Durham MPP John O’Toole Asks Government How Many Second Career Graduates Have Found Jobs

March 1, 2010

NEWS                                                                                         

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today he is disappointed that Ontario is not doing more to report on the number of Ontario’s Second Career graduates who have found work in their field.

Mr. O’Toole said Durham Riding constituents have complained that they attended their courses and graduated from their programs, but have yet to find work in their field.

During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature, Mr. O’Toole asked the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for employment statistics on the Second Career program.

“The Minister replied that it’s too early in the program to say how many graduates are working,” Mr. O’Toole added. “In my view, the McGuinty government should have been monitoring the program from day one, and should keep the public informed. This is another example of the government’s lack of accountability and lack of a plan.”

“Students who train for second careers are willing to sacrifice and to work hard. They also need to be fully informed.” Mr. O’Toole said. Prospective students should have the most up-to-date statistics about the number of graduates who are employed.”

 QUOTE

“Ontarians have a right to know the effectiveness of all government programs,” said Durham MPP John O’Toole. “In the case of the Second Career program, this information is especially important because students considering new careers need to know if their hard work and dedication will lead to a job.”

 QUICK FACTS

• A total of 26,000 have enrolled in the Second Career program.
• Second Career was launched in the summer of 2008. It provides financial assistance for laid-off workers to undertake longer-term training.

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CONTACT  

John R. O’Toole, MPP – Durham

(905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433