Building your Vocational Intelligence

www.inforoutefpt.org/vocational-intelligence
Building your
Special Edition of Centrepiece and the Goal Post - Fall 2009
Vocational Intelligence
You have the power to shape young lives
Whether you are a teacher, guidance counsellor, administrator,
parent representative or other member of a school team, you have
a big influence on the young people who know and trust you.
Your students’ life decisions are shaped by what you say and
what you encourage them to consider and explore. Your take
on the opportunities available to them carries clout.
Indeed, your leadership within our educational system may ultimately determine the career outcomes of hundreds of young
people. What a privilege; yet what a responsibility!
Add vocational training to your store of options
Many of you may not be familiar with the range of vocational
training programs available. You may have only a vague idea
of the skills graduates acquire or of how valued these skills are
in today’s labour market.
Approach to Learning (GOAL) Network have compiled some
basic information to guide you. Building your Vocational
Intelligence will also point you to many other excellent
resources devoted to career exploration, vocational training
and the labour market.
Please refer to it often so that your contribution to your students’
process of self-discovery will be based on accurate, current information. But be prepared: you just might fall in love with a vocational
career yourself!
Gloria Keenan
President, PROCEDE
To encourage educators to take a closer look at this dynamic
sector, the Provincial Organization of Continuing Education
Directors, English (PROCEDE) and the Guidance-Oriented
Sandra Salesas
Provincial GOAL Coordinator
(Anglophone sector)
Worth repeating . . .
“
All of us—teachers, administrators, professionals or support staff—do make a difference in our students’ capacity to deal with
life’s big issues, to problem solve, to see life’s
situations through different lenses, to have
their voices heard on issues of consequence
and to take their place with confidence in
society as good citizens.
- Kevin Lukian
Director General, Riverside School Board
Discover
the realities
of vocational
training
2
”
Vocational
training,
GOAL and
the QEP
4
Vocational training has given many a student new purpose and direction.
How to use
Labour
Market
Information
6
Q
Frequently
asked
questions
7
Discover the realities
of vocational training
Have your perceptions kept pace with reality?
With new technologies, well equipped facilities and students passionate to learn, vocational training has come a long way in a short time.
21 sectors for the 21st century
ÉMAM
Aerospace, manufacturing, computer technology, food
services, tourism and communications are just a few
examples of the 21 diverse economic sectors for which
vocational training programs exist.
Many levels of education & experience
A door-opening diploma
In addition to providing entry-level skills in a student’s chosen
occupation, a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) can lead to
various other career opportunities, including entrepreneurship,
sales, teaching, or a second trade. It can also be a bridge to further studies at the college or university level.
Marc-André Grenier, Photomag
Vocational training students include high school, CEGEP and university graduates. Some also bring considerable workplace experience—for which they can now apply for credit through the
Recognition of Acquired Competencies service
(www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/rac). Other students are acquiring the academic prerequisites they need for their vocational program concurrently with their training.
New programs in English
Did you know that within the past five years,
many English-language vocational training
centres have been able to expand the
number of programs they offer? Or that
several new programs are now available in
English in such high-demand fields as health
services, electrotechnology, mechanical
manufacturing, transportation and the
building maintenance and construction
trades? Are you aware that programs are
continually being upgraded as industry
requirements evolve and new technologies
and software become available?
Investments in facilities
Since 2003, the Quebec and federal governments have invested
approximately $12.6 million in new or expanded English-language
training centres and equipment (not counting what school boards
have themselves contributed). More and more, training centres
offer a learning environment that accurately reflects industry standards and conditions.
Test your vocational intelligence!
1.
What diploma do graduates of vocational training receive?
2.
What % of vocational training graduates employed full time
have jobs related to their field of study?
3.
What do vocational training and the Olympics have in common?
4.
How many vocational programs are offered in English?
5.
What % of students entering vocational training are under
the age of 20?
(Answers page 7)
Impress your students with the facts!
Download “The Realities of Vocational Training”
PowerPoint at http://www.qacve.qc.ca/spip.php?article33
2
Marc-André Grenier, Photomag
16 months to a new career path
The hands-on, creative aspects of vocational training
attracted this Nova Career Centre student.
Good earning power
According to MELS’ 2008 Relance statistics,
the average gross weekly salary for new DVS
graduates working full-time is $611—or
close to $32,000 annually—up 4% since
2007. In sectors such as buildings and public
works, electrotechnology, transportation
and mechanical manufacturing, salaries can
range considerably higher.
