Did you know that 73 per cent of jobs in BC will require some post-secondary training by the year 2011, but only 20 per cent of high school grads go to university? According to a BC Business Council report, these are the facts. The good news for the remaining 80 per cent of high school grads is there are lots of post-secondary choices that don't involve going to university and can result in meaningful, well-paid work. In 1999, 25-year-old Jessica Lozanski completed a 10-month certificate program in office administration at Okanagan University College's Kalamalka campus near Vernon, BC. Jessica funded her education with a student loan and a part-time job and now works in her field. "It's been a lot easier to find a job because not everyone is qualified to do what I do," she says. "I'm now in a manager's assistant position, which has been quite rewarding."

A certificate, however, may be just the beginning of Jessica's post-secondary adventures. In BC and the Yukon, students can often get post-secondary education one step at a time by laddering their studies. Laddering allows people to complete a certificate, then a diploma and then a degree by building one program onto another. By laddering their education, students can also reduce debt and develop valuable work experience.

Devron Gaber, associate director for the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) says that while university is a very good choice for many students, it's not the only route to a career. "We're going to need skilled workers in trades and technology and these are occupations that pay very well," he says. "Doing as much research as you can is very important.

  You need to look at your interests and the career path you want to take. The advantage of laddered programs is that you can start at one level and continue on to further studies within your chosen career." The Opening Doors Web site at ww.openingdoorsbc.com, maintained by BCCAT, outlines admission requirements for public post-secondary education programs in BC and is one place to research options. Getting help from career counsellors and advisors is also a good idea," adds Devron.

So, there are lots of choices for training in BC and the Yukon. Here are a few things to think about:

  • Location: Check out schools in your community. If your program of choice isn't offered, you may have to move to another community to study.
  • Length: Post-secondary programs vary in length from a few months to four or five years. Some students are happy to spend more time in school than others.
  • Learning Methods: Different programs offer different amounts of hands-on and book learning. A student may be more successful in a program that fits his or her learning style.
  • Total Cost: Consider what the cost of a program will be in addition to tuition and fees. Account for living expenses, transportation and any other daily costs when calculating how much to spend on school.
  • Employability: Talk to employers about the real world value of a particular program. Do employers hire graduates from this program?
 
Here are some of the education options to consider. Program costs vary depending on the institution, the length of the program, the price of materials and living expenses. Please consult individual school calendars or the Opening Doors Web site at www.openingdoorsbc.com for more info.
 
Description: Apprentices pursue training for trades occupations, like carpentry, hairdressing and welding, and must complete some classroom training and mostly hands-on workplace training. BC apprentices must register with the Industry Training Authority and Yukon apprentices must apply to the Yukon Government's Advanced Education Branch of the Department of Education.
Length: One to four years, depending on the trade.

Description: To get a high school diploma in BC or the Yukon, students must earn 52 credits of select Grade 11 and 12 courses. If you didn't complete high school, it's possible to get an equivalent education by taking courses at a community college or school district's continuing education department. Another option is taking the General Education Development (GED) test, which some employers recognize as an employment credential.
Length: Usually takes two years to complete the high school graduation program (Grades 11 and 12) if you attend school full time through the public school system. If you're going back to school, you manage your own education and it can take a few months to a few years, depending on the number of courses you take.
Description: Academic courses, like
history or philosophy, leading to well-rounded knowledge of a specific topic. Bachelor's degrees don't commonly lead to a specific career because the learning can be applied in many different industries.
Length: Typically four to five years.
Description: Studies are focused on a specific career. Certificate programs are offered by colleges, university colleges, institutes and universities.
Length: One year or less.
Description: Studies are targeted to a specific career, technical or academic subject. These programs are usually short term and can be
used as a stepping stone to further training. For example, an associate degree can be used toward a Bachelor's degree.
Length: Two years or less.
  
 
If school isn't the right thing at the moment, it's possible to break into the workforce with little education or work experience. Start Now! is a list of entry-level jobs that don't require a lot of education or experience. Find out about work environments, job prospects, wages and required skills. You can also find information on how to advance in a particular industry when you're ready for further training or education. Start Now! is funded by the Government of Canada and the BC Ministry of Advanced Education.
www.startnow.workfutures.bc.ca
2004 YES-CANADA BC. All rights reserved.