Ontario’s career colleges extend resources to Premier Ford and cabinet in support of students, sector

Brantford, ON (July 11, 2018) – Career colleges across the province congratulate Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet ministers on their new roles and welcome the opportunity to work alongside the provincial government on initiatives that seek to improve access and outcomes of postsecondary education for all Ontarians.

Career Colleges Ontario, which represents the needs and interests of career colleges and their students across the province, extend its full support and resources to Minister Fullerton and subsequently the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.

The career college sector works to support and provide flexible training to a unique demographic of students who are distinct from those attending public institutions. 43,000 students enrol at an Ontario career college each year, and the sector contributes approximately 30,000 skilled graduates annually who are trained to meet employer needs.

The expedient training and flexible program designs offered at career colleges mean the sector is well-positioned to respond quickly to pressing labour market demands. We expect the government to take full advantage of the unique opportunities the sector provides in supporting employers and improving Ontario’s economy.

The association and its membership look forward to consulting with Minister Fullerton to determine ways in which the association and the Ontario government can work collaboratively in support of career college students and the sector that serves as a bridge to the Ontario workforce.

Adrian Sharma,

Board Chair, Career Colleges Ontario

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About Career Colleges Ontario

Career Colleges Ontario (CCO) is a not-for-profit association that was established in 1973 to advocate on behalf of private career colleges in the province of Ontario. The association’s purpose is to help governments, key decision makers and the public understand the critical role its members and their students play in supporting Ontario’s post-secondary education system and improving the province’s economic well-being. CCO members contribute to Ontario’s economy by providing highly qualified graduates in hundreds of essential, skilled fields such as applied arts, business, health care, human services, information technology, services and trades.

For more information, contact:

Dyson Wells,

Media Communications Coordinator

Career Colleges Ontario

dysonwells@careercollegesontario.ca          

(519) 752-2124 Ext. 115