Credentials Designed for Labour Market Integration
Canada’s polytechnics offer education and training to those looking to enter the labour market for the first time, those looking to upgrade their skills at mid-career and those seeking to re-enter the labour market after being displaced. Our member institutions offer a broad range of credentials and program options suited to every requirement.
Diplomas
Two-year diploma and three-year advanced diploma programs are typically continuous, intense programs of study preparing students for employment in technological, technical, para-professional and professional occupations. In 2022-23, Polytechnics Canada members offered more than 1,050 diploma programs.
Certificates
Certificate programs are focused, one-year programs offering learners an on-ramp to a career path or other post-secondary programs. In some cases, certificate programs can be completed over several months or years by taking one or more courses at a time. Collectively, Polytechnics Canada members offer more than 650 certificate programs.
Apprenticeships
Polytechnics have an enduring focus on the skilled trades. While roughly 80% of skilled trades training takes place on-the-job, many apprentices rely on post-secondary institutions for their technical training levels. Technical training provides apprentices with opportunities to examine the theory behind their trade, practice a broader range of scenarios than might be offered by their employer and learn about new technologies impacting their profession. In 2022-23, nearly 33,500 apprentices trained at one of Canada’s polytechnics.
Learn more about how polytechnics are training the next generation skilled trades workforce by downloading Canada’s Polytechnics and the Skilled Trades.
Bachelor Degrees
One of the distinctive features of Canada’s polytechnics is their ability to offer four-year Bachelor degrees. In 2022-23, our institutions offered nearly 280 standalone degrees, as well as 27 in partnership with universities.
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate certificates offered by Polytechnics Canada members deepen learner knowledge and skills in a specialized occupational area. Prerequisites vary based on the program and institution, but many require students to have previously completed a diploma, advanced diploma or Bachelor’s degree. Our members offer nearly 450 post-graduate programs, often with a work-integrated learning component, giving learners from various post-secondary backgrounds access to specialized training in high-demand occupations.