When it is time to start looking into post secondary education choosing between traditional public post secondary institutions, such as colleges or universities, and a private career college can be a very difficult choice. Despite the fact that career colleges in Ontario provide education through approximately 600 colleges and annually sees over 70,000 graduates, private career colleges aren't often discussed as a viable post-secondary option.
Here is a look at why approximately 92,000 choose to enroll annually in private career college versus traditional college.
Graduation and Employment Rates
Registered PCC's see a 77.2% student graduation rate. To compare that to publicly funded post secondary schools, only 66.7% of students finish their courses and graduate. Of the 77% of students who graduate, 71.2% of the students are employed in their field six months after graduation. Graduates from Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology see 83.4% of their graduating class employed after graduation.
While this may seem like the best option is a public college, it's important to look at all of the stats combined. Looking at statistics of graduates and employed students, only 55.6% of students from public institutions graduate and are employed after six months. For a regulated career college, the number of graduated and employed students is also 55%.
If you are concerned with making the wrong choice based on whether you will graduate and be employable, you are not overlooking an opportunity by choosing a PCC.
Student Satisfaction Rates
A survey completed in early 2017 by the Environics Research Group found that 72% of students surveyed who attended private career colleges said they were satisfied with their experience in the school. Only 2% of students reported being dissatisfied with their experience, the other 26% falling in the middle.
Students in private career school training find themselves satisfied with the ability for schools to provide accelerated program lengths, flexible schedules, small class sizes, and more hands-on training. Private career colleges offer the most comprehensive education for highly specialized programs, giving students the chance to study and focus on the skills required for the career they love.
PCC Trades Schools
The Skilled Trades Academy is a registered Private Career College under the Private Career Colleges Act 2005. As a result we are able to offer courses for Gas Technician training that lasts only 4 months, and provides thorough hands-on training to prepare you for the workforce.
Our next upcoming Gas Technician course is approaching soon! There are still a few seats left in our November 6 course. Click below to register and secure your seat in the course.
