“United We Are Stronger”

I want to first and foremost say what an honor and pleasure it has been to serve as the President of the Ontario Association of Career Colleges this past year. Associations by definition are a group of people who voluntarily come together to solve common problems, meet common needs and accomplish common goals. This year’s actions and our conference theme exemplifies that definition by bringing the National & Ontario Associations together to share, celebrate and learn. We truly are “Stronger United.”

Private Colleges play a vital role by educating and training the workforce of tomorrow in Ontario and Nationally. PCC’s serve their local communities needs by providing students looking to pursue post secondary education with a high quality option of choice, and have done so for the past 140+ years. As the association we as well have a vital role to play supporting, advocating and servicing our Colleges so they may continue this great work. I sincerely commend both our member colleges and our association for their accomplishments throughout this past year.

I set out this year to continue to focus on “Strong Support…Strong Voice…Student Success”. As much as this has defined our past success… it’s even more critical in defining our future. During the year we established the five pillars of our association: Equality in Post Secondary Education, Quality and Capacity of the Sector, Advocacy and Government Relations, Member Services and Student Success. I remain committed to achieving success for our association in these areas so that we can continue to positively grow the sector. With that growth we gain the ability to continue to influence the beliefs and behaviors of government and the public about the key role Private Career Colleges play in Post Secondary Education.

Throughout 2010-2011we had consistent and organized focus on important issues of high value to our members such as: Accreditation, Communications, Employment Ontario, WSIB, International Students, Marketing & Media Relations, Online Programs, Program Standards, Professional Development, Quality Assurance, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Metro-pass and the Training Completion Assurance fund (TCAF) to name a few.

We also increased our focus on Governmental Relations & Advocacy and Knowledge to provide insight and influence on the things that matter to our members. The addition of consultants, John Nunziata and Serge Buy helped shape our strategies delivering success on a variety of projects of importance to our membership. A special thanks for their hard work and dedication. OACC participated on the Deputy Minister’s Private Career College Advisory Committee, Green Advisory Panel and held regular meetings with elected & ministry officials on areas of importance to our members.

Finally, we created many enjoyable shared experiences that allowed our membership to come together, connect and share on areas of importance to them as is the case with our 38^th annual conference being held this week.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who volunteered to serve on the board, committees and the entire staff at the office: Lorna, Dena, April, Laura, Jodi, Colleen, Sarah, Lisa, Allison, Shelley, Pam, and Wendy … without your hard work and dedication our success would not be possible. I also want to recognize the excellence of our Executive Director – Paul Kitchin. His commitment, dedication and respect for our sector is unmatched. Please take some time to review his report which outlines our activities in detail throughout this year.

Thank you all for a great 2010-2011 and much success for 2011–2012. If I can be so honored I will continue to support and serve as president in the coming year.

Yours in Education,

Peter J H Dykstra

President

Ontario Association of Career Colleges

Importance of Private Career Colleges in Canadian Education

What are Private Career Colleges?

Private Career Colleges provide specialized career training that emphasizes on the skills and technical knowledge required to enter the job market. While some private colleges may offer an array of specialty programs, there are many that specialize and focus on only one industry, ensuring the most comprehensive instruction and training possible.

How Private Career Colleges Are Adding More Value to Canadian Education System

When searching for higher education opportunities in Canada, you will find there are many private career colleges throughout the country that offer excellence in higher education. These private career and vocational colleges specialize in technical vocational training, ensuring an optimized efficiency in the education process and higher competency levels upon entering a particular field. There are several different private career colleges found throughout Canada within large provinces and metro areas, and some that serve our rural areas.

There are several private career college associations throughout Canada, offering information and guidance to those searching for specialized training. The National Association of Career Colleges is a great place to start looking for a private career that can meet your needs. http://www.nacc.ca/w_choosing_a_career_college.aspx

Why Career Training Counts

When you are obtaining a degree from a public college that offers general programs, you may take courses that are not focused fully on the industry you wish to follow. For example, a student studying communications technology program in a community college may be taking some of the same classes as a student enrolled in the same school but in a health care management program. This can increase the time you spend in school and ultimately the time for you to enter the job market.

On the other hand, a student attending a private career college in pursuit of a medical diploma will receive a completely focused educational path. The instruction will be emphasized more on the career instead of the broad base of knowledge that is offered within public colleges and universities offering a similar program. Career training involves preparing the student for the career in specific stream, offering the tools, procedures, resources, and hands-on instruction that students need to adequately perform within the work place.

Canada’s private career colleges offer a great element of choice and quality to the educational system, optimizing our education system. Canadian students can choose from a variety of private career colleges that offer specialized training for a vast array of industries. These colleges have greatly increased the abilities of those entering the job market for over 140 years and it continues today to build a future generations of more educated and trained new employees!

If you or someone you know is considering re training make sure to consider a Private Career College.

Congratulations Medix Toronto & Scarborough Graduates!

On Sunday June 1, 2008 we said congratulations to another wonderful Medix School Toronto/Scarborough graduating class. It was a beautiful day outside the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts - everyone looked and felt their very best. Good food, good friends, and a great ceremony; what more could we ask for? Thank you once again to Eileen Young (guest speaker) and all the veledictorians for such powerfully moving speeches.

Here are some photos from the day. You can also check out our Facebook page for more photos and other great things.

Check out Medix Online!

Online education is one of the best things that has happened in the education sector. Thanks to online education, all those who thought they could not pursue an education can now do so. Medix School has been dedicated to Career Training for Over 35 years. With this experience, we were in a great position to create Medix Online. We can now provide all those who aren't able to attend one of our many physical campuses a way to “Train in Health Care Anywhere”. Online courses are flexible; you do not have to change your lifestyle drastically or give up your job to pursue an education. You can study and earn valuable health care-related knowledge online. You choose your own timetable as per your own convenience. You have all the flexibility in the world! I encourage you to check out www.medixonline.ca

Summer Barbecue!

We're kicking off the summer in style with a sizzling summer barbecue!

All proceeds are going to The Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life campaign and we're very proud to be supporting such a worthy cause! But we're not doing it alone; Nando's Chicken, The New Flow 93.5 FM, Swiss Chalet, OMNI Television, Big It Up clothing, Kitchen Aid, and Fortino's are all partnering up with us to give our students, staff, and families a great day of fun and smoky, barbecue-y food! We have great raffle prizes available (including Blue Jays Tickets!), so pick up your tickets at reception (either Toronto or Scarborough campus; 416 630 8021 or 416 701 1201).

Friday June 6, 2008
11AM-3PM
Scarborough campus
2130 Lawrence Ave East

$5 for a worthy cause!