed through the School of Arts, Community and Protective Services, featuring specializations in early childhood education, justice studies, animation, and graphic design, fostering roles in community support and media production. Finally, the School of Hospitality and Tourism provides training in culinary arts, hotel management, and tourism operations, tailored to New Brunswick's vibrant visitor economy. The School of Professional and Part-Time Learning supports flexible entry into these fields via microcredentials and continuing education.^[3][48]

Research and Innovation

Research Centres and Initiatives

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) emphasizes applied research through its College Office of Research Enterprise (CORE), which coordinates innovation projects aimed at addressing industry and community challenges while fostering commercialization of technologies.^[49] Established in 2012 to support economic and social growth in the province, CORE facilitates collaborations with businesses, providing access to researchers, students, and advanced facilities for research and development, technical services, and funding guidance.^[49] Over its first decade, NBCC's applied research efforts engaged more than 2,600 students and staff in projects that delivered solutions for hundreds of partners, marking a milestone in 2022.^[50] As of 2025, these efforts have provided research experiences to more than 4,000 students.^[49] NBCC operates three dedicated research centres focused on key sectors: the Centre for Applied Research in Sustainable Infrastructure (CARSI), which develops solutions for resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure; the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping (CAMP), dedicated to innovative manufacturing processes and prototype development; and the Centre for Health and Wellness Innovation (CHWI), which advances technologies and practices in health care and wellness.^[51] These centres integrate student involvement, enabling hands-on research experiences that align with industry needs, and contribute to NBCC's recognition as one of Canada's Top 50 Research Colleges, including in 2022 (6th in research partnerships, 11th in funding, and 16th in research intensity) and 2023.^[15][2] Key initiatives under CORE include cybersecurity enhancements, such as the Critical Infrastructure Security Operations Centre launched in 2021 to protect connected systems and build provincial expertise in digital security.^[52] In educational technologies, projects explore immersive learning tools and AI applications to improve training outcomes.^[52] Other notable efforts encompass space technology through the CubeSat NB project, where students design and test the VIOLET satellite in partnership with universities and the Canadian Space Agency, and generative AI for virtual try-on technologies in retail.^[53] Additionally, the launch of the Intelligent Community Institute Canada (Atlantic) in 2023 promotes digital transformation across the region by integrating smart community strategies.^[54] The Centre of Excellence in Community and Protective Services, opened in 2022 at the Saint John campus, provides simulator labs for applied research in justice studies and emergency response training.^[55] Recent projects as of 2025 include digital transformation for enhanced customer experience (2024) and a digital, asynchronous solution for ADHD diagnosis and referral (2025).^[52] These activities have generated $18.7 million in external funding, supported over 650 industry and community projects, and provided research experiences to more than 4,000 students, involving over 55 active researchers as of 2025.^[49] By prioritizing practical, partnership-driven research, NBCC's centres and initiatives enhance workforce development and regional innovation without speculative ventures, ensuring all outputs are grounded in verifiable collaborations.^[49]

International Projects and Partnerships

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) actively engages in international projects and partnerships to foster global competencies among students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing mobility, academic pathways, and collaborative initiatives in vocational education. These efforts are coordinated through NBCC's Global Engagement office, which facilitates exchanges, training, and joint projects with institutions worldwide to promote cross-cultural learning and skill development.^[56] NBCC maintains partnerships with 13 international institutions across nine countries, primarily focused on student and staff mobility, academic pathways for degree completion, and internships. Key partners include multiple Finnish vocational colleges such as Kainuu Vocational College, Lappia Vocational College, Luovi Vocational College, and Turku Vocational Institute, all emphasizing mobility programs; Tradium in Denmark for mobility exchanges; ATEC Training Academy in Portugal for similar opportunities; and Aventus in the Netherlands. Academic pathway collaborations enable seamless transitions to higher education, such as with the Technical University of the Shannon in Ireland, Robert Gordon University in Scotland, the University of California, Riverside in the USA (which also includes internships), and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Additional mobility partners encompass Universidad Politécnica de Santa Rosa Jáuregui in Mexico and Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. These partnerships support inbound and outbound exchanges, allowing participants to gain international experience in fields like vocational training and sustainability.^[57] A prominent example of NBCC's international projects is the Bridging Inclusion, Digitalization, and Sustainability (BIDS) initiative, funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ program and running from January 2024 to December 2025. This collaboration involves NBCC alongside partners from Portugal (ATEC), Denmark (Tradium), Finland (various vocational colleges), the Netherlands (Aventus), and Nova Scotia Community College in Canada. The project aims to develop innovative practices in sustainability, inclusion, and digitalization through fieldwork, such as sustainable forestry and carbon footprint assessments in Nova Scotia, and interactive sessions like World Café brainstorming. Participants, including NBCC instructors and students, engage in multi-week modules, with sessions held in Truro, Nova Scotia in May 2024, and planned for the Netherlands and Finland in 2025, enhancing global networking and soft skills for vocational educators.^[58][59] In Africa, NBCC has undertaken technical assistance projects in Kenya through the Kenya Education for Employment Program (KEFEP), led by Colleges and Institutes Canada. From 2017 to 2021, NBCC collaborated with Kabete National Polytechnic and North Eastern National Polytechnic to strengthen technical and vocational education, focusing on capacity building for Kenyan educators and institutions. This included hosting a Kenyan delegation at NBCC's Moncton campus in September 2018 for training on program delivery and quality assurance, aiming to improve accessible, high-quality vocational programs for Kenyan youth. The 2020-2021 phase specifically provided technical support to Kabete National Polytechnic, enhancing skills in high-demand sectors.^[60][61][62] NBCC also supports education abroad opportunities tied to these partnerships, such as the Ireland Global Summer School at the Technical University of the Shannon, the Tasty Italia culinary and cultural program in Italy with Centro Studi Italiani, and the Cuba Ecological Restoration initiative through CELEI, focusing on environmental conservation. These programs, often short-term (spring/summer), integrate with broader partnerships to provide hands-on international exposure.^[58]