Colleges and Institutes Canada 
Canadians’ Perceptions of Post-Secondary Education, Retraining and Lifelong Learning
Canada’s rapidly changing labour market creates both opportunities and challenges that force us to reflect on the future of work and learning. For post-secondary institutions, this raises many important questions about how best to support learners coming to them at all stages of their lives.
To gain a better understanding of what Canadians expect, CICan commissioned EKOS Research Associates to conduct a survey on the perceptions of post-secondary education, retraining and lifelong learning.
This survey was conducted using EKOS’ online research panel from August 13 to August 21, 2019. In total, 1,030 Canadians aged 18 years of age and older completed the survey.
Survey highlights
- 98% of Canadians believe that access to lifelong learning at all ages is important.
- 90% of respondents agree that a good education is one that gives hands-on experience to students
- 87% agree that the purpose of post-secondary education is to help people get, and keep, good jobs.
- 87% believe that businesses should advise post-secondary institutions to make sure students graduate with skills they need in the workplace
- 91% agree that colleges and institutes prepare students with the technical skills they need to succeed in the workplace
- 88% say Canada’s colleges and institutes have a positive impact on their local communities.
November 12, 2019
EKOS Survey - Canadians’ Perceptions of Post-Secondary Education
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) commissioned EKOS Research Associates to conduct a survey of Canadians’ views on post-secondary education. The survey examined a range of issues including general...
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