Competent, skilled graduates
Programs combine theory and safety-related
information with hands-on learning and
workplace practicums. They also focus on the
transferable “soft skills” that graduates need
to land a job and advance within their field.
A MELS’ survey of more than 1200 employers
in 2006-2007 revealed that 89.3% of employers considered their vocational training
recruits competent. (Education Indicators,
2008 edition)
Building your
Vocational Intelligence is the result of collaboration between the Guidance-Oriented Approach to
Learning (GOAL) Network and the Provincial Organization
of Continuing Education Directors, English (PROCEDE).
Both groups share the desire to promote vocational training as a career option with high labour market demand.
The following individuals contributed to its creation:
Patty Arnold – Riverside School Board
Laurene Bennett – Communications Arpeggia
Tom Conti – Lester B. Pearson School Board
Anita Duwel – New Frontiers School Board/PROCEDE
Barbara Goode – PROCEDE project coordinator
Marsha Gouett – English Montreal School Board
Gloria Keenan – Lester B. Pearson School Board/PROCEDE
Janet Perlis – Agence Ometz (Assoc. of Jewish Day Schools)
Sandra Salesas – Provincial GOAL coordinator
(Anglophone sector)
Graphic Design – Sylvie Desrochers, Babill-Art
After attending CEGEP for a year immediately following
high school, Kelsey Craig realized that she wanted something different. That’s when she decided to enrol in
Interior Decorating and Display after reading up on
the 16-month program and talking to a former student.
“
This program has really opened
my eyes to the career path it offers.
”
“This program has really opened my eyes to the career path it
offers,” says Kelsey. “The teachers are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and they offer lots
of support and information. The course has given me the ability to explore my creative side, as
well as gain experience with hands-on projects. The time has just flown by.”
www
More about vocational training . . .
Find out more about vocational training in Quebec at these websites:
Inforoute (www.inforoutefpt.org) is the definitive, up-to-date website for information on
Quebec’s vocational training programs. Content includes:
• Programs offered by employment sector
• Admission requirements
• Training locations
• Modules covered
• Starting dates
Heading for success (www.headingforsuccess.com)
Sponsored by MELS and the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, this interactive
bilingual website is aimed directly at youth and focuses on the vocational and technical programs
with the best job prospects. Includes quizzes and an online newsletter.
ClickVoc (www.clickvoc.qc.ca) provides comprehensive information about vocational programs
available on the Island of Montreal. Includes a career exploration section.
Quebec Advisory Council on Vocational Education (www.qacve.qc.ca )
QACVE members are active in the delivery of vocational training and represent each of Quebec’s
nine English-language school boards, as well as the Cree, Kativik and Littoral School Boards.
Quebec programs have won
international praise
Vocational training has been competency-based since 1986. That’s when the
Education ministry, in consultation with industry, carried out a major reform of
vocational programs to ensure that they corresponded to the labour market
demands of each region. Since then, the Quebec model for program development has received international recognition.
For an excellent overview of vocational and technical training in Quebec, visit:
www.inforoutefpt.org/documents/VTTinQuebec.pdf
GOAL
3
GOAL
Creating the links...
Vocational Training, GOAL and the QEP
Making learning relevant
(Or how to deal with those blank stares)
When linking classroom learning to real life, don’t overlook the
skills required by the trades.
Tell them they need to learn math, English,
biology or ethics and, chances are, their
eyes will glaze over. Show them how each
subject can directly relate to their personal
lives and future careers, and suddenly the
shoulders straighten, eyes are focused and
ears are tuned in.
difference between mentally (or physically)
dropping out and persevering to get the
qualifications required to pursue their
dreams. Teachers who help their students
make these links are using the guidanceoriented approach to learning (GOAL)—
whether they realize it or not.
“Creativity is the power
to connect the seemingly
unconnected.”
Real-life applications abound in the trades
- William Plomer
(South African-born author)
When students see connections between
who they are, what they are studying and
where that knowledge can take them,
their attitude towards learning changes. It’s
a “light-bulb moment” that can make the
Marc-André Grenier, Photomag
The vocational trades are an excellent—
and sometimes overlooked—example of
how classroom learning has “real-life”
applications.
• Printers use their knowledge of the
chemical properties of ink and paper to
reproduce high-quality images.
According to recent MELS’ Relance statistics, 77.8% of graduates with a Diploma of
Vocational Studies are employed nine
months after the end of their studies. For
students anxious to get on with their lives,
develop marketable skills and earn a
decent salary, that’s a highly relevant piece
of information!
