English-Language Vocational and Technical Training in Québec

Contributors

About this report

Sithandazile Kuzviwanza, Director of Policy & Research, PERT

Morgan Gagnon, Policy Researcher, PERT

Nicholas Salter, Executive Director, PERT

Chad Walcott, Director of Engagement & Communications, PERT

Maria J. De Las Salas, Communications and Engagement Specialist, PERT

Andrea Eidinger, Ph.D., Consultant

 

This report contributes to the understanding of how English speakers access vocational and technical training (VTT). It will also enable individuals, educational institutions, and policymakers to develop better solutions that increase English speakers’ access to VTT careers in Québec.

Key Findings:

  • English speakers pursue vocational education at half the rate of French speakers: 6.2% of English speakers in Québec have a vocational education diploma, compared to 13.2% of French speakers. 
  • Diverse and effective English-language VTT programming is important in Québec because the province is currently experiencing labour shortages in the wake of COVID-19, and English speakers are an underexplored target demographic.
  • English-language VTT is important for English speakers themselves because it helps to mitigate unemployment, which English speakers experience at higher rates than French speakers. 
  • English-language vocational programming is tethered to French-language learning opportunities, and often prepares English speakers to enter bilingual or predominantly French workspaces. 
  • More than half of all English-language VTT programs offered in Québec (approximately 54%) are located on the island of Montréal.
  • Flexibility to respond to labour market demands is essential to functional and effective VTT programming. As such, vocational centres need to be empowered to respond more efficiently and organically to fluctuations in the labour market.