Support From Employers

I am most confident that a potential employee who had a post diploma certificate in Recreation for Older Adults would be favourably considered. The need for individuals to have this background will continue to increase in the foreseeable future as our population continues to age, and those that can add this certificate to their resume will increase their chances of securing employment in the field.
-Reg Weber, Director of Community Recreation, The Corporation of the City of Cambridge

With continued growth in the senior sector, this program will support the need for skilled staff in the field of older adult recreation. I believe this program will be of interest to those currently working in the field, as well as being supported by employers in the seniors recreation sector. Conestoga provides quality programs that address current labour needs.
-Helen Scutt, Consultant, Ministry of Tourism and Recreation

This refreshing program will draw significant attention by students, graduates, organizations and associations and as a practitioner; I fully support the program and would seek out those applicants that are graduates of the “Recreation for Older Adults” certificate program for employment within the Day Programs.
-Kim Cusimano, former Senior Day Program Supervisor, Community Care Concepts Day Program Centre

I believe that when recruiting staff for programming opportunities that the addition of this element would be an asset and increase their opportunities for employment.
-Allan D. Downey, Director of Leisure Services, The Town of Aurora

A graduate of this program would certainly be an asset to our organization and we look forward to working in partnership with the college once the program is in operation.
-Terry Alyman, Director of Recreation and Parks, Town of Halton Hills Employer Support

I strongly believe that a program such as the Recreation for Older Adults would be beneficial for the following reasons:

• The program encompasses the many facets that pertain to Recreation/Activity staff in a long term care setting.
• When hiring a staff member in the activity department, it has been found that staff need extra training for specilialization. This course offers the education and training that a person would require.
• As the president of Activity Professionals of Ontario, I meet people with many diverse backgrounds and education. Many recreation grads that I encounter look for post diploma programs for specialization. I believe this course would certainly appeal to these people in the field.
• I have seen how our profession has grown and see how it continues to grow as our population ages.

In my opinion, there is a strong need for a course such as Recreation for Older Adults program.
-Carol Lavoie, President, Activity Professionals of Ontario

The baby-boom generation is maturing and will soon represent a significant component of the programming market and will be looking for support to utilize leisure time in ways that enhance personal health through physical activity, social interaction and community belonging. This will mean that service providers will need new and advanced skill sets to respond appropriately to the needs and demands of this growing market segment. Employers in older adult centres, retirement homes and other government-bases program facilities will be looking for graduates with this type of advanced training who can respond to this emerging trend. A leading edge college program such as "Recreation for Older Adults" will serve to not only equip professional staff with current skills and greater capacity, but also reinforce with employers the significance of raising standards in the delivery of recreation service for older adults.
-Howard Dayton, President, Parks and Recreation Ontario