Studying in vocational training

Vocational training gives you hands-on training in a trade or occupation. In an inspiring environment, you can acquire the know-how, behaviours, knowledge and competencies to practise a specialized trade or occupation. Vocational training also lets you continue your academic studies at the same time, if you are so inclined.

Vocational training programs can last from 615 to 1800 hours so, depending on the program you choose, you need to set aside a few weeks to two years to complete your training and earn your Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS). Depending on your needs and situation, the training program can be taken full-time or part-time, in person or through distance learning.

Once you have your DVS, you could also explore the possibility of further training in your chosen field, leading to an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS). This option is also available if you are working in a trade or occupation related to the chosen specialization program. You could also take a short course leading to a Skills Training Certificate (STC) issued by the educational institution.

Vocational training is a great way to get on the job market quickly. It gives you the opportunity to reach your full potential in a trade or occupation you are passionate about, it prepares you for the job market, and it allows you to make important contributions to society.

In addition, vocational training contributes to the technological development and the cultural and socioeconomic growth of communities.

You can choose from among some 150 vocational training programs of study and 50 short courses offered in 21 sectors.

Diploma of Vocational Studies

The Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) is issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation. The DVS certifies that a student has successfully completed a vocational training program for a trade or occupation. A student who has successfully completed a DVS program can also choose to pursue their studies in a training program leading to an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS) or in a college.

Attestation of Vocational Specialization

The Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS) is a diploma issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation after successful completion of a training program aimed at improving skills or specialization in a given trade or occupation. To be eligible for this training, one must have a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) or be working in a trade or occupation in connection with the program of study. The length of an AVS varies between 3 to 9 months (300 to 1230 hours). An AVS leads to a specialization in a particular field of a trade or occupation and, where applicable, enables a student to pursue studies.

Skills Training Certificate

The Skills Training Certificate (STC) is a short-term qualifying training that is developed, offered, and sanctioned by a school service centre or a school board. Its length generally varies from 240 to 720 hours. This type of program of study leads to an occupation and is intended primarily for adults.

To learn more about the STC, watch the What is a Skills Training Certificate? video .

Here are some websites where you can explore various programs and trades:

• Find Your Own Trade 
• Inforoute FPT 
• Jobs with a promising future 
• Compétences Québec  (available in French only)
• Academos  (available in French only)

Some training paths offer a bridge to facilitate the transition from one program of study to another, or from one level of education to another.

You can apply for admission online using the AdmissionFP  site. This site also lets you check the admission requirements for each vocational training program of study and track your online application.

Watch the video, Comment déposer une demande d’admission en formation professionnelle  (English subtitles available), to learn about the application process. You may also consult Need Help? | AdmissionFP  to access helpful information in English.

When you enrol in vocational training, you can obtain official recognition of your prior learning and competencies acquired outside school, and thus more quickly obtain a diploma in a program recognized by the Ministère. 

To begin your process of recognizing prior learning and acquired competencies, you need to contact the school service centre or school board in your region  and make an appointment.

Consult the Recognition of prior learning and acquired competencies page for more information.

Various support and guidance services are offered to you throughout your vocational training pathway.

The professional staff of the services d’accueil, de référence, de conseil et d’accompagnement (SARCA) [reception, referral, counselling and support services] can help you choose the training you want and accompany you in carrying out your training or career project. They can also help you reintegrate into the job market.

You can benefit from the assistance of complementary educational services to support you in your learning, and to help you develop or maintain attitudes and behaviours that are conducive to health and well-being.

Learning support services

These services provide learning conditions that foster perseverance and academic and career success. They may include remedial education or tutoring services, for example.

Counselling, promotion and prevention services

These services favour the development and maintenance of attitudes and behaviours that have positive effects on every aspect of the student’s health and well-being. For example, they can be health (nurse), psychological or special education services.

Student life services

These services provide a stimulating environment that encourages students commit to their academic and career plan and become involved in their learning environment and community. These may include services created to help students build connections among themselves or to foster a feeling of belonging within the school community.

The Loans and Bursaries Program enables Québec students with insufficient financial resources to obtain assistance in meeting their needs during their studies. Under certain conditions, it is available to students in vocational training.

Students with a recognized disability may also be eligible for the Allowance for Special Needs Program .

To find out more about eligibility requirements and file an application, go to the Student Financial Assistance page .