A good news story about private career colleges made headlines in today’s Toronto Star. Reporter Nancy J. White caught up with six people who lost their jobs in 2008, including Pamela Kemperle. Once a laid-off factory worker, Kemperle returned to school with the assistance of a government retraining program. Today, Kemperle is a graduate of Medix School’s Medical Office Assistant program and now happily employed at an Oshawa medical centre. Click here to read the story.

With the threat of a strike looming at Ontario’s 24 community colleges, it’s important to remember the other option.

Talks with Ontario’s 9,000 community college instructors broke down in December. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is holding a strike vote on January 13.

It’s business as usual at the province’s more than 600 private career colleges. Career colleges may be a better fit for individuals who want to begin a diploma program without the risk of a labour dispute, or those in the Second Career program application process. Most career colleges have frequent start dates throughout the year and may enroll students as often as once per month.

“Ontario’s career colleges offer the necessary tools to kick start your future with diverse options for postsecondary education,” said Paul Kitchin, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Career Colleges.

Students have already spoken out. A recent Canadian Press article summed up the fears of many Second Career program students at public colleges.  A strike was compared to “another layoff” by one mature student.

Meanwhile, a Toronto Star article indicated the online backlash from community college students. The Facebook group “Ontario College Students Against a Strike” boasts over 17,000 members and a petition signed by over 3,000.

While both sides hope to negotiate a deal, it’s important to note that career college students can earn a diploma or certificate in about 12 months in many exciting fields, including: business, law, the arts, information technology, the trades, esthetics, health care, social services and electronics.

There are over 600 registered private career colleges in more than 70 communities across Ontario.

Private career colleges provide a full range of support services for students, including career planning, interview preparation and job-finding skills, from day one until graduation.

To find a private career college near you, visit www.ontariocollegesearch.ca. For more information on the Ontario Association of Career Colleges, visit www.oacc.ca.