Retirement Communities Management program launched to respond to local industry need

Seniors of today and tomorrow: you can rest easy. You’re in good hands.

With today’s launch of Algonquin College’s new Retirement Communities Management graduate certificate, there is now an educational option to meet the needs of tomorrow’s retirement industry leaders.

The program was launched to respond to the forecast growth in seniors and in retirement communities in the Ottawa Valley region – there are 90 communities today, and many are full or at capacity. A number of new properties are currently under construction while existing communities plan for future growth.

And these jobs will require a unique skill set – someone who can navigate both the logistical and regulatory challenges involved in operating a retirement community.

To help launch the program, Algonquin College faculty and administrators were joined by industry partners, prospective and registered students, and Ontario Ministers Mario Sergio and Bob Chiarelli.

“We need more educated, trained individuals to meet the future jobs in the retirement sector, making programs like this of increasing importance,” said Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs. “This program offers a dynamic opportunity to support seniors in new and innovative ways. I am excited to see the fresh perspective of students graduating from this program.”

“Managing the rapidly growing number of retirement communities in our region requires a diverse set of skills,” added Jim Kyte, Dean, School of Hospitality & Tourism at Algonquin College. “With help from industry, we have created a program that will ready retirement professionals for the workforce of tomorrow. Postsecondary institutions like Algonquin have an important role to play in supporting the Ontario government’s plans to make Ontario the best place to grow up and grow old.”