Flying in the face of the prevailing economic doom-and-gloom narrative, Discovery Community College has reported that more than 95 per cent of its students are finding employment upon graduation.
Each year, Discovery Community College (DCC) is required to file an end-of-year placement report with the Private Career Training Institutes Agency.
This year’s report, which came out earlier this month based on responses from 90 per cent of DCC grads, noted that an impressive 95.72 per cent of students found work upon graduation between May 2011 and April 2012. Ten of the college’s 22 career programs boasted 100 per cent employment.
“We’re obviously thrilled with these results,” says DCC president Lois McNestry. “It shows that our training is effective and targeted to what employers are looking for. It also confirms that there are jobs out there if you have the right training and expertise.”
Established in 1989, Discovery Community College is a private career college with six locations on Vancouver Island, including one in Courtenay. The college also has a campus in Maple Ridge and is opening a second Lower Mainland location in Surrey.
With accelerated, career-focused programs in health care, business administration, construction trades and web development, DCC focuses on providing hands-on training that prepares its graduates for real careers in today’s workplace.
“The economy can be a bit of a roller coaster,” acknowledges McNestry, “but I think much of our success is because, as a private career college, we have a lot of flexibility in what courses we offer and when.
"If construction is strong, for example, we increase our enrolment in those programs. Healthcare courses look like they will be strong for the foreseeable future, so we ensure we have those classes and instructors available, and we add more start dates and program options.”
While program availability can be a boon for prospective students, especially those who want to train locally for a new career, responses from students indicate other factors in the college’s high employment rate.
"Discovery Community College was always there when I needed them,” says Francisca Odhus-Jamisola, a recent grad from the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program. “I feel fully prepared to start my new career,” she adds, noting that the hands-on training she received allowed her to build relationships with local employers before she even graduated.
“I would recommend DCC to others because they are there to help you succeed,” echoes Kenneth Thomas, also an HCA grad.
“We’re all incredibly proud of our graduates and how well they’re doing in their new careers,” says McNestry. “It really shows how well hands-on training can position you to excel in your chosen career.”
For more information on programs, start dates and available funding, visit www.DiscoveryCommunityCollege.com.
— Discovery Community College