For diversified and quality training

Vocational training is more practical than theoretical training and prepares young people for the job market. This type of education, available from the third year of high school (some programs), offers many types of interesting courses.

  • trains young people according to the demands of the labor market.
  • promotes skills acquisition through work placements.
  • leads to competitive wages and attractive working conditions.
  • is a gateway to pursuing higher education if the student chooses to do so.
  • varies from 600 to 1,800 hours (six months to two years).
  • offers the student vocational training courses only (no English, French, science, etc.).
  • brings together programs of study requiring reasoning, theoretical knowledge and manual skills.

Vocational training is available as of Secondary 3. Outside their regular schedule, students can also follow general education courses to obtain a high school diploma (DES). It is also possible, under certain conditions and with the help of remedial courses, to continue on to college and even university studies.

DEP-DEC is a bridge for college recognition of skills acquired through secondary level vocational training.

  • Approximately 30 vocational studies diplomas (DVS) give access to some 25 diplomas of collegial studies (DEC) under the DEP-DEC formula.
  • For example, holders of a Secretarial DVS can register for Office Systems Technology DEC, while graduates of Machining Techniques DVS can access the Mechanical Engineering Technology DEC.

Consult cégep websites for the list of possible DEP-DECs available per establishment.

There are many ways to explore the trades in vocational training. The following websites offer accurate descriptions:

  • The Vocational and Technical Training Inforoute.
  • Emplois d’avenir Quebec government site presents job descriptions and opportunities.
  • IMT online Emploi-Québec’s job market information site.
  • REPERES registration required, secondary students usually have access codes (in French).

See Post-secondary section to learn more about vocational and post-secondary education.