Our Mission
At Partnerships for Employment (P4E), our mission is to connect students and graduates with meaningful career opportunities by fostering strong relationships between post-secondary institutions and employers. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication, we provide an exceptional job fair experience that empowers job seekers, strengthens organizations, and contributes to broader economic growth.
Since 1994, we have been committed to bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring that students and alumni from our partner institutions—the University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College—have access to diverse career pathways.
By uniting academic excellence with workforce needs, we create opportunities that drive success for both job seekers and employers.
Partnerships for Employment (P4E) is a collaborative initiative between the University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College. We are career development professionals and educators who empower students and alumni with the tools, opportunities, and connections they need to thrive in their careers.
Through our biannual job fairs and ongoing partnerships, we provide access to employers from a wide range of sectors, helping job seekers explore opportunities beyond their fields of study and discover career paths they may not have considered.
At P4E, we believe that great careers start with strong connections. Whether you’re a student, graduate, or employer, we are here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Our Impact
In 1994, four local Waterloo Region and Wellington County post-secondary institutions came together to create Partnerships for Employment (P4E) under the shared goal of connecting students and alumni with career opportunities. Born out of the need to expand job prospects during a period of economic downturn, the initial focus was on attracting employers to the region and supporting students with summer employment opportunities.
The first job fair was held at Bingemans Conference Centre, with just 54 employers participating. Over the years, the event grew exponentially, and within five years, the number of exhibitors had reached 227. The success of the event, coupled with the collaboration of the partner institutions, laid the groundwork for what would become Canada’s largest job fair of its kind.
P4E’s reach and reputation continued to expand, attracting employers from across Canada and the U.S. We have hosted job fairs at venues such as the Kitchener Auditorium and RIM Park and have recently relocated to Bingemans for our Winter 2025 event.
Through our continued partnership, we are proud to offer a dynamic opportunity for career exploration that benefits both job seekers and employers, driving growth in organizations across the country.
This long-standing success is a testament to the strength of our collaboration and the quality of our students and graduates, who remain highly sought after in the job market.
Shelley Hall, HR Recruiter | TULLOCH
Students and Alumni
