Career Colleges/ Private Vocational Schools – Applied, Practical and Appropriate for some
In Canada and the United States vocational education in schools began in the early 20th century and was based on using traditional techniques to prepare young people for work. Vocational education was intended to promote the potential to earn a living. In the last hundred years vocational education has evolved from its original inception in response to changes in society, technology, education, skills development and the workplace. While still promoting ones capacity to earn a living, vocational education has broadened the areas in which one can prepare for their career journey.
From about the 1950’s on the idea of a liberal education, which focused on high school graduates carrying on to University or College, became the goal for the average middle class student. Where vocational education had a direct and applied link to an occupation, the liberal education involved the pursuit of academia/knowledge and with graduate school, a profession. However, back in the 1950’s and in present time, not everyone can go on to University or College, nor should they, and for some students a Career College may be the appropriate option
Some students cannot make the long-term commitment to university and some lack the grades or the focus to attend and some just want a more fast-tracked approach to skills development and education. Since practical skills are stressed and liberal arts studies minimized, the programs will appeal to those who need practical skills to enter the work force as quickly as possible. Students who may not be particularly interested in academic studies at this point in their career can benefit from specialized training. Career Colleges can also help students who need specific practical skills in addition to their academic qualifications to become more competitive in the marketplace.
Career colleges offer many courses in each subject or occupational area. Courses vary widely in terms of the subject matter that will be covered. For example, one course in “Radio” may teach radio repair, while another may prepare a person for a position with a broadcasting company. It is suggested that students write to the colleges offering the subjects that interest them, and request detailed information prior to entering into formal arrangements with any one college.*
Although two or more registered private career colleges may offer programs and courses with similar titles, this does not mean that the courses are of equal merit or will be of equal value to the student. Each college is registered on the basis of its own program offerings, and it is the student’s responsibility to decide which college and courses best meet his or her needs. The assessment of a college by potential students should include the curriculum but also the facility, the equipment, and the caliber of the teachers; all these aspects should be assessed in relation to the tuition costs.
For some students Career Colleges or as they were previously referred to, Vocational Schools, may be to appropriate pathway for those students with a specific career path in mind.
There are 450 registered Post-secondary Career Colleges in Ontario offering a variety of education and skills development programs. Certificate, diploma and some even offer credits that can be applied to University. A wide range of training programs exists through career colleges to help students prepare for a career of their interest. Career Colleges can prepare students for careers in areas such as business, information technology, health care, welding, automotive technology, film and television production, hospitality and many more career specific areas.
Almost all Career Colleges require a minimum high school diploma for acceptance into their programs. However in some cases students can be admitted as a mature student or with a high school equivalency and an entrance test may be necessary to be accepted.
The goal for most schools is to offer applied programs in a fast-paced environment that prepare industry ready workers. Most schools specialize in industry specific programs, so if someone is interested in Hairdressing and Aesthetics that student will focus on only that area. Many Career Colleges have high placement for their student’s school to work transition.
Career Colleges are ideal for those who want to tweak their skill set or for those interested in reinventing themselves career wise through practical specialized skills training. The possibilities are endless and the opportunities for personal and professional growth are quite vast.
Kathy Young
CareerEd Services
*Ont. Gov. Ed. PCC’s