• Carpenters and machinists routinely
solve mathematical problems while carrying out their trades.
• Hotel receptionists or administrative
assistants with two, three or four languages have a distinct advantage when
serving an international clientele.
Marcm ag
André Grenier, Photo
Subjects develop new meaning
Students in vocational training are often surprised to
discover how relevant the subjects they studied in high
school are to their chosen occupation.
Chemistry, for instance, proves very useful for those pursuing a
career in horticulture, cooking, pastry making or hairdressing.
Physics is used in welding, electrical work and aircraft assembly.
Nursing assistants, pharmacy assistants, butchers and
aestheticians must know their biology. Sales representatives,
travel agents, secretaries and graphic designers need excellent
language skills. And contractors, machinists, accounting
clerks, draftspersons and plumbers all use math on a daily basis.
Compétences Québec
4
Marc-André Grenier, Photomag
Cross-curricular competencies prepare students for life
Cross-curricular competencies provide students with a set of core
skills that are highly prized in every walk of life.
The Quebec Education Program calls them the “cross-curricular competencies.” The Conference Board of Canada refers to them as “employability skills.” In vocational training, they are known as “transferable
competencies.” Whatever name you give them, they are considered
essential life skills by educators and employers alike.
But no matter which educational path they follow or how much the labour
market fluctuates, young people with the ability to communicate, to
think critically, to problem solve, to work effectively within a team,
etc. will be well equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
Integrating cross-curricular competencies into subject-specific learning
challenges traditional content-driven teaching methods. But teachers
who make this leap also make a huge contribution to their students’
future career success.
The QEP is designed to accommodate different learning styles. Some
students are natural book learners and have a fascination with ideas;
others find learning most exciting when they are applying it hands-on.
The addition of the Applied General and Work-Oriented Training Paths
at the secondary level is a clear acknowledgement of the need for different strokes for different students.
The ability to work
with others to resolve
problems, to listen to
their ideas and to get
your own ideas across
is essential in any trade.
Compétences Québec
Conversational skills
and a professional
attitude go a long
way towards putting
clients at ease.
Why employers appreciate “soft skills”
www
“We hear from so many chefs, business leaders and
health professionals that technical skills take a second
place to teamwork, communication ability and attitude
as technical skills can be improved on the job.”
Ma
GOAL on the web
rc-A
mag
ndré Gr
enier, Photo
Learn more about the guidance-oriented approach to learning at
www.learnquebec.ca/en/content/mels/goal
- Ardis Root
Assistant Centre Director
Pearson Adult and Career Centre
Keeping those options open
See a visual map linking cross-curricular competencies with employability
skills at www.learnquebec.ca/en/content/mels/goal/curriculum/
From a GOAL perspective, the broader a student’s personal and
career exploration is, the better. Who knows which students will
find their calling as surgeons, chartered accountants, chefs,
electricians or sales reps? Or who will excel as teachers, musicians, cabinet makers, programmers, police officers or nursing
assistants? Who will be employee? And who will be employer?
Find out how students at Vanier College and Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board
joined forces to create digital portfolios:
www.learnquebec.ca/en/content/mels/goal/roadmap/Sir_Wilfrid_Laurier.html
Read about GOAL initiatives at the Western Quebec School Board at
http://cswq.wqsb.qc.ca/documents/newsletters/discovery/discovery_March_2006.pdf
5
How to use
Labour Market Information
What labour market information can tell you . . .
There’s a wealth of labour market information at your fingertips
to help students make informed choices about their future.
Emploi-Québec’s LMI Online (www.imt.emploiquebec.net) is a great source of information about the local labour market.
There you can find answers to these and other questions:
•
•
•
•
Which trades and occupations are in highest demand?
What is the average salary of a given occupation?
What type of training offers the best job prospects?
Which regions (ex: Montérégie, Montreal, Laurentians, Gaspé)
offer the best chance of finding work in a particular field?
• What education/ training is required for specific occupations?
• What skills should be highlighted in a resumé?
TOP 10 trades
These 10 programs – all available
in English – are in especially high
demand.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
This is the type of occupationspecific information you can find
on Emploi-Québec’s LMI Online.
