St. Clair College has been named one of 'Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers' for 2025 by Mediacorp Canada Inc.
This competition highlights the area's diverse industries and dynamic employment landscape in southwestern Ontario, which has long been considered the manufacturing and agriculture engine of Ontario.
"What stands out is the wide variety of industries here," says Richard Yerema, executive editor at the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. "There's something for everyone in a region that's livable, affordable, and steeped in history. The vibrant towns and picturesque landscapes create a unique, welcoming atmosphere."
One of the key highlights which landed St. Clair College and other employers on the list is the College's community involvement as well as that of its employees.
"St. Clair College cultivates a positive culture on campus through a variety of social events, including an annual staff appreciation day and holiday luncheon, a welcome back barbecue in August, and staff volleyball and golf days," reads an excerpt from the website. (Top Employer: St. Clair College)
The College was also praised for offering traditional benefits, such as defined benefit pension plans, as well as a commitment to employee well-being, professional development and family-friendly workplace policies.
Another encouraging trend, according to Yerema, is the prioritization to mental wellness through increased investments in mental health support services. "St. Clair College offers exceptional coverage for paramedical services, to a maximum of $4,750 per year for all practitioners combined, including psychotherapists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and more," reads the website.
Maternity/parental leave top-ups are considered another strong factor, and St. Clair College offers a top-up of up to 93 per cent of salary for 52 weeks.
"The shift from maternity leave to broader parental leave policies marks significant progress," Yerema adds. "While Southwestern Ontario employers are adopting these changes more gradually than some other regions, this change is a positive development for employees and employers alike."
Other contributing factors include the College's tuition subsidies, a starting vacation allowance of three weeks paid vacation after first year on the job, and the high ratio employer-paid health plan premiums.
The full list of Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers (2025), as announced by Mediacorp Canada Inc., is available on the competition's homepage.