New data highlights workforce retention, permanent employment and above-average earnings among graduates
WINNIPEG — Graduates from the University of Winnipeg’s Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) division are entering the workforce at high rates, earning salaries above the provincial average and remaining in Manitoba in significant numbers, according to newly released survey data.
The findings, published Monday in the PACE Graduate Survey, offer a snapshot of employment and retention outcomes for graduates between 2020 and 2024. Conducted by Prairie Research Associates, the survey points to strong labour market performance among alumni at a time when Manitoba employers continue to face skills shortages and competition for talent.
According to the report, 90 per cent of graduates are employed in permanent full-time positions, while only eight per cent are actively seeking work. Graduates reported an average annual salary of $59,363, approximately 21 per cent higher than Manitoba’s provincial average based on Statistics Canada data.
Those employed in positions directly aligned with their area of study earned more than $61,000 on average.
Workforce-Focused Education Driving Employment Outcomes
Industry-Aligned Programs Continue to Support Manitoba Labour Needs
PACE officials said the results demonstrate the effectiveness of career-focused education programs designed to meet evolving labour market demands across Manitoba.
“These results demonstrate the strength of PACE’s applied, industry-aligned programming and its ability to prepare graduates for workforce success,” said Kim Loeb, Executive Director of PACE. “What stands out is that our graduates are not only securing employment quickly, but are also achieving competitive salaries while choosing to build their futures in Manitoba.”
The survey also highlights the division’s role in retaining skilled workers within the province. Ninety-one per cent of graduates remain in Manitoba after completing their studies, while 51 per cent have transitioned to Permanent Resident status.
The data suggests that PACE is contributing not only to workforce development but also to long-term talent retention and population growth within the province.
Graduates are employed across a wide range of sectors, including business, finance and insurance, technology, government, retail and manufacturing. The university said those employment patterns reflect strong alignment between PACE programming and Manitoba’s key economic sectors.
Manitoba Employers Continue Facing Talent Shortages
Demand for Skilled Workers Remains High Across Multiple Industries
The report comes as employers throughout Manitoba continue grappling with recruitment challenges in both technical and professional fields. Labour shortages and retention pressures have intensified in recent years, particularly in sectors tied to technology, project management and applied analytics.
PACE has increasingly positioned itself as a workforce development partner by offering applied education programs aimed at helping learners transition directly into employment.
Programs within the division focus on high-demand fields including business administration, project management, technology and data analytics, areas where employers across Canada continue reporting persistent hiring challenges.
The University of Winnipeg said collaboration with industry and community partners remains central to the division’s approach, helping ensure programs remain aligned with current workforce needs.
Retention Rates Reflect Broader Economic Impact
International Graduates Contributing to Manitoba’s Skilled Workforce
One of the survey’s more significant findings involves graduate retention within Manitoba, particularly among international students who later transition to permanent residency.
More than half of surveyed graduates have become Permanent Residents, strengthening Manitoba’s long-term labour force at a time when many provinces are competing to attract and retain skilled newcomers.
The retention figures may also carry broader implications for Manitoba’s economic development efforts, as governments and employers increasingly rely on post-secondary institutions to help address demographic and labour market pressures.
The University of Winnipeg said PACE’s emphasis on accessible education pathways has also contributed to its growing role within Manitoba’s post-secondary landscape.
UWinnipeg is recognized for its focus on academic excellence, Indigenous inclusion, environmental sustainability and accessible education opportunities, particularly for students pursuing non-traditional educational pathways.
Career-Focused Education Gains Momentum
Applied Learning Continues to Expand Across Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions
Across Canada, professional and continuing education divisions have seen growing demand as workers seek shorter, career-oriented training programs tied directly to employment outcomes.
Institutions have increasingly expanded applied learning models in response to changing labour market conditions, employer demand for specialized skills and the growing importance of lifelong learning.
For Manitoba, the latest PACE survey suggests that workforce-focused education programs are playing an increasingly important role in supporting economic growth, strengthening labour force participation and helping employers fill critical skills gaps.
With strong employment rates, competitive earnings and high provincial retention levels, the latest graduate outcomes position PACE as an important contributor to Manitoba’s broader workforce and economic development strategy.