Info FPT
Is vocational training a good avenue when returning to school?
Published on
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June 10th , 2024
Successfully returning to school requires a lot of things: humility, courage, tenacity, the will to succeed in your project and join the job market in a profession that appeals to you. Is vocational training a good avenue for a successful return? Here are six arguments that demonstrate why vocational training is an excellent way to become qualified.
Training is short and free
On average, a vocational training program requires 600 to 1,800 hours and lasts 12 to 24 months. That is not much in the grand scheme of things! Additionally, some 50 Skills Training Certificates (STC) only last 3 to 6 months.
The student only pays the admission and registration fees and a portion of the costs for materials.
Training focuses on the profession and teachers are experts
No French, math, or philosophy classes; 100% of learnings are relevant to the trade.
The instructors are generally professionals from their sector: ex-mechanics, former welders, hairdressers, landscapers, etc., who are passionate about their trade and enjoy passing on their knowledge to new generations.
The groups consist of people of all ages, and experience is recognized
Integration is easy and it is stimulating to interact with people who are interested in the same field as you.
It is oftentimes possible to obtain a recognition of acquired competencies for skills you already possess, which shortens training time.
Three success stories
Marie-Ève Beauregard, 39, from Lachute, won gold at the Skills/Compétences Canada competition in auto bodywork. This is a fine example of perseverance and successful reorientation. After working as a hairdresser, clerk, surveyor, bookseller and administrative assistant, this mother and stepmother decided to go back to school in her mid-thirties to find a job she was passionate about.
After high school, Stéphanie tried her hand at CEGEP but ended up dropping out and took up hairdressing. "The program was offered at the adult centre where my high school was located, so it was a familiar environment. I was only 19, and I didn't want to stray too far from home. Halfway through my training, I realized that it didn't suit my personality, but there was no way I was giving up. I really wanted to have that piece of paper that said I'd succeeded."
Besma Moumni Ep Ben Janallah was born in Beni Metir, a mountainous village in northwestern Tunisia. As a child, she had to walk 90 minutes every morning and evening to get to her school in another village. Education has always been important in her family. After obtaining a master's degree in physics, her wedding, a few years teaching overseas and the birth of her two sons, she decided to make her dream of studying in Canada a reality. She is now a student in the Installation and Repair of Telecommunications Equipment DVS, a male-dominated sector, and she is excelling. Besma is an inspiring example to all.