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Everything you wanted to know about Willis College

(Frequently Asked Questions about our full time Diploma Programs)

1.  Is Willis College a recognized Ontario college?
The short answer is YES! Unlike public universities and colleges of applied arts and technology which receive funding from the government, career colleges are private organizations and are not funded by the government.

All private career colleges operating in Ontario must be registered and have their programs approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The act that governs private career colleges is called the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. This act ensures that private career colleges meet certain standards for the programs they offer as well as advertising, refund policies, and instructor qualifications.

2. How is Willis College different? 
Willis College prepares students for a specific career and provides them specific skills. There are more than 500 private career colleges in Ontario.

3. In which career fields do you offer programs?
Our speciality is full time diploma programs, but we also offer specific course certificates and are an international test center for a variety of independent industry certifications. Our campuses offer full programs in fields such as:  

4. Can you describe a typical student at your school?
Our current student population range in age from 19 to 50 plus. However, our school will often appeal to anyone and especially people who need:  

5. How does your college differ from other private and public colleges?
Our 114 years of expertise and our proven track records in successful job placement statistics, is a key indicator of accountability and public trust offered by Willis College.  We believe that adults do better in a smaller size class. Adults need to question, debate and participate. Most of our students require two very specific things. 1) Flexible, frequent start dates and 2) regular, predictable class times.  Some courses have over 12 start dates in a year and a regular class schedule creates time for family and/ or a part time job. Our programs are compressed but complete. That means that we deliver the training over a very short time span. We help prepare students to conduct an effective career strategy, provide them with online job search tools and Government Security Clearance services as par of our education process.    

6. How long does it take to get a College Diploma at your school? 
It varies by program. Our shortest time is 17 weeks and the longest is 52 weeks.

7. Are there a minimum number of hours per week? 
Yes, the minimum number of hours in class is 20 hours per week.

8. How long have you been in business?
We have been in operation for over 110 years.

9.  Does OSAP & QSAP recognize the school?
Yes, our college can arrange for you to apply for an OSAP & QSAP loan to finance your education. We prefer to have our Financial Planner take you through the process. If you make a mistake or misinterpret a question it can take months to correct. Also, any loan carries responsibilities with it and we take time to fully explain both the process and the responsibilities.

10. Does the Canada Revenue Agency recognize Willis College?
Yes! The college will issue students with CRA Form T2202A (Education credit). This credit is reported on your income tax filing for the previous fiscal year.

11. Is there a screening or selection process?
Yes! Each student applicant must go through a screening interview with the Career Consultant and sometimes the lead instructor of the program. We specifically want to meet with you to identify your goals and aspirations and discuss how our program may help you get there. During that meeting we want you to: 

12. Where can I find out the total cost of the program and a breakdown of these costs?
The total cost of the program will be explained by the Career Consultant during the screening process or check on line at the Province of Ontario web site:  www.serviceontario.ca.

13. Are there any prerequisite skills to start the course i.e. computer skills?
Yes! Some programs have legal, physical or educational requirements but these are covered by the Career Consultant.

14. What is the teaching/learning format?
We offer a variety of learning formats but most are instructor led. Many programs have a high “hands on” component as well as field placements or practicum. All of this will be explained in your interview with the Career Consultant.

15. Why do you use the module based system?
Several reasons; with the module system you study one skill set at a time. You will have tests to make sure that you have mastered the skill set, a dynamite review, and then write the exam when it is fresh in your mind. Then it’s on to the next skill set. One exam at a time goes a long way to remove cramming and panic with five or more exams scheduled close together. The other advantage is that you have many times at which you can enter the program. More start dates means that you don’t have to wait for the traditional September start date. Most of our students have given a great deal of thought to returning to school and when that decision has been made, they are eager to commence.

16. Do you track past graduates?
We do indeed.  Firstly, we have an exit interview with each graduate. We want to know their opinion on specific modules and the overall experience. Secondly, we keep track of their employment within their field of study. These figures are reported to the Ministry. Thirdly, we keep in touch so that we can predict and plot trends in business that past graduates feel would be useful for current candidates.

17. What is your student employment success rate?
We report these statistics to the Ministry and they vary by program. Some of our programs have 100% success rates, that is, all graduates who wish to be employed, have received a job offer or have secured employment in their field.

18. What are the employment prospects for graduates?
We have a dedicated employment coordinator who will explain your prospects based on your choice of program. In addition, we will work with you throughout your time at Willis College to help you find the job you want. Willis College graduates can be found everywhere, in every industry, in businesses, corporations and government. It’s no wonder that the employer network chooses hiring Willis graduates. Employer’s confidence in hiring Willis graduates makes it easier for us to develop curriculum and identify career opportunities for you.

19. Can I talk to current students?
Unfortunately we cannot refer you to specific students. The Privacy Act prevents us from releasing that information, but at the time of your interview with the Career Consultant, you may have an opportunity to meet students and at their discretion, discuss some aspects of school life.

20. Do you have support if the course is difficult?
With exceptional instructors, a rigorous initial interview, lecture-led classes, small class sizes, and frequent tests to make sure that course content has been mastered, most of our students experience significant success. If you find a topic particularly challenging we recommend that you speak directly to the Campus Managers. Help is always available.

21. Do you have a refund policy?
Yes! The refund policy is specified within the Private Career Colleges Act sections 25 – 33 of Ontario Regulations 415/06. The total policy is made available to all students.

22. Is there job search assistance for students?
Yes! Firstly, we identify specific and general opportunities for you based on your education, skill, and previous job history. Secondly, we explain the hidden job market where the majority of jobs are generated. Thirdly, we will work with you to develop a polished resume, cover letter and a sound plan to tackle the market. Fourthly, we have developed a list of questions that are asked in interviews for your field and will help you prepare with a mock interview.  Finally we provide you with online job search tools and Government Security Clearance services. We also announce job opportunities in class and have a job board with current postings. We will continue to e-mail you with job opportunities, even after you complete your studies. Our services and help continue after graduation. Use our job search coordinator, instructors, staff, and facilities including fax, e-mail and social media.   

 


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