Sales Representation
Retail Butchery
Furniture Finishing
Machining Techniques
Welding and Fitting
Aircraft Structural Assembly
Industrial Drafting
Precision Sheet Metal Work
Cable and Circuit Assembly
Production Equipment Operation
Source: www.inforoutefpt.org with
additional information from
www.emploiquebec.net
www
“Relance” surveys
Other good LMI websites:
Job Futures Quebec (Service Canada): Get detailed information on how occupations are evolving in Quebec:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/job_futures.shtml
Looking Ahead: A Ten-Year Outlook for the Canadian Labour Market (2006-2015)
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/publications_resources/research/categories/labour_mar
ket_e/sp_615_10_06/LA06-Demand-29Jan07.pdf
6
How graduates fare on entering
the workforce
Each year, MELS compiles its Relance surveys of vocational training, technical training and university graduates. Check out
employment statistics, average salaries and more at
www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/Relance/Secondaire/RelSec08/RelSec08.htm
Compétences Québec
Good prospects for
vocational training
Interested in a
specific industry?
Emploi-Québec’s most recent studies estimate
that approximately 712,000 jobs will need to
be filled between now and 2012, due to the
imminent retirement of the boomer generation (478,000), as well as projected economic
growth (234,000).
Check out these links to Canadian and
Quebec sector council websites.
Interestingly, technical and intermediate-level
employment (which includes the vocational
trades) accounts for the greatest number of jobs
No matter where you live in Quebec, skilled welders
in Quebec—roughly 60% of total employment
are always in demand.
as of 2007. A fine indicator to support the value
of pursuing a diploma in vocational or technical training! (See Employment in Quebec: Key Figures –
2008 Edition www.emploiquebec.net/publications/pdf/00_imt_CC2008_en.pdf)
• The Alliance of Sector Councils
(www.councils.org) is a coordinating body
representing various sectors of the Canadian
economy. Its website links you to individual
sector council websites, which contain detailed
information on sector occupations, salary
expectations and the education, training and
skills needed to be successful.
• Quebec Inc: From aerospace to transportation, you can access the individual websites of
30 Quebec-based sector councils affiliated with
Emploi-Québec at http://emploiquebec.net/imt/
mo-sect-activite.asp
1.
Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) or Diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) as it is better known.
Additional and more specialized studies can lead to an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS).
2.
3.
Almost 80%, according to the MELS’ 2008 Relance Survey of Vocational Training at the Secondary Level
4.
5.
Every second year, students in vocational and technical training compete for gold, silver and bronze medals
in the Olympiades de la formation professionnelle et technique (www.competencesquebec.com). Top medal
winners can go on to compete at the Canadian Skills Competition and, ultimately, the World Skills Competition.
Close to 80 programs
17% - a figure that MELS and the school boards are aiming to increase given the strong demand for
vocational graduates
Q
???
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is vocational training available in
English through Quebec’s public education system?
A: Definitely! School boards offer close
to 80 vocational programs in English at
various vocational training centres across
the province. The number and type of
programs offered in any one centre
reflect local needs and market conditions.
Q
Marc-André Grenier, Photomag
Test your vocational intelligence! (Answers)
Q: Who thrives in vocational training?
A: Students come from all ages, backgrounds and levels of education. They are
serious about obtaining the marketable
skills that will give them a fast track into
the workforce. They appreciate hands-on
learning, are at ease with specialized
equipment or tools and enjoy the immediate job satisfaction they get from creat-
ing a product, solving a problem or performing a meaningful, practical service.
In addition, they have good basic reading,
writing and math skills.
Q
Q: How much do programs cost?
A: Vocational training offered through
the public system is tuition-free for anyone who has been a Quebec resident for
at least one year and who meets the
graduation requirements within a specified time period. Certain fees (ranging
from under $100 to more than $1000)
may apply to cover the cost of uniforms,
materials, tools, safety equipment, etc.
Vocational training students are eligible
for financial assistance in the form of
loans and bursaries, subject to certain
requirements. (www.afe.gouv.qc.ca)
7
Q
?
??
Q: How long do programs take to
complete?
A: Programs vary in length from about 6
months to a year and a half, depending
on the number of competencies that
students must acquire. Heavy Truck
Driving, Bilingual Hotel Receptionist
and Assistance in Health Care
Facilities are among the shortest programs, while Industrial Drafting,
Welding and Fitting, Telecommunications Equipment Installation and
Repair and Interior Decorating and
Display are examples of the longest
ones. Certain fields also have shorter,
more specialized programs that students
may take once they have their DVS.
Q
?? ? Frequently asked questions ???
Q: What are the admission requirements for vocational
training?
