Skills Training refers to any vocational degree or program that prepares you for a specific job. Under this definition, programs as varied as Plumbing, Cosmetology, Aircraft maintenance engineering, Veterinary Skills, Dental Assistance, and Nursing fall under ‘skills training’. This sets them apart from academic programs, which are more theory-based.

If you complete a skills-program that is listed under ‘apprenticeship’ programs, the Canadian government will bear additional costs for advanced training until your completion of the Journeyperson exam – a required exam for those wishing to seek employment in Canada following their education. Passing this exam will earn you a Red Seal, a qualification that is recognized by employers across the country and may act as a wage incentive. The Red Seal proves that your training has given you industry-standard skills.

A Few Good Skills Courses

If you’ve always been interested in beauty treatments and the art of make-up, you could consider a Cosmetology program. Cosmetology is the study of the cosmetic treatment of any part of the body, such as hair and skin. Students with diplomas have a wide range of careers open to them, including becoming hair stylists, nail artists or salon managers. You could even become a Beauty Editor at a lifestyle magazine.

Body Pro Beauty & Aesthetics Academy in Brampton, Ontario offers certificate and diploma-level courses in areas including Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Hair Design. To apply, you must be at least 18 years of age and have passed a standard Grade 12 examination. International students whose native language is not English are required to sit the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam (TOEFL). The Academy offers job placements upon completion of your chosen course.

Many accredited community colleges offer a host of apprenticeship programs—courses that offer a basic modicum of training before linking you up with an institution that provides hands-on experience in your field. Some of these including baking, cooking and plumbing.

Canada is also a popular destination for nursing students, both those who have had some preliminary training and wish to qualify for international work, as well as those who are seeking a first-time nursing degree. The University of Saskatchewan, for instance, offers a four-year degree which culminates in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree qualifies students to sit the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association administered examination. Passing this exam will qualify you as a Registered Nurse for practice in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Getting a Work Permit

If you complete a program that is longer than eight months in Canada, you are automatically eligible to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit. For this, you should have graduated from a full-time study program or vocational training that exceeds 900 hours.

You can apply for the Permit once you have received official written confirmation (either a degree or marked transcript) that you have fulfilled all requirements for the completion of your program. The length of the Permit varies depending on the length of your program, but if you’ve done a course of two years or more, your Permit can be valid for up to three years.

This Permit will allow you to work for any company, anywhere in the country. You are also allowed to switch jobs and move around Canada, thus allowing for a greater degree of freedom than you might get in the neighbouring United States. However, you will not be considered for a second work permit if you have received one previously for another course.

Tags: Canada Skills Courses, Body Pro Beauty and Aesthetics Academy, University of Saskatchewan