Latest KPI survey results show gains in graduate employment rate, employer satisfaction

For Immediate Release: April 11, 2008

Oakville, Ontario

Sheridan graduates continue to have a distinct edge in the job market. Over ninety per cent of graduates who entered the labour force found employment within six months, according to the latest provincial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results released this week.

Furthermore, employers give Sheridan graduates top marks, with 93.7% of surveyed employers expressing satisfaction with graduates hired within the past year.

"These results demonstrate that Sheridan provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's high-tech workplace," said Dr. Robert Turner, Sheridan's President and CEO. "Overall, the KPI results for Ontario colleges reflect the vital role that graduates play in contributing to Ontario's prosperity, and they will be even more essential as the province faces a serious shortage of skilled workers over the next 20 years."

The KPI data are released annually. The KPIs, which measure the success rates and satisfaction levels for students and graduates, are collected by two independent research firms for the colleges and for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

In recent years, the KPIs have found high approval ratings among students, graduates and employers, and that trend continued in this data, which were collected from March 2007 to February 2008. The most recent findings for Sheridan were:

• 93.7 % of employers were satisfied with the quality of the educational preparation of college graduates
• 90.9 of college graduates found employment within six months of graduation
• 81.8% of graduates were satisfied with the usefulness of their college education in achieving their goals after graduation

These findings represent an increase for Sheridan over the last KPI survey conducted in 2006-2007.

Dr. Turner noted that Sheridan is working with the Ontario government and other partners to attract greater numbers of students to help the province meet the challenge of a growing skills shortage. The Conference Board of Canada estimates Ontario could be short more than 360,000 skilled workers by 2025.

"The KPI data underscores the important contribution colleges and their graduates are making to Ontario," said Dr. Turner. "We are building on this success to ensure Ontario has the skilled workforce it needs for future growth and prosperity."

Media Contact:

Susan Atkinson
(905) 845-9430, ext. 2096
susan.atkinson@sheridanc.on.ca