Do you like the idea of gaining valuable work experience while studying?
Each Canadian college works closely with business and industry to develop programs teaching the skills employers need. While in college, you can take part in internships, co-op programs, or real-life jobs that will provide hands-on experience while you study.
Colleges are more career-oriented and offer hands-on training in a variety of professions, in particular applied ones, therefore colleges are chosen by the students seeking practical professional training.
The goal of college is to prepare you to your chosen profession for you to get a good job in Canada or in your country upon graduation.
Colleges in Canada are called:
- Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology
- Community colleges
- Institutes
- Technological institutes
- Polytechnics
- Regional colleges
- University colleges
- CEGEPS (abbreviation for General and Professional College) in Quebec
- Or just colleges.
Community colleges occupy a unique niche in Canada's education system. They combine high-quality, in-depth academic knowledge with employer-focused programs, industrial relations and on-the-job training opportunities. Community colleges offer academic courses in arts and science, as well as specialized professional and language training.
The college itself can be a general educational institution offering many programs in various fields (such as health, business, technology, various professions, advanced training, applied and creative arts, social services, hospitality and university preparation). Or it could be a specialized college in a specific field, industry or culture (for example, a college of forestry, art and design, justice and public safety, or natural sciences).
Some colleges offer bachelor's degrees, while most offer diplomas and certification programs, both full-time and part-time.
The choice of programs is usually wide and students can choose any course according to their educational level, interests and skills.
Students receive basic knowledge of the subject at college. If a student wants to study the subject in a deeper way and plans to make a career in this area, he/she can take course of advanced training.