Increase in students in difficulty

File Photo, jean-françois desgagnés
A student of a vocational training centre of Quebec in the learning of welding techniques (photo for illustrative purposes only).

Daphnée Dion-Viens

Monday, 5 February 2018 00:00

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Monday, 5 February 2018 00:00

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The number of students in vocational training has increased by 36% in the last five years. The teachers ‘ trade unions denounce a glaring lack of resources. Quebec wants to improve the situation.

Today and tomorrow, actors in the education system will be met in Quebec city during days of reflection on the modernisation of the vocational training, which will lead to the development of a government action plan. Quebec wants to consult with the participants in order to put in place measures that will best address the needs of the labour market and students, ” says t-it.

However, according to the preparatory document drafted by the ministry of Education, the number of pupils identified as disabled or with learning difficulties or adaptation (EHDAA) in the three years preceding their admission in vocational training increased by 36% in the last five years.

It is currently the only way to spot them, as these struggling students are not identified as such in the vocational training centres. “There is no obligation to transfer records,” complains the president of the Federation of trade unions de l’enseignement (FSE-CSQ), Josée Scalabrini.

The “development of indicators to establish the overall picture” of the students with special needs in vocational training is also one of the “tracks of potential actions” identified by the department.

Lack of services

Québec also recognizes that transitions between secondary schools and vocational training centres should be more ” fluid and efficient “. According to the ESF, the funding provided for pupils in difficulty “is so ridiculous that you can’t give the services,” says Ms. Scalabrini.

However, the needs of these students are the same as they did when they were in high school, ” she says. “Your problem is not lost on the bus because you change area “, shows the president of the ESF.

However, the rules are in place in vocational training do not guarantee the access to complementary services for students 18 years of age and older, who represent the vast majority of the clientele.

“Too small “

In the last provincial budget, an additional funding of $ 34 million has been announced for services to students with special needs at the secondary level, in vocational training and adult education in 2018-2019. However, the ESF considers that it is ” a sum too small to make a difference “, considering the height of the needs.

The discussions of these days of reflection will focus on the measures to be put in place to further adapt the programmes to the labour market and the realities of the regions. Quebec is also considering the establishment of a single window for each region to manage the entries and could put in place a programme of support for mobility and accommodation for the students.

The possibility of creating courses that enable students to achieve both their professional diploma and secondary school diploma will also be part of the discussions.

Vocational training in Quebec

• 150 programs of study
• 195 training centres
• 130 000 pupils
• 20 % of them are under the age of 20 years.
• The graduation rate is 89 %.

Source : ministry of Education and higher Education