Weighing Your Options After High School

Vocational training teaches students the technical skills, interpersonal skills, and other knowledge they need to practise a specialized trade or occupation. Vocational programs may be offered in person or via distance learning and can be completed alongside academic studies.

There are three diplomas that can be earned by completing a vocational training program:

1. Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS):
   Vocational training is a secondary-level education option available to teens and adults. Some DVS programs can be started as soon as you pass Secondary III.

• Duration: 6 months to 2 years

• Admission requirements:

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent diploma (preferred)

  • Be 16 years of age and have successfully completed Secondary IV French, English, and math classes (some construction, agriculture, and mining programs only require completion of Secondary III courses)

  • Or, be 18 years of age and have equivalent knowledge

  • In addition, some programs require specific math and/or science courses (health, assistance, and nursing; dental assistance).

• Here are a few examples of vocational training programs:

  • Professional bread making

  • Aesthetics

  • Automobile mechanics

  • Dental assistance

  • Secretarial studies

  • Cabinetmaking

  • Welding and installation

  • Hairdressing

  • Forestry

  • Etc.

2. Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS):
   The AVS is intended for people who already hold a DVS in a related field or who have relevant experience in the field they are studying. Since AVS programs are specialized, students receive more targeted training in a specific area of a field.

• Duration: 3 months to 1 year

• Admission requirements:

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent diploma

  • Or, have relevant experience deemed satisfactory by the educational institution

• Examples of vocational specializations:

  • Contemporary professional pastry making

  • Electrolysis (a specialization in aesthetics)

  • Motorcycle mechanics

  • Medical secretarial studies

  • Etc.

3. Skills Training Certificate (STC):
   STC programs are short-term programs that allow students to acquire the skills they need to enter the job market or pursue further vocational training. They are a good match for people who want to enter the job market quickly, change careers, or go back to school.

• Duration: 3 to 6 months

• Admission requirements:

  • Be 18 years of age and have completed the required Secondary III courses (or equivalent) in the language of instruction, a second language, and math

  • Or, have passed the General Development Test (link in French) or met the TCST-STC bridge requirements

At the college level, there are three different types of programs to choose from:

1. Pre-university. Pre-university Diploma of College Studies (pre-university DCS):

A pre-university DCS prepares students for university studies. Pre-university programs include general education courses as well as courses related to the student’s chosen area of study. The number of required courses depends on the program.

• Duration: usually 2 years (3 for double DCSs)

2. Technical. Technical Diploma of College Studies (technical DCS):

A technical DCS prepares students to enter the job market right away or go on to pursue university studies. This type of program is open to anyone with a high school diploma, DVS, or relevant work experience in the chosen field and who has completed the prerequisites required by the school.

• Duration: usually 3 years (4 for certain programs)

3. Short-term technical. Attestation of College Studies (ACS):

An ACS allows graduates to enter the job market immediately after finishing their studies. These programs are primarily intended for adults who have interrupted their studies for at least one year and who hold a high school diploma or a DVS related to their desired program of study. Other prerequisites may be required. Since colleges regularly change their program offerings, check online for the most accurate information.

• Duration: 3 to 24 months

There are three levels of university studies:

1. Bachelor’s degree:

• Duration: 2 or 3 years full-time

• Prepares students for employment or graduate studies (master’s and doctorate)

2. Master’s degree:

• Duration: 2 years full-time (may vary depending on the program)

• Practical or research-focused, depending on the program

3. Doctorate:

• Duration: Between 4 and 6 years (depending on the field of study)

• Prepares students to become a university professor and carry out advanced scientific research

Visit the website of the university you’re interested in for admission requirements and deadlines.