VICTORIA - The most-recent round of student outcomes surveys show that 93 per cent of post-secondary students, who completed programs at British Columbia's public universities, colleges and institutions, are satisfied with their education and training.

"These results are very encouraging and would be an A+ equivalent in most institutions," said Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk. "Students are our most-important source of information on our post- secondary system. These survey results will guide us as we work to ensure we're producing graduates who have the knowledge and skills they need to find jobs or advance their education."

For 25 years, the B.C. Student Outcomes Project has surveyed former post-secondary students and provided valuable information on students' education experiences and transition into the workforce.

In 2012, four provincewide surveys collected information from over 30,000 former students who left bachelor programs; diploma, associate degree and certificate programs; and apprenticeship programs, as well as developmental programs including adult basic education and English as a second language (ESL).

Here are some of the highlights:

Of the baccalaureate graduates surveyed:
* 94 per cent rated the quality of instruction positively.
* 87 per cent were in the labour force (employed or looking for work), 93 per cent of those were employed and one per cent had a job lined up.
* 55 per cent took further education.
* 36 per cent borrowed from a government student loan program. The median amount borrowed was $20,000.

Of the former diploma, associate degree and certificate students surveyed:
* 95 per cent rated the quality of instruction positively.
* More than three-quarters had taken applied programs, which lead to employment in a specific field.

* 90 per cent in applied programs were in the labour force and 81 per cent of those were employed.
* 26 per cent borrowed from a government student loan program. The median amount borrowed was $10,000.

Of the former apprenticeship students:
* 96 per cent rated the quality of instruction for their in-school training positively.
* 90 per cent with workplace experience said they were very satisfied or satisfied with their overall workplace training.
* 96 per cent were in the labour force and 87 per cent of those were employed and making a median hourly wage of $28.
* 80 per cent of employed respondents took less than one month to find a job.

Former baccalaureate graduates, diploma, associate degree and certificate students, as well as apprenticeship students, reported using 5.3 per cent of monthly income to pay for educational debt or student loan payment.

Of the former developmental students:
* 97 per cent rated the quality of teaching positively.
* 92 per cent said they were very well or somewhat prepared for further education.
* 71 per cent of adult basic education and 63 per cent of ESL respondents pursued further education.
* 80 per cent of ESL respondents, who used English at work, said their English language training was very helpful or helpful.

"It is vital we hear what students have to say about their post- secondary experience. Their feedback provides valuable insight into where we are succeeding and where we can improve," said Kathy Kinloch, president of Vancouver Community College. "The latest student results confirm British Columbia's post-secondary public education system is responding to the ever-changing needs of students and the labour market."

Findings from annual student outcomes surveys are used by the B.C. government, post-secondary institutions, the Industry Training Authority, students and other stakeholders to monitor the effectiveness of education and training, review programs and curriculum, and align training with labour market demands, as well as to assist prospective students with career decisions.

Learn More:

To read or download B.C. Student Outcomes Surveys: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/surveys/welcome.htm

News from © iNFOnews, 2013