Q
Q: Do programs really meet the demands of the job market?
A: The MELS and Emploi-Québec have developed a model that
uses labour forecasts to determine how many people should be
trained in each program. According to Vocational and Technical
Training in Quebec, 2008 Overview: “80% of vocational and
technical programs are well balanced, that is, enrollments…
should be sufficient to meet labour demand. Still, in 12% of the
programs, there is a substantial increased demand for enrollments, whereas in fewer than 5% of the programs the number
of enrollments exceeds demand.”
A: Again, these vary by program, but most programs require
Secondary IV English, French and math. You’ll find more information at www.inforoutefpt.org or check directly with a vocational
centre that offers the program in which you are interested.
Q
Q: How does one apply?
A: Application procedures vary from school board to school board,
so it is best to contact the particular board or vocational training
centre in question. Generally speaking, registration is ongoing and
on a first-come, first-served basis, assuming one meets the admission requirements. Classes can open at different times of the year,
as soon as there are a sufficient number of students.
Get to know them!
Our vocational training centres
Central Québec School Board
Eastern Québec Learning Centre (Québec City)
T: (418) 654-0537
www.eqlc.qc.ca
Eastern Shores School Board
www.essb.qc.ca
Laurier Macdonald Vocational Centre
T: (514) 374-4278
www.lauriermacdonaldcentre.com
Huntingdon Adult Education & Community Centre
T: (450) 264-9276
www.huntingdoncentre.com
Rosemount Technology Centre
T: (514) 376-4724
www.rosemount-technology.qc.ca
Riverside School Board
Listuguj Centre (Pointe-à-la-Croix)
T: (418) 788-5668
Shadd Business Centre
T: (514) 484-0485
www.shadd.com
The Anchor (New Carlisle)
T: (418) 752-3848
Lester B. Pearson School Board
Gesgapegiag Centre (New Richmond)
T: (418) 392-4441
Pearson Adult and Career Centre
T: (514) 363-6213
http://paccvoc.lbpsb.qc.ca
Wakeham Centre (Gaspé)
T: (418) 368-3376
Grosse Isle Centre (Magdalen Islands)
T: (418) 985-2885
Gordon Robertson Career Centre
T: (514) 426-5096
http://grc.lbpsb.qc.ca
Northern Lights Centre (Sept-Îles)
T: (418) 968-8412
West Island Career Centre
T: (514) 620-0707
http://wicc.lbpsb.qc.ca
Eastern Townships School Board
www.etsb.qc.ca
Pearson Electrotechnology Centre
T: (514) 798-1818
http://pec.lbpsb.qc.ca
Brome-Missisquoi Campus (Cowansville)
T: (450) 263-7901
Individual centres are your
best source of information
about the programs they
offer. Ask them about
eligibility requirements,
open houses and studentfor-a-day programs.
ACCESS Career Training Centre (Saint-Lambert)
T: (450) 676-1843
www.access.rsb.qc.ca
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board
www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/cdclaurier
Boisbriand Competency Development Centre
T: (450) 688-2933 ext. 4100
Pont-Viau Competency Development Centre
T: (450) 688-2933 ext. 4100
Lachute Competency Development Centre
T: (450) 562-3721
Repentigny Competency Development Centre
T: (450) 688-2933 ext. 4100
Vimont Competency Development Centre
T: (450) 688-2933 ext. 3100
Western Quebec School Board
www.wqsb.qc.ca
Lennoxville Vocational Training Centre
T: (819) 563-5627
WAAVE (Welcoming Agency for Adult
& Vocational Education)
T: 514-732-7766
http://waave.lbpsb.qc.ca
English Montreal School Board
New Frontiers School Board
St. Pius X Culinary Institute
T: (514) 381-5440
www.emsb.qc.ca/stpiusculinary
Pontiac Continuing Education Centre
(Campuses at Shawville & Campbell’s Bay)
T: (819) 647-5605
Nova Career Education Centre (Chateauguay)
T: (450) 691-2540
www.novacareer.com
John F. Kennedy Business Centre
T: (514) 374-2888
www.emsb.qc.ca/jfkbusinesscentre
Maniwaki Adult Education & Vocational
Training Centre
T: (819) 449-1731
Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre
(Ormstown)
T: (450) 829-2396
www.valleycareer.net
8
Western Quebec Career Centre (Aylmer)
T: (819) 684-1770
Vocational training programs in English are
also offered through the Cree, Kativik and
Littoral School Boards, as well as some French
school boards.