How to Choose a Vocational School

When selecting a vocational college or technical school, consider the following simple steps to help you choose the option that best suits your needs and goals.

1. Understand Requirements and Define Your Goals

• Find out if licensing or certification is required or encouraged in your intended profession. Can you earn the required certificate, diploma, or degree? What is the preferred credential within your chosen profession?
• Ask local employers what they are looking for in potential employees and which schools have provided them with the best-prepared candidates. Prospective employers may even offer suggestions for vocational training programs that are worth checking out.

2. Assess School Credentials and Program Alignment

• Check if the school(s) you are considering will help you graduate with eligibility for available certifications/licenses and prepare you for the appropriate examination(s). Schools should also be able to provide you with the pass rates of previous graduates.
• Find out if the school is licensed and/or accredited. Provincial governments often oversee licensing, but it may not be required for a school to operate. On the other hand, accreditation is generally handled by organizations called accrediting agencies, which ensure that a school meets industry-standard levels of quality.

3. Evaluate Facility and Instruction Quality

• Research and talk to potential instructors to find out if they possess the necessary qualifications, relevant experience, and insight into the field.
• Check out school facilities to find out if they contain industry-standard tools and technologies, including modern options like virtual reality training or simulators where relevant.
• Inquire about class sizes and available academic resources. It's a good idea to see if the school has reasonable teacher-to-student ratios and options for tutoring, should you need it.

4. Consider Scheduling and Delivery

• Explore the available scheduling options. Many vocational schools offer regular full-time programs as well as part-time, afternoon, evening, or weekend options. Plus, many schools now provide the choice of completing some or all courses online or through hybrid formats that blend online and in-person learning.

5. Evaluate Outcomes and Support

• Talk to the admissions department about important statistics such as program completion and job placement rates. These numbers often speak for themselves in terms of program quality.
• Investigate services that are offered to students and graduates. Find out if you can expect assistance with job searching, developing networking skills (including using digital tools like LinkedIn), and creating a resume. It's also helpful to ask if the school maintains relationships with industry employers and whether they can help you coordinate interviews when you're ready to enter the workforce.

6. Assess Costs and Financial Aid

• Evaluate tuition costs to see if they are competitive with similar schools/programs in the area. You should also find out what you receive for that cost. For example, are books and supplies included in tuition, or are they charged separately?
• Look into financial aid options to help cover costs. Ask the school about scholarships, bursaries, or payment plans, and check if you qualify for government grants or loans, like those offered for trades training in Canada.

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Take the First Step Today

Use the steps in this guide as your checklist to plan your education and career future. The more informed you are, the more confident you'll feel about your decision—and the better positioned you'll be to succeed.