Fanshawe College has become the first Canadian educational institution to collaborate with the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN). The collaboration will provide over 8,000 military and veteran spouses with direct access to Fanshawe’s employment postings while connecting Fanshawe students and graduates with military-supportive employers.

MSEN, a free virtual career hub, is designed to assist the spouses and partners of current Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) regular and reserve force members, veterans, and fallen members. Through this initiative, Fanshawe’s external job postings will be accessible via the MSEN website, allowing military spouses to explore career opportunities and apply through Fanshawe’s recruitment platform.

Andrew Malison, Career Consultant - Military Connected at Fanshawe College, played a key role in initiating the partnership.

'I was researching ways to support the military community better when I came across MSEN. And then as soon as I reached out to them, they were super excited to have us join them,' Malison explained. 'Being the first educational institution to join is a big deal. There were a lot of other great employers around there, but we were the only educational institution, so it was really exciting for both of us.'

One of the most significant benefits of this partnership is that it provides an easier avenue for military spouses to access employment opportunities with organizations that understand their unique circumstances.

According to the Manager of Community Development and Stakeholder Relations at Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Heather Gartley, military spouses are often highly educated and skilled but encounter barriers such as employment gaps and loss of professional networks due to moves.

'Military spouses are resilient, creative, and excellent problem solvers, yet they run into some really steep barriers when it comes to finding employment. And a lot of that, of course, is around relocations. So, you lose your professional networks when you’re having frequent moves,' Gartley said.

While some military spouses seek remote work due to relocation challenges, others prefer in-person roles to build professional networks in new locations. Gartley said that Fanshawe’s diverse job postings offer a range of options.

'Fanshawe definitely offers the types of roles that military spouses are looking for because they’re looking for a variety of everything. But what the key aspect is, is that they’re an employer that recognizes the value of these, these this talent pool, and they’re willing to, you know, they’re interested and engaged, and they’re hoping to hire these folks and retain them,' she said.

Beyond hiring, Fanshawe aims to foster long-term engagement with military spouses, ensuring they feel supported throughout their careers.

'I think the applicants are extremely qualified, and they don’t need any special or preferential treatment. They just need someone who understands their career path,' Malison explained.

Gartley highlighted the importance of Fanshawe’s participation, noting that the number of MSEN partners doubled in 2024, demonstrating the significant contributions military and Veteran spouses make in the workforce. She added that Fanshawe’s commitment to the military-connected community makes a tangible difference.