Not every skill in this world can be learnt through books and exams. Many skills and occupations are completely practical-based and can only be learnt through hands-on training. The training for these occupations is done through vocational courses that specifically focus on a particular occupation. These occupations are often complementary to a field such as medicine, business, etc. Read on to know everything about vocational courses in Canada, which college you can opt for and what fields can you work in.
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Vocational Training
Vocational courses are focused on developing your practical and physical knowledge about a particular profession. These courses also allow you to work along with your studies which makes it easier for you to reduce the financial burden. Vocational programs include a broad range of areas that are essential for society today. Some of these areas are business, accounting, cooking, medicine, beauty care, electronics, mechanics, tourism, design, etc. As for the level of education, these programs are positioned between secondary education and undergraduate studies. These courses are shorter in length as compared to undergraduate degrees and are cheaper as well. A vocational program can last from a few months to up to four years. Students can study vocational courses in Canada through the following mediums:
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Advanced diploma
- Co-op programs
Scope of Studying Vocational Courses in Canada
Vocational courses are available all over the globe at various universities. However, Canada is an attractive option for international students to pursue vocational training. This is so due to a variety of reasons:
- Vocational courses have lower tuition fees and a shorter time span to complete as compared to regular degree programs.
- Various universities in Canada provide several vocational courses as part of their curriculum. These courses can be studied online and in distance learning as well by international students.
- Students get the opportunity to work on-campus while pursuing their vocational courses at a Canadian university. International students can also choose to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week after staying in Canada for more than six months.
- Students gain work experience as well as extensive exposure through vocational courses, which they have to acquire through regular degree programs.
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Popular Vocational Courses in Canada for International Students
Vocational training spans various fields as all the fields consist of professions that can not be taught academically. The following vocational programs are some of the most popular choices for students:
- Architectural Technology – Residential & commercial designing
- Health Science – Nursing, Massage therapy, Medical office assisting, Fitness & nutrition, Emergency medical technician, Pharmacy technician training, Health Science assistance
- Horticulture Technology – Understanding of commercial functionality of the market, Agriculture and agri-food
- Industrial Electrician – Theory-based practical learning. Post-completion, students must register as an apprentice with the Canadian Department of Education
- Broadcasting and journalism
- Business
- Dental hygiene
- Design
- Engineering technology
- Environment
- Hospitality management
- Information and communications technology
- Languages and arts
- Sciences
- Social services
Top Colleges for Vocational Courses in Canada
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Centennial College
Programs offered by area of interest: Academic, Arts and Science Preparation, Advanced Manufacturing and Systems Automation, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, Aerospace and Aviation, Arts, Animation and Design, Automotive and Motorcycle, Biological, Environmental and Food Sciences, Business, Community and Child Services, Emergency, Law and Court Services, Food and Tourism, Health and Wellness, Heavy Duty, Truck and Coach, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, Networking and Software Engineering, Media, Communications and Writing, Sustainable Design and Renewable Energy
Mohawk College
Programs offered by area of interest: Business, Communication Arts, Community Services, Health, Preparatory Studies, Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships, Technology, Online learning programs
Humber College
Programs offered by area of interest: Advertising: Media Management, Baker Apprenticeship, Business Administration (Co-op), Construction Boilermaker Apprenticeship, Cook Apprenticeship, Developmental Services Worker – Apprenticeship, Electrician – Construction and Maintenance Apprenticeship, Human Resources Management, Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship, Network Cabling Specialist Apprenticeship, Plumber Apprenticeship
University of the Fraser Valley
Programs offered by area of interest: Agriculture, Aviation, Business and Management, Computer Systems & Technology, Creative Arts & Design, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Education, Health Sciences & Services, History & Culture, Indigenous Studies, Legal & Criminal Justice, Media & Communications, Office Administration, Sciences, Social Work & Human Services, Society, Politics, & Policy, Trades, Upgrading
Nova Scotia Community College
Programs offered by area of interest: Academic Upgrading and Skills Development, Building and Manufacturing, Business, Creative Industries, Culinary and Tourism, Engineering Technologies, Environment, Sustainability and Natural Resources, Health and Wellness, Information Technology and Data Analytics, Language & Cultural Studies, Marine, Social and Community Supports, Surveying, Mapping and Geomatics, Transportation.
Durham College
Programs offered by area of interest: Arts and design, Business, Education, Health and Community Services, Information Technology, Languages, Legal and Emergency Services, personal Interest, Trades and Technology.
George Brown College
Programs offered by area of interest: Business, Computer Technology, Media and performing arts, Health and wellness, Hospitality and tourism management, Social and community service.
Algonquin Careers Academy
Programs offered by area of interest: Healthcare programs, Business programs, Legal programs, Online programs.
CTS Canadian Career College
Programs offered by area of interest: Health Sciences, Law and justice, Technology, Business, Trades, Speciality courses, Brewing Technician.
Eligibility Criteria
Since vocational courses are not very extensive and precise in their curriculum, the eligibility criteria are not too extensive, and students don’t have to appear for competitive exams like GRE or GMAT. Students willing to apply to a Canadian university for a vocational course need to fulfil the following criteria:
- The student must have completed their secondary education.
- English language proficiency test scores are important criteria for selection in vocational courses. Students need to submit the scores of at least one English proficiency test. The preferred IELTS score for most colleges is 6.
Documents Required
Students applying for vocational courses in Canada need to provide the following documents:
- Transcripts of secondary education
- Valid student visa
- Passport photocopy
- Supporting documents
Application Process
To apply to a Canadian university for a vocational course, you can follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Research about the course you want to opt for.
- Check for universities in Canada that offer them.
- Visit the university’s official website.
- Through the online portal, fill up the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the form and pay the application fees.
Job Prospects after studying Vocational Courses in Canada
Most colleges in Canada that offer vocational courses generally have an internship provision with the course. This way, you can work in a professional environment and get hands-on experience. Adding to that, you also get to add valuable work experience to your resume, which makes it easier for you to find a job in the future.
Conclusion
Vocational courses are an interesting option for you if you wish to add a separate skill to your resume. The skill can also be complementary to your field of study in your previous degrees. This makes you a more viable candidate for employers. The courses are short in length and low in cost as well, thus making it easier for you to acquire a skill and education at a reasonable rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vocational Courses be pursued online?
Yes, Canadian universities offer you the option to pursue vocational courses online and in distance education mode.
How are Vocational courses in Canada useful?
Vocational courses are rigorous programs that make you work in the field. These courses help you get an edge over your competitors by providing you with work experience, hands-on knowledge and practical skills before even completing your undergraduate degree. This is why vocational courses can be extremely useful for you.
What is the difference between a General Graduation Degree & a Vocational Degree?
A graduation degree offers students theoretical knowledge of a chosen subject. The lack of practical knowledge in a general graduation degree is the USP of a vocational degree. A vocational degree not only offers a valid graduation degree but also provides complete and in-depth practical knowledge of working in the field and practical working experience in the industry. The courses in a vocational degree are designed in such a way that the students spend an equal amount of time in theoretical as well as practical learning.
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