Fanshawe College makes history with military spousal employment partnership

Fanshawe College is the first Canadian education institution to partner with the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN) to provide job opportunities to military and Veteran spouses across Canada.

More than 8,000 military and Veteran spouses will have access to Fanshawe employment postings. At the same time, this collaboration provides Fanshawe students and graduates with access to military-supportive employers.

The MSEN is a free virtual career hub for spouses or partners of current Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) regular and reserve force members as well as fallen members and Veterans where they explore employers, browse the job board and connect directly with recruiters.

As a potential employer, Fanshawe’s external job postings are added to the MSEN website and those who are interested click the job link and apply through Fanshawe’s website.

“Fanshawe College is extremely proud to be the first learning institution in Canada to join the Military Spousal Employment Network,” Darlene O’Neill, lead administrator, Military-Connected Campus at Fanshawe College, said. “As a military-connected college, we extend many supports to our military-connected employees. Our partnership with the MSEN will enrich our staff, faculty and administration by serving as a catalyst where Fanshawe can be seen as a welcoming and viable career option for military spouses.”

What’s more, the MSEN carefully selects employers, considering key factors such as the organization's reputation, industry and social practices, as well as the alignment and quantity of roles commonly offered. They also prioritize employers with established connections to the military community or who have programs or policies in place to support their military and Veteran-connected employees.

"In 2024, we doubled the number of proud partners of the MSEN, a testament to the undeniable value military and Veteran spouses bring to the workplace,” said Heather Gartley, community development and stakeholder relations manager for Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. “Our MSEN proud partners do more than hire talent - they empower military families to thrive. We look forward to building on this momentum alongside organizations like Fanshawe College, whose dedication to the military-connected community drives real impact."

About the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN)

The MSEN, launched in 2018, is a self-directed resource that connects military spouses/partners with employment opportunities across Canada with national employers. Military Family Services (MFS), a division of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), works to ensure the Canadian military family community is well supported. Mandated by the CAF, CFMWS programs and services build CAF member self-reliance, resilience and readiness by enhancing their mental, social/familial, physical and financial wellbeing.

About Fanshawe College’s Military-Connected Campus (MCC)

As the first-ever Military-Connected Campus (MCC), Fanshawe College provides students, CAF members, Veterans and their families with dedicated supports before and during their studies, as well as after graduation as they transition to a new career.