Colleges Ontario

(TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2009) – There was a 10 per cent jump in applications to programs that start in January at Ontario’s 24 public colleges, figures released today by Colleges Ontario confirmed.

As of Jan. 5, there were 43,850 applicants to winter programs at the colleges, compared with 39,866 applicants at the same time last year. The increase this year was almost double the 5.1 per cent increase last year over the previous year.

"I don't think there is any question that this is a sign of things to come," said Linda Franklin, president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “As Ontario continues to cope with the economic downturn, we anticipate more people will see the advantages of the training and retraining provided by our colleges.

"The government is partnering with colleges to ensure Ontario is doing everything it can to provide the education and training workers require to get back into the labour force with the skills they need, and I think these numbers indicate that for many people, this is the right approach," Franklin said.

More than 90 per cent of college graduates find work within six months and 93 per cent of employers are satisfied or very satisfied with the graduates they have hired in the past six months.

Even in the current economy, college graduates are in demand as employers look for qualified people to fill vacant positions. This demand will intensify in the years ahead as the baby boomers retire. In Ontario, the Conference Board of Canada estimates the province will face a shortage of more than 360,000 skilled employees by 2025.

The increased enrolment does create new operation cost pressures for colleges, which must ensure the programs and resources are in place to deliver quality programs to greater numbers of students. As governments develop their budgets this year, it will be essential to ensure that the education and training of Ontario's workforce is a priority and that government investments address both the operating and capital pressures created by increased enrolment.

"Colleges create well-trained, innovative thinkers who enhance our economic prosperity, says Franklin. "We need to give colleges the tools they need to continue this invaluable contribution."

For more information:

Sally Ritchie
Senior Communications Officer
Colleges Ontario
(416) 596-0744, ext. 242