At this time, as the summer draws to a close, we are currently being bombarded with back to school announcements. According to one well known school supply outlet, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

It is truly the start of a new year. For children returning to school, it brings a chance for exciting learning opportunities and adventures. For youth, it is the hope of succeeding in educational goals or simply hooking up with their friends.

My concern is that the back to school time is not only for youth but it is the chance for many adults to involve themselves in lifelong learning. Learning keeps us young and gives us hope.

Through the world of adult education, adults who have not successfully completed a high school diploma, can complete an unfinished certificate. The classes are student centered and adult in nature. Often, students in the youth sector make choices for academic programs that will not allow them to continue in higher learning. Adult education programs will permit students to upgrade levels of the basic courses to allow them to enter vocational programs, cegep or even university. Upgrading of technological skills is still another reason adults turn to adult education. One of my favorite students was a senior who took French second language courses to be able to communicate with his brand new son in law.

My biggest concern is for the adults who have not yet received a first diploma. In Quebec, in 2001, slightly more than one million people aged 15 to 64 did not have a secondary school diploma and were not attending an education institution. Furthermore in 2003, according to the latest international study of Adult Literacy and Life Skills, almost 50% of Quebecers aged 16 to 65 scored below what is considered the minimum level of competency in prose literacy and document literacy. The school boards of Quebec have been mandated by the Ministry of Education to reach out to this population who has no first diploma. The Lester B. Pearson School Board offers a service to support adults who have no diploma or who need help with their literacy needs. This adult clientele is often the last to come to an adult centre. People who have been unsuccessful at school stay away and fear that “school smell” of chalk and blackboards. What is important to note is that the centres are student centered. Staff has been trained to deal with the adult clientele in an adult manner and to respect the fears and aspirations of the returning student. Courses are offered during the day as well as the evening. Furthermore, if a student is not able to come to the centre, distance education models are also available. What is extremely important for the potential student to realize is that he/she may not have to go back to the beginning. Recognition of prior learning and skills from life- be it from work or parenting, life experience are taken into account. A first diploma is a necessity in today’s competitive world and the adult centres are there to provide support and the means for our adults to attain one.

The Lester B. Pearson also provides 26 vocational programs in its centres. Vocational training means secondary level programs in specialized trades or fields; e.g. secretarial services, automobile mechanics, electricity, health care, baker, food services, beauty care amongst others.

A glimpse at the jobs section of any newspaper is enough to show that many companies are looking for qualified tradespersons. In vocational training, students can see the concrete results of their efforts immediately and are quickly immersed in the occupational world that attracts them. Entering vocational training requires a passion. Furthermore, for many of them, this hands on approach makes school more interesting, which in turn, encourages them to continue and successfully complete their education. This passion is evident when students who may have attended university or even worked decide to pursue a passion and in fact, register for a vocational program. Many of the students in our professional cooking programs have returned to our Pearson School of Culinary Arts to pursue that dream of becoming a chef.

Given the economic growth that experts predict will continue in coming years and the aging workforce population, there will be an increased demand for qualified workers. According to Emploi Quebec’s 2005-2009 report on Job Prospects, there will be 700,000 jobs to fill in Quebec, and a third will require vocational or technical training. In the field of healthcare, there is a demand for qualified workers at every level of expertise.

With more retirement departures within the next few years, more young Quebecers could choose occupations requiring vocational training. Despite this very promising scenario, one of every three young Quebecers leaves school without the specialized training they need for a trade or technical job. Part of the reason for this is our society’s lingering bias towards vocational training. I believe that this lack of interest is largely due to a lack of knowledge about it. Despite the increased promotion of certain trades due to such television broadcasts as Holmes on Homes and Debbie Travis’ and the wealth of professional cooking and fashion design shows, society needs to believe in the value of the trades. The European community has a history of respecting master tradesmen.
All of us see the true value of an excellent carpenter or electrician when we are in need.
When one has a family in the hospital or health care institution, it is the vocationally trained nursing assistant who is closest to the patient in caring for his or her daily needs.

Now more than ever, the anglophone community in Quebec needs trained and qualified adults if it is to keep up with stiff world competition. Even at this early stage, businesses are short of qualified workers, a trend that will gain momentum in the next few years during to the aging of the baby boomers.

This is the opportunity for potential students to strike while the iron is hot. There will be interesting jobs out there, but for trained candidates holding diplomas. Trades will be at the top of the list.

The fact is that vocational training is an option that deserves serious consideration by our youth and especially by those who advise them.

Just remember, back to school is for all. Get to it!
 

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