Learning options for a semiskilled trade in general education in the youth sector

As part of general education in the youth sector, the Work-Oriented Training Path (WOTP) offers two learning options that help students learn more about themselves personally and professionally, and develop their employability.

As part of the individualized education plan, the school administration, in collaboration with the student, the parents, school staff and external partners, if applicable, make the decision to enrol the student in the Work-Oriented Training Path, if it is the best training option for the student.

Two learning options give students in general education in the youth sector the opportunity to learn about the tasks involved in one or more semiskilled trades.

Prework Training (PT) is for students aged 15 and over who have not successfully completed the elementary school language of instruction and mathematics programs by the end of Secondary Cycle One.

Training for a Semiskilled Trade (TST) is for students aged 15 and over who have not successfully completed the elementary school language of instruction and mathematics programs by the end of Secondary Cycle One.

For more information on the PT or TST options, please contact your school service centre or school board (in French only).

Work-study programs

Students in PT and TST students are required to carry out practical training. This includes practicum hours involving the completion of tasks that lead to the development of competencies for semiskilled trades depending on the students’ strengths and abilities.

Both learning options are offered under work-study programs. They enable students to learn both in the classroom and in the workplace, by focusing on the quality of individual support and the mutual enrichment of practical and general training.

Obtaining a certificate

PT and TST lead to a certificate issued by the Minister. This certificate is a credential attesting to a student’s success in meeting the requirements of ministerial programs of study, and is based on rigorous evaluation guided by evaluation frameworks.

Prework Training is for students aged 15 and over who have not successfully completed the elementary school language of instruction and mathematics programs by the end of Secondary Cycle One. It lasts for 3 years.

In the classroom, subjects focus on developing the same competencies as those taught in Secondary Cycle One, but with a focus on their concrete application in real-life situations. Practical training subjects are aimed at developing students’ employability. These subjects are, for example, Preparation for the Job Market, Introduction to the World of Work and Work Skills.

Prework Training Certificate

To obtain a Prework Training Certificate (PWTC), students must have:

• completed the 2700 hours of training
• completed the Work Skills course, which lasts a minimum of 900 hours

Training for a Semiskilled Trade (TST) is for students aged 15 and over who have successfully completed the elementary school language of instruction and mathematics programs, but who have not earned credits in these subjects by the end of Secondary Cycle One.

In the classroom, students continue to learn Secondary Cycle One subjects in language of instruction, mathematics and second language. The content is approached from a perspective of integration into the workplace. Practical training includes preparation, guidance and on-the-job training. The practicum aims to develop competencies specific to a semiskilled trade, as well as the attitudes and behaviours required in the workplace.

Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade

The Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST) with a mention of the trade is awarded to students who:

• have completed a minimum of 900 hours of training
• have successfully completed the practical training related to the trade (a minimum of 450 hours)

Three bridges facilitate the transition from one program of study to another for students in the WOTP:

• The PT-TCST Bridge
• The TCST-DVS Bridge
• The TCST-STC Bridge

PT-TCST Bridge

This bridge enables students in their third year of Prework Training (PT) to complete a practicum leading to a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST) within the 600 hours of the Work Skills course. Concretely, the student continues in the same class group and takes the subjects of the third year of PT, but the supervision and evaluation of the practicum are adjusted to meet the requirements of the TST option. 

To be admitted to this bridge, PT students must:

• have successfully completed the Work Skills course in the second year of their training
• meet the specific requirements for admission to the program leading to the chosen semiskilled trade

TCST-DVS Bridge

The TCST-DVS Bridge enables students who have obtained a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST) to access certain programs leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS).

To be admitted to this bridge, the student must:

• be at least 16 years of age on September 30 of the school year during which they begin their vocational training
• hold a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST)
• have obtained the required credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics in Secondary Cycle One in general education in the youth sector or in Secondary II in adult general education

To find out the vocational training programs of study accessible through this bridge, consult the Vocational Training Services and Programs of Study document (PDF 1.61 Mb) (in French only).

TCST-STC Bridge

This TCST-STC Bridge enables students who have obtained a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST) to access programs leading to a Skills Training Certificate (STC).

To be admitted to this bridge, the student must:

• be at least 16 years of age on September 30 of the school year during which they begin their vocational training
• hold a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST)
• have obtained the required credits in language of instruction, second language and mathematics in Secondary Cycle One in general education in the youth sector or in Secondary II in adult general education

To find out which programs leading to a STC are accessible through this bridge, consult the Vocational Training Services and Programs of Study document (PDF 1.61 Mb) (in French only).