London may be a student town, but what can be done to keep graduates here?

London may be a university/college town, but the question of what to do after graduation is never far from students' minds. Interrobang asked several mayoral candidates on what they would do to create more career opportunities so that graduates don't have to leave London and take their chances in cities with saturated markets and higher living costs.

Paul Cheng

“We are not a business-friendly city hall. We were a regional powerhouse at one time. But we've fallen off the path. We are not a regional economic powerhouse anymore.”

Cheng said it is important for London to attract industry and create more student apprenticeship opportunities. He criticized city council for investing money into the Fanshawe Kingsmill's project. Instead, he would have put that money towards an apprenticeship program where the initial risk is taken on by the City, but the industry gradually pays for the student depending on their performance.

“To keep people here, you've got to have the opportunities. I need to develop that industry and business here. But it is one step at a time and I can't do it overnight.”

Ed Holder

“The job market is getting tighter and the employment rate is pretty good for a lot. Something in the 5.2 per cent range is unemployed. But that doesn't speak to the issue of people who have given up, nor does it speak to the issue that we've got over 20 per cent unemployment for youth.”

Holder said Fanshawe has an economic advantage in that it can promote jobs in the skilled trades. He would generate interest in the trades through high school co-ops. He would also help to pair up employers with employees through assessment and networking programs.

Dan Lenart

“I understand the youth unemployment rate is very high, double and triple what it is generally for the community.”

Lenart said City Hall would work with Fanshawe and businesses to create more paid co-op programs as opposed to unpaid internships. He said he is aware that many students graduate with student loans and go on to work out of their field to make ends-meet. He would develop relationships between students and employers so that their talents are recognized and there is a greater chance of walking into a job after graduation.

Jordan Minter

“I want [students] to stay. I want their awesome talents to be fulfilled here.”

Minter said he would retain graduates by creating loans for small businesses, and offering local businesses an incentive plan to hire students.

Sean O'Connell

“In order to really generate jobs we're going to have to rejig the way London actually is and the way we look at ourselves.”

O'Connell said he would create more marketable spaces to draw new businesses. He said architecturally significant buildings would ultimately encourage investment.

Paul Paolatto

“I believe student entrepreneurship is a great learning experience. It can generate some cash, but more importantly it generates the skills for future job development and opportunities.”

Paolatto said he has shown his support for student entrepreneurship by applying for the LEAP Junction entrepreneurial services program at Fanshawe. He would also set his sights on expanding entertainment and nightlife industries so that students can earn income while they study. He would also promote startups in the digital economy, and help to accelerate apprenticeships in the trades.

Other mayoral candidates were unavailable for comment by the time this article went to print.

To learn more about how to vote, go to FSU.CA/VOTE.