Graduate into the workforce in 12 months or less versus other schools – Public colleges and universities can take 2 to 4 years to complete. At private career colleges (PCCs) you can graduate with a diploma and be in the workforce in 1 year or less. By getting into the workforce more quickly, you can use your earning power to pay back debts faster and begin your career. At a PCC this is accomplished because you only take courses relevant to your specialty. There are no elective subjects as required in the public system. Compressed learning day – A PCC typically teaches class for 5 hours per day scheduled in the morning and afternoon. This enables you to work part time during your program and still leave time for homework and a social life. Industry-experienced teachers – PCC instructors are audited by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) to ensure that they have real world experience. Most PCC instructors demonstrate that on a daily basis in the classroom. PCCs deliver curriculum that focuses on both theory and practical skills and includes instructor-led and facilitated training. Curriculum tends to be more current – The curriculum at a PCC is very market driven due to the number of PCCs competing for students and the regulations and industry research required to keep programs running. Curriculum is frequently updated (especially in information technology {IT} programs), and the programs that no longer result in jobs disappear quickly. Often PCCs include industry certifications in their programs, which provides a level of credibility you can count on as recognition by provincial, federal or world-wide standards bodies gives employers confidence that graduates have the skills identified by these standards bodies to be successful in the workforce. Often a graduate with certification will get priority in interviews and hiring. There is a PCC near you – With over 400 PCCs in Ontario, there are often multiple choices in the city closest to your home. This enables you to live at home so you incur less debt. It also means that you don’t have to leave your friends and part-time jobs to go to school if you don’t want to. Registered as private career colleges under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 means security & financing – PCCs are subject to audits by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) to ensure that they meet requirements laid out by the PCC Act, 2005. Schools are measured on their graduate and employment rates and these results are published so potential students can review the success rates. Students going to many PCCs are able to apply for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loans to assist in the funding of their tuition and living expenses, as well as a variety of other funding options. Job placement focus – Most PCCs have dedicated career services consultants to help you find a job. They pay more personalized attention than traditional colleges and universities due to the lower number of students in a PCC. Career services consultants reach out into a particular industry to promote graduates to employers and promote employers to students. Career management support – PCCs are required to deliver career management curriculum and support to students during their program. Resume writing, interviewing skills and job search guidance are common components of the curriculum. Student financing solutions – Each PCC is required to have a financial aid officer (FAO) on site. The role of the FAO is to assist students in assessing their financial situation and to determine the best solution for the student in financing their education. The FAO helps students throughout the school year as circumstances occur that may impact their finances. The FAO also provides guidance to students at the completion of their program as to managing any student loan debts and the best way to minimize and pay them off. REQUEST INFORMATION