TYPES OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
College
College offers skilled training diploma
programs in a variety of fields. Community colleges across the province offer a great place to start, giving students smaller classes and more supports to help them adjust to postsecondary education. A diploma usually takes one to two years to complete. Programs typically are a blend of lecture format and hands-on training. Some offer co-op placements, field schools or are linked to apprenticeship programs. Many programs allow the course credits you take in your first two years to be transferred from college to university programs for the completion of your third and fourth year to complete a Bachelor’s degree.
Universities offers undergraduate
programs leading to a bachelor’s degree; graduate programs leading to master’s and doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees. A bachelor’s degree typically takes three to five years to complete; a masters, one to two years; and a doctorate, four to eight years. Classes are typically lecture-style format, but some programs have labs for hands-on learning. Co-op programs are available in some fields of study to provide work experience prior to graduation.
To confirm the course/program you are considering taking at a college will transfer to a university, check at:
Apprenticeship is a form of post-
Distance education
An apprenticeship is a combination of on-thejob training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential – or “ticket”. Once you complete your apprenticeship and receive your ticket, you are qualified to work in a skilled trade. You can be an apprentice during high school or after you graduate.
Credit transfer and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) — The BC Council on Articulations and Transfer (BCCAT ) has been supporting credit transfer recognition and agreements between post-secondary educational institutions, making your studies more accessible and affordable.
secondary education for individuals who want to be certified to work in one of the apprenticeable skilled trades. A program can take two to four years to complete, depending on the trade.
— Many institutions have made online learning easy and accessible. If you want a degree or diploma from an institution but do not want to move from your home community, check out its online or distance education offerings.
www.itabc.ca
Explore your options online: www.bccat.ca
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Distance Education
Apprenticeship training helps you get a Certificate of Qualification (CoQ), which is accepted across BC. About 50 trades also offer an Interprovincial (IP) Red Seal, which certifies you to work across Canada.
Most courses taken at a BC college transfer to universities.
http://www.bccat.ca/system/psec
Apprenticeship
University
This tool allows you to check quickly about transfer credit for courses from several institutions or what your course may be worth as a transfer credit. Also, if you have significant work experience or related prior learning in the field of study you wish to pursue, you may be eligible for academic credit through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), also known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you believe you have such experience through work, self-study or other means, contact the institution or apprenticeship office. 18