The Importance Of Post-Secondary Education

Change is an inevitable part of life. As our world progresses we must educate ourselves appropriately to adapt to our changing environments. Education is something that is continually growing decade by decade. Looking back you are able to contrast the differences between what education was to what it has become. Post-secondary education has had the most drastic changes over time; specifically how the demand for education has resulted in changes to the demographics of enrollment and the type and level of education attained by students. To begin, we can contrast the demographics of people enrolled in post –secondary then versus now. According to AUCC (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada), approximately 310,000 students were enrolled …show more content…
As stated by Employment and Social Development Canada “The percentage of persons 15 years of age and over without high school diplomas decreased from 37.8% in 1990 to 19.1% in 2012” (Employment and Social Development Canada). This change is in large part due to the shifting of the economy and its demands for people with higher education. A higher education can often guarantee you a rewarding career with a significant salary. Analyzing a chart from the Association of Universities and Colleges report one can see there a far greater chance of have shorter periods of low income if you have attained a university degree. One could say that the workforce has always been money driven but more increasingly so. People are more motivated to take a career path that practically guarantees a job and a good salary. This factor is the result in the decrease in sectors like: forestry, agriculture, sales, and manufacturing, all which were profitable and in higher demand then. The economic shift towards a “service-sector” (AUCC 5) especially in the oil and gas and growing technology areas has drastically changed the programs in which students choose to enroll in. Knowledge based workers are in high demand. The areas of study with the most noticeable growth from 1990 to now are: business and finance, engineering and science, and social and legal fields. These …show more content…
Looking at the statistics of education then comparing it now you can certainly see that the value of education has profoundly increased. The demographics of students has broadened and the level being attained by students in increasing. “A high quality learning experience produces more engaged and productive students, who, upon graduation, become Canada’s future lawyers, doctors, teachers, thinkers, scientists, managers, leaders and innovators” (AUCC