AC Employability Talks Series: Kanata North Business Association (KNBA)

Posted on Monday, September 21st, 2026

Algonquin College has strong industry partners across the National Capital Region. Each year, we work with several employers to help our learners secure co-operative education work terms. Many learners continue these relationships into full-time employment after completing their programs.

We sat down with Kelly Daize, Executive Director and Ella Wiggins, Manager, Business Strategy and Innovation at Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) to talk about employability for learners entering a co-op work term, or entering the workforce upon graduation.

Why Kanata North? The numbers speak for themselves; the partnership between Algonquin College and the Kanata North Business Association has been well established for several years.

By the numbers:

  • KNBA is Canada’s largest tech park in North America, with 2,000 tech companies in Ottawa, 65 federal government labs and top-tier talent developed in partnership with Algonquin College.
  • Since 2011, Kanata North employers have hired more than 900 Algonquin co-op students.
  • 153 students completed work terms with Kanata North employers in 2025-2026.
  • Nokia alone has hired 438 Algonquin College co-op students over the years.

In the full interview below, Kelly Daize, Executive Director and Ella Wiggins, Manager, Business Strategy and Innovation at KNBA, sat down to share their insights, including their top tips for finding a job in the tech space.

  • Network, network, network
  • Develop your soft skills
  • Learn from your mistakes
  • Polish your LinkedIn profile, a professional headshot is strongly recommended
  • Curiosity is key: ask questions!
  • Find a mentor

Algonquin College and KNBA both offer rich, culturally diverse atmospheres, where international talent is welcomed and embraced. The key takeaways: show up, get out of your comfort zone and be open to sharing your perspective.

Algonquin College is proud to partner with KNBA two impactful events:

Innovation Exchange
Connecting ideas, talent and opportunity
Tuesday, Sept. 22
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hub350, 350 Legget Drive, Kanata, ON

Alumni Exchange
Where careers, leadership and industry connect
Wednesday, Sept. 23
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Hub350, 350 Legget Drive, Kanata, ON

 

Watch the full conversation below:


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