Technical training

Diploma of College Studies (DCS)

A program designed to prepare students for the job market and that requires three years of full-time study. Technical training can also provide access to university, provided that certain requirements related to the chosen university program are met.

Technical programs This hyperlink will open in a new window. include at least one workplace practicum.

Attestation of College Studies (ACS)

Programs of study leading to an ACS This hyperlink will open in a new window. are short-term technical programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment. As the selection of these programs is always changing, the most up-to-date information can be found on each college’s website.

Adult general education

Adult general education (AGE) This hyperlink will open in a new window. offers various types of training services to meet each person’s needs. For example, distance education, part-time studies, day courses and night coures are offered.

Individuals who are 16 years of age or older or who hold a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST) may be admitted to studies in AGE. You can register for AGE at any time.

You can train in or outside adult education centres. Certain businesses, community organizations, detention centres and rehabilitation centres offer training.

You can choose the schedule that works best for you. Moreover, the duration of training varies in accordance with the academic and career needs and objectives of each person.

In AGE, students can pursue various objectives, such as:

  • the acquisition of a Secondary School Diploma (SSD)
  • access to French-language learning services
  • literacy (example, for daily use)
  • obtaining prerequisites for vocational training or post-secondary studies
  • continuation of studies
  • employment integration and retention
  • competency acquisition or recognition that may make it possible to improve career prospects
  • development of autonomy and participation in social life

Training for a semiskilled trade

Training for a semiskilled trade (TFST) This hyperlink will open in a new window. lasts one year. This training enables students to obtain semiskilled trade qualifications and thereby facilitates their successful integration into the labour market.

Vocational training

Vocational training enables students to acquire the knowledge and skills required to work in a skilled or semiskilled trade.

Vocational training is intended to:

  • Help students develop effectiveness in the practice of a trade or occupation by developing and upgrading occupational knowledge and competencies
  • Enable students to obtain a diploma or attestation required to practise a skilled trade
  • Help students integrate into the workforce
  • Foster the acquisition or recognition of competencies that may make it possible to improve career prospects

Training

To meet the diverse training needs of each student, it is possible to do vocational training on a full-time or part-time basis, in person or virtually, as part of a work‑study program, etc.

Also, various training paths have been created to facilitate access to vocational training. For more information, consult: InforouteFPT This hyperlink will open in a new window..

The possible training may lead to:

  • A Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
  • An Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)
  • A Skills Training Certificate (STC): skills training designed, delivered and certified by an educational organization

Some training paths include a bridge to facilitate the transition from one program of study to another, or from one level of education to another.

The possible training paths are:

  • Bridge between the TCST and the DVS
    • This bridge allows holders of a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST) to be admitted to certain programs of study leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS), the prerequisites for which are at the Secondary III level.
  • Bridge between the TCST and the AVS
    • This bridge allows holders of a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST) to be admitted to certain programs of study leading to an Attestation of Vocational Studies (AVS).
  • Bridge between the DVS and the DCS
    • This bridge facilitates the transition between programs leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) and those leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DCS). The colleges determine the admission conditions in collaboration with the vocational training centres (VTC).
  • The bridge of concurrent admission
    • This bridge makes it possible to take general education (GE) courses at the same time as vocational training (VT) courses in order to obtain the credits students still need to enrol in a vocational studies program. It is intended for students who passed their basic subjects in general education (Secondary III or Secondary IV language of instruction, second language and mathematics). It gives students access to the Secondary School Diploma (SSD), the Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS), the double DVS-SSD and to studies at the college level.

For additional information on admission to these programs, contact your local vocational training centre.

Complementary educational services (CES)

Complementary educational services (CES) are intended to support students during their training and thereby facilitate the success of their personal or career plans. They are organized as follows:

  • Learning support services
    • These services provide learning conditions conducive to perseverance and academic and career success. They may include remedial education or tutoring services, for example.
  • Counselling, promotion and prevention services
    • These services are intended to facilitate the development and maintenance of attitudes and behaviours that have positive effects on learners’ overall health and well-being. For example, health (nurse), psychology or special education services.
  • Student life services
    • These services provide a stimulating environment that encourages adults to become committed to their academic and career plan, learning environment and community. These may include services created to help students build connections among themselves or to foster a feeling of belonging within the school community.