Choosing a post-secondary education

Vocational training usually begins after the third or fourth year of high school. However, it’s possible to join one of these programs at the end of Secondary V. They allow students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to practise a trade. This option, which does not include any general education courses, leads to the following credentials (within 6–24 months):

• a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
• an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)
• an Attestation of Vocational Education (AVE)

Under certain conditions, vocational training also provides access to CEGEP or university programs.

Technical programs are offered at CEGEP. These three-year programs include a core curriculum (i.e., mandatory courses like French, English, and philosophy) and program-specific courses. Generally, students can enter the job market after they’ve received their Diploma of College Studies (DCS). However, students can also pursue university studies after they graduate. Technical programs have the following benefits:

• They provide hands-on learning, but also offer theoretical courses related to the student’s chosen field
• They’re varied, with 110 programs in 20 major sectors (e.g., agriculture, health care, power equipment maintenance, mechanical manufacturing)
• They include at least one internship
• They allow students to enter the job market quickly
• Etc.

Pre-university programs last two years and include a core curriculum, as well as specialized courses. They focus on either the arts and humanities, pure and applied sciences, or social sciences. Students in a pre-university program can do the following:

• Graduate with a DCS and then pursue university studies in a field related to their area of study
• Graduate with a double DCS (i.e., a degree that combines two programs, like dance and science)
• Acquire general knowledge to pursue specialized studies at a higher level
• Etc.

Depending on their career goals, a student who commits to a university program can expect to graduate within 1–11 years. University is divided into the following three cycles:

• The first cycle leads to a certificate or a bachelor’s degree
• The second cycle leads to a Specialized Graduate Diploma (DESS) or a master’s degree
• The third cycle leads to a doctoral degree

As you can see, there are many post-secondary options out there. To help your child choose the right path for their needs and goals, you can encourage them to do the following:

• List their interests and abilities
• Establish their career goals
• Assess the options available to them
• Meet with a guidance counsellor
• Complete an internship
• Attend open houses at post-secondary institutions
• Etc.