Georgian College is number one in graduate employment among all Ontario colleges for 2016-17.

A total of 87.3 per cent of Georgian graduates found work within six months of graduation. This is well above the average of all Ontario colleges, which is 83 per cent. The numbers are contained in survey results released today by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

"We are extremely gratified to be recognized as the top Ontario college for graduate employment," said Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes. "Our faculty, staff and community partners all work hard to make sure that our graduates leave Georgian with networks, skills, work experience and strong resumés that give them an unrivalled advantage in launching their careers. In today's competitive job market, the most important thing we do is prepare graduates for a meaningful career."

West-Moynes said Georgian offers more than 125 strong and innovative programs whose faculty members are in close touch with industry leaders. This ensures that program content is always relevant to the changing needs of employers.

"Georgian graduates can find careers in countries around the world, but many are happily working in rewarding positions close to home. Local employers strongly recognize the value of a Georgian education and view the college and its graduates as key factors in their ongoing success," said West-Moynes.

Georgian is also number one in terms of co-op education among Ontario colleges. A pioneer in co-op programs in the province, Georgian continues as a leader in the field.

Georgian offers the most programs with paid co-op work terms in the Ontario college system. Georgian also has the most students registered in co-op programs and the highest percentage of programs with co-op.

"In total, 6,200 employers partner with Georgian to offer student work experiences, including co-op, internship, placement and field experience," said West-Moynes. "We work together with employers to provide graduates with the skills and experience to meet their needs. This partnership is reflected in our strong graduate employment rate."

One hundred per cent of Georgian's full-time programs include hands-on experiences in workplaces, on campus, or in the community. Most offer a formal work-integrated learning opportunity, ranging from paid co-op terms to internships and field placements. The co-op research findings were gathered by the Institutional Research department of Georgian College.

source: media release, Georgian College