About vocational training

Vocational training gives you hands-on training in a trade or occupation. In an inspiring environment, you can acquire the know-how, behaviours, knowledge and competencies to practise a specialized trade or occupation. Vocational training also lets you continue your academic studies at the same time, if you are so inclined.

Vocational training programs can last from 600 to 1800 hours so, depending on the program you choose, you need to set aside a few weeks to two years to complete your training and earn your Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS). Once you have your DVS, you could also explore the possibility of further training in your chosen field, leading to an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS). You could also take a short course leading to a Skills Training Certificate (STC) issued by the educational institution.

Vocational training is a great way to get on the job market quickly. It gives you the opportunity to reach your full potential in a trade or occupation you are passionate about, it prepares you for the job market, and it allows you to make important contributions to society.

In addition, vocational training contributes to the technological development and the cultural and socioeconomic growth of communities.

You can choose from among some 150 vocational training programs of study and 50 short courses offered in 21 sectors.

• The Diploma of Vocational Studies: The Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) is issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation. The DVS certifies that a student has successfully completed a secondary-level vocational program for a trade or occupation. A student who has successfully completed a DVS program can also choose to pursue their studies in a training program leading to an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS) or in a college.
• The Attestation of Vocational Specialization: The Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS) is a diploma issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation 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). An AVS leads to a specialization in a particular field of a trade or occupation and, where applicable, enables a student to pursue studies.
• The Skills Training Certificate: The Skills Training Certificate (STC) is a short-term qualifying training that is developed, offered, and sanctioned by a school service centre or a school board. Its length generally varies from 240 to 720 hours. This type of program of study leads to an occupation and is intended primarily for adults.

To learn more about the STC, watch the What is a Skills Training Certificate? video .

Here are some websites where you can explore various programs and trades:

• Find Your Own Trade 
• Inforoute FPT 
• Jobs with a promising future 
• Compétences Québec  (available in French only)
• Academos  (available in French only)

You can apply for admission online using the AdmissionFP  site. This site also lets you check the admission requirements for each vocational training program of study and track your online application.

Watch the video, Comment déposer une demande d’admission en formation professionnelle  (English subtitles available), to learn about the application process. You may also consult Need Help? | AdmissionFP  to access helpful information in English.

The professional staff of theservices d’accueil, de référence, de conseil et d’accompagnement (SARCA) [reception, referral, counselling and support services] can help you choose the training you want and accompany you in carrying out your training or career project. They can also help you reintegrate into the job market.

You can obtain official recognition of the learning you have acquired in your life and work experience through the recognition of acquired competencies (RAC) process.

The Loans and Bursaries program enables Québec students to obtain assistance in paying for their studies. It is available to full-time and part-time students in vocational training, under certain conditions.

Students with a recognized disability may also be eligible for the Allowance for Special Needs Program .

To find out more about eligibility requirements and file an application, go to the Student Financial Assistance page .