Diploma granted by the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) for technical or pre-university studies. The programs leading to the DEC include general and program-specific training. They can be taken on either a full- or part-time basis. If you have already obtained a DEC or completed the general training courses for a program, it is possible to register in another program in order to only take the program-specific training. You can also earn a technical DEC by taking intensive sessions spread over two years instead of three.
Advisors and instructors from the 48 departments offering custom training will visit businesses to help employers identify their training needs and suggest solutions adapted to their specific requirements and circumstances (classroom training, on-site training, training of in-house instructors, online training, coaching, self-learning textbooks, and more.)
Training certificates are awarded by the CEGEP for workshops or custom- training programs.
The AFT is a new way of organizing DEC and AEC programs to recognize the qualification of individuals at different stages of training during its completion. First offered as a pilot project, its overall objective is to promote success, perseverance and graduation from technical college programs. The programs are thus subdivided in successive training segments, attesting for each of them the acquisition of certain transferable skills or skills corresponding to work functions. With the possibility of being recognized by employers, AFT more particularly aims to meet the specific skills needs of individuals, workers or companies, in addition to contributing to the increase of training and qualification in labor shortage context, to ultimately help reduce this shortage.
For the moment, an AFT offer is being developed for 5 DEC programs and 6 AEC programs across Quebec. Come back and visit us regularly to see the evolution of this training offer:
Credited Career Advancement Courses are new training programs offered at CEGEPs to address pandemic unemployment. They are aimed at unemployed people that have already accumulated a certain professional background and that wish to enhance or update their skills in order to returning to work in the near future. This initiative, which falls under « lifelong continuous training », aims to provide individuals and workers with better tools to face the many current and future challenges of the labor market.
For the moment, an offer of Credited Career Advancement Courses is available mainly in CEGEPs in the greater Montreal area. To view this training offer: CLICK HERE (you will be redirected to a partner's site : Services Québec - Île-de-Montréal)
Information sessions about DEC and AEC programs are organized by CEGEPs on a regular basis. Consult the calendar of events at your local CEGEP and register to have access to all the information you need for your return to school.
Schedules can vary according to types of training and the CEGEPs providing it. Not only can you take courses and workshops during the day, but also in the evening and on weekends. Ask at the continuing education department of your CEGEP of choice.
DEC programs: admission fees range from $30 to $35 and cover the costs of processing the application. These fees are not refundable.
AEC programs: similar fees are charged.
Ask at the CEGEP of your choice.
Full-time registration in a DEC or AEC program is free. For registration in a part-time program, fees are $2 per course hour.
Registration fees for custom-designed training courses vary according to the type of training and its duration.
Whatever your career plan or schedule, there's an option for you—on campus or at a distance.
Continuing Education
Check out the financial aid options available for continuing education.
Financial Supportsay they’re satisfied with the skill levels of technical program graduates.
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