Vocational Training
Vocational training is a learning process that enables an individual to acquire the knowledge and skills required to practice a skilled or semiskilled trade. In general, teaching is more focused on practice than on theory.
Vocational training programs lead to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) OR an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS) issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec, OR a Skills Training Certificate (STC) issued by a school service centre (SSC), an English-language school board or a special-status school board (SB).
DVS (DEP in French) : The Diploma of Vocational Studies, or DVS, is a diploma that is sanctioned by the government. A DVS certifies that a student has successfully completed a secondary-level vocational program for a trade or occupation.
The length of a DVS program varies between 6 to 18 months (600 to 1800 hours), depending on the program. A student who has successfully completed a DVS program can also choose to pursue studies in an Attestation of Vocational Specialization, AVS, (if available) or a CEGEP program of their choice, if they have the necessary prerequisites.
Programs leading to a DVS are developed by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec and are updated on a regular basis to keep up with the evolution of the job market.
AVS (ASP in French) : The Attestation of Vocational Specialization, or AVS, is a diploma issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec after successful completion of a training program aimed at improving skills or specialization in a given trade. To be eligible for this training, one must have a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) or be working in a trade in connection with the program of study. The length of an AVS varies between 3 to 9 months (300 to 1230 hours).
STC (AEP in French) : The Skills Training Certificate, or STC, is a short-term qualifying training that is developed, offered, and sanctioned by a school service centre, an English-language school board or a special-status school board with the authorization of the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec.
These programs lead to a principal trade, a trade related to it, or a specialty, and last between 3 to 6 months (180 to 795 hours).
Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST – CFMS in French) : A TCST is awarded to students who are enrolled in Training for a Semiskilled Trade in general education in the youth sector or in Sociovocational Integration in general education in the adult sector.
The individual must have completed a minimum of 900 hours of training (including 450 hours of courses in general education and 450 hours of practical training) and successfully completed the practical training for the semiskilled trade (a minimum of 450 hours).
Student for a Day : The Student for a Day activity is a hands-on experience that allows potential students to shadow and observe a group of students in the classroom of their chosen vocational training program.
This activity is ideal for the person who is interested in a particular program and would like to confirm their career choice. During this activity, the student for a day will have the opportunity to interact with teachers and students and visit the vocational training centre facilities.
Teaching Specifics
Work-Study Programs : The work-study program is an educational strategy adapted to the changing needs of the labour market. With the work-study approach, learning the trade or occupation integrates, in a structured way, periods in the classroom and practicums in the workplace.
The work-study approach is adopted by the educational institution to provide students enrolled in vocational or technical training with the opportunity to complete at least two workplace practicums (representing a minimum of 20% of the total duration of the program) as a part of their program of study.
The programs of study offered under the work-study format are those that lead to a diploma recognized by the Ministère:
- Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
- Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)
- Skills Training Certificate (STC)
- Diploma of College Studies (DCS)
- Attestation of College Studies (ACS) with over 40 credits
Concurrent Studies : Concurrent admission gives students the opportunity to begin their vocational training while continuing their general education. This option is designed for individuals in the youth or adult sector, 20 years of age or younger as of June 30th of the preceding year or in training continuity for a DVS started the preceding year. Students in concurrent admission have already confirmed their choice of career and have earned their Secondary II or III credits in the three core subjects, namely, language of instruction, second language and mathematics.
They will pursue their vocational training at the same time as their general education in Secondary III, IV or V in these subjects that are prerequisites for admission to their vocational training program, or in the missing subjects needed for a Secondary School Diploma (SSD) or for admission to college.
A student may continue their general education if they possess the general education prerequisites required for graduation in the vocational training program they are enrolled in, if their goal is to achieve a higher level of general education.
This training path is also intended for those who are at least 18 years of age and who have successfully completed the General Development Test (GDT). These persons can continue their training concurrently to acquire the specific prerequisites needed to obtain a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS).
Individualized Training : Educational strategy allowing a learner to develop skills in an autonomous way, accompanied by a teacher, with the help of learning guides as well as pedagogical and instructional materials.
Distance Education : A form of learning where the instructor is separated from the learner, offering mediated content in various formats (print, digital, online). Most of the time, learning is done from a module that has been set up by the educational organization.
Online Education : A form of learning carried out with the help of information technology, with an instructor (synchronous learning) and sometimes without an instructor (asynchronous learning). It implies a connection to a computer, a tablet or a smartphone.
Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) : Recognition of acquired competencies is a process that allows adults to obtain official recognition of their competencies against standards set out in a program of study. Depending on the goals set up by the individual, this process will help identify which competencies are mastered and which competencies are missing. At the end of this process, the competencies recognized are recorded in an official document (report card, attestation, diploma, etc.) confirming either that all competencies have been completed (the study program) or part of the competencies of said program have been completed (units or credits, etc.).