CAREER COLLEGES ONTARIO
Over half of Ontario private career college students already have post-secondary education

A recent study, commissioned by Career Colleges Ontario and conducted by Environics Research Group, with nearly 6000 private career college (PCC) students in Ontario, found that over half of the respondents had previous post-secondary education and employment experience. The students had chosen a program at an Ontario PCC for a better career or job, or to fast-track their path into the workforce.

This study is a first-of-its-kind amongst PCC students in Ontario and showcases significantly different student demographics than found in community colleges. It indicates that PCCs serve as an important bridge to the Ontario workforce and in particular for women, new immigrants and mature students who otherwise would not be able to achieve their working potential.

"This new report clearly shows us that women and newcomers in Ontario with previous post-secondary credentials are looking to private career colleges to find a better job or career," said Sharon Maloney, CEO of Career Colleges Ontario. "This data reinforces and underlines the important role that private career colleges play in Ontario."

The survey was conducted by Environics Research Group in early 2017. Highlights are:

PREVIOUS POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

• Over half of the students surveyed had previous post-secondary education.
  • 56% of students born in Canada had previous post-secondary education.
  • 66% of PCC students who are first-generation immigrants have attended another post-secondary institution in another country.
• 52% of students surveyed selected a specific PCC program because they required education and training for a new and different career.

MATURE AND FEMALE STUDENTS

The survey indicated that PCC students tend to be significantly older than those who attend community college, and there is a higher percentage of female students enrolled.

• 69% of Ontario PCC students are female, compared to 51% at community colleges.
• 57% of Ontario PCC students are over the age of 30, compared to 10% at community colleges.
• Only 26% of PCC students are under 25, whereas 79% of community college students are aged 18 to 25 (including 40% who are aged 18-20).
• Only 9% of students transition directly to a PCC program from high school, compared to 33% at community colleges.

ETHNIC DIVERSITY

The survey also found that PCCs are popular with newcomers who are struggling to overcome foreign credential recognition issues. Among the PCC students surveyed:

• 52% identified as first-generation immigrants, compared to 13% who apply at community colleges.
• An additional 14% reported that their parents were born outside of Canada.
• Nearly four in ten PCC students (38%) report that their first language is neither English nor French.

SATISFACTION

The survey also indicated that a strong majority of students who attend PCCs are pleased with the experience, with 72% indicating they are satisfied with the program they have chosen; only 2% expressed dissatisfaction.

OTHER NOTABLE FINDINGS:

• 41% have dependents, with 12% being single parents.
• 62% were employed prior to enrolling in a PCC program, with 65% of these students earning $30,000 or less.
• 26% reported that they were receiving some form of social or employment assistance prior to enrolling at a PCC.