Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, praised Polytechnics Canada for equipping students with in-demand skills for today’s economy.

Minister Kenney congratulated Polytechnics for their input that led to the creation of the Canada Apprentice Loan in Economic Action Plan 2014 and the commitment to promote the use of apprentices in government building and maintenance contracts. Minister Kenney also congratulated Polytechnics on the high employment rate of their students, with 90 percent finding jobs within 6 months of graduation.

Quick facts

• Polytechnic schools are increasingly becoming a finishing school for holders of general arts and science bachelor degrees. Before enrolling at a polytechnic institution, 46 percent of polytechnic students have partially completed some kind of university or college training, 12 percent have actually completed a bachelor’s degree and another 15 percent a college diploma or certificate.
• Federal government support for post-secondary education through the Canada Social Transfer has increased by 4.7 percent annually. Polytechnic institutions have only seen a 2.8 percent annual increase in transfers from provincial governments.
• The Government of Canada has taken a number of steps to ensure Canadians have the skills for the jobs in-demand today including the Canada Job Grant and apprenticeship grants.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes several measures to ensure training reflects the needs of the labour market and Canadians have the skills to take advantage of the jobs and opportunities available to them, such as the Canada Apprentice Loan, which could provide up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training for apprentices registered in their first Red Seal trade. Economic Action Plan 2014 also includes an innovative pilot project allowing apprentices to remain at their workplaces while they do their block training.

Quotes

"Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Polytechnics Canada is a leader in preparing students for the jobs in-demand in today’s economy. Through measures like the Canada Apprentice Loan, Canada Job Grant, and apprenticeship grants the Government of Canada is helping Canadians get well-paying jobs and helping employers get the skilled workforce they need. "

– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development

 

"Polytechnics Canada is pleased that Minister Kenney championed our ideas for improving supports to apprentices, leading to the creation of the Canada Apprentice Loan in the recent federal budget. Our annual conference at Algonquin College is a policy-focused and forward-looking event, designed to prompt our members and our partners to think about the solutions polytechnic education generates for employers and learners across the country."

– Nobina Robinson, CEO of Polytechnics Canada

 src:news.gc.ca