Want to join the workforce and gather hands-on experience as soon as possible? Explore the many possibilities Douglas College offers through its Career Programs.

Driven by innovation, the labour market has seen unprecedented change over the last few decades. According to the 2016 World Economic Forum report, the most in-demand occupations in many industries did not exist 10 or even five years ago, and this pace of change is set to continue. Therefore, it is no surprise that higher education is also evolving in response to the need of the changing labour market. From the traditional higher education, which is mainly focused on attaining a four-year university degree, we are now seeing a higher education system that provides more emphasis on skills and job-readiness, and flexibility in attaining credentials.

Douglas College recognized the need to offer a variety of programs that not only considers the interests of students, but is also mindful of the labour market. The college offers the greatest number of bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, post-graduate programs, and career programs than any other college in British Columbia. Douglas College's career programs can help students enter the workforce immediately, while giving the option for continuing study.

A Career program is a job-focused, one or two-year program that will help students enter the labour force or advance to a higher role in their current field. Graduates of the program are equipped with the necessary skills to begin working right away. Credits earned in a one-year or two-year diploma career program can also be transferred to complete a bachelor’s degree. The complete list of offered career programs for international students is available here. Minimum requirements for applying for career programs include general college admission requirements, English proficiency, and course-specific requisites mentioned on each course’s page.

Prospect of work is important for all students opting for a career program. Below are three of Douglas College’s offered career programs, and the associated job outlook for graduates:

1. Certificate in Accounting (1 year)

Completion of this certificate program equips students with concentrated learning of accounting principles that will prepare them for an entry-level role, such as a bookkeeper. Bookkeepers have fair to good job opportunities across Canada over the next three years.

2. Diploma in Computing Studies and Information Systems (2 years, co-op available)

This program provides graduates with the necessary academic, as well as business skills, to thrive in the booming IT industry. It also has a co-operative education component which allows students to partake in actual work and earn between CAD $5,800 to 9,000 per semester, while adding valuable experience to their resume. IT-related jobs have good prospects across Canada over the next three years.

3. Diploma in Dispensing Opticianry (2 years)

The program has a strong track record in the optical industry with an almost 100% employment rate for graduates. It covers all areas of modern opticianry and provides students with clinical experience and service skills by working at Douglas College’s Vision Care Centre. Dispensing opticians have fair to good prospects across Canadian provinces over the next three years.

The chart below shows the low and median wages for the potential occupations of the listed career programs based on Canadian Government’s Job bank market research.

With over 30 programs in various sectors, Douglas College’s career programs provide not only variety, but also flexibility for students wanting to practice right away, with the opportunity to continue studying in the future. It gives students job-specific skills that can pave the way towards a satisfying career amidst the changing labour market demand.

Want a career-focused training that equips you with the specific skills to join the labour force immediately? Register with Global Study Guide and explore the career programs offered by Douglas College.