Thousands of students are preparing to start their post-secondary studies or training this week.

Whether working toward earning a certificate, diploma or degree, or learning a skilled trade, post-secondary education and training offers British Columbians the chance to pursue their dreams and find success in a strong, sustainable and innovation economy.

How many students?

• Over 428,000 students are expected to enrol at one of 25 public post-secondary institutions
• 52% female, 48% male, 6% Indigenous, 11% international
• 50% of post-secondary students are younger than 25 years old
• Out of a total of nearly 37,000 registered apprentices, 10% are women, 6% are Indigenous

What to study?

• Top five programs: arts and science, business and management, engineering and applied science, human and social services and trades
• Top five trades: electrician, carpenter, plumber, cook and auto service technician
• Top 10 health occupations: registered nurse – specialist, physiotherapist, registered nurse – general, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, sonographer, medical laboratory technician, licensed practical nurse, respiratory therapist and care aide
• More than 62,100 credentials were awarded in 2015-16: graduate (11%), first professional and post-degree (4%), bachelors (39%), certificate and diploma (43%) and development (3%)

Where to study?

• Twenty-five public institutions
  • Three public institutes
  • Eleven public universities
  • Eleven public colleges
• Nineteen private and out-of-province public degree-granting institutions
• Over 300 private career training institutions including private language schools
• Fourteen seminaries and theological institutions
• Approximately 40 Aboriginal-controlled institutes

What do employment prospects look like?

• 934,000 job openings are expected by 2025: two-thirds of these jobs are due to retirements and about one-third are new jobs as a result of economic expansion
• About eight out of 10 jobs will require some post-secondary education or training:
  • 42% will likely be in occupations requiring diploma, certificate or apprenticeship training, while 36% will be in occupations that require a bachelor’s, graduate or first professional degree and/or significant work experience
• Mainland/Southwest (64%) and Vancouver Island/Coast (16%) have the largest number of job openings in B.C.

Learn More:

• EducationPlannerBC provides students with planning tools, program profiles, links to student financial aid information, labour market demand information and the ability to apply to a B.C. post-secondary institution: https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/
• StudentAidBC is a comprehensive website where students can learn more about what grants and loans are available to them, apply for financial aid and check their application status: https://studentaidbc.ca/
• The Industry Training Authority offers supports for future apprentices who are considering a career in the trades as well as current apprentices who are moving into the next stage of their training: http://www.itabc.ca/
• The Trades Training Seat Finder allows students to see where trades seats are available throughout the province: https://www.tradestrainingbc.ca/
• WorkBC.ca is a rich source of engaging career and education resources, information and planning tools for students, as well as a job board that connects job seekers with employers: https://www.workbc.ca/
• WorkBC Parent’s Guide helps parents guide their teen down the best career path: http://ow.ly/Lw6K30eJYIw
• Student Outcomes Dashboard includes demographics, labour market information and student assessment of education by institution and program type: http://www2.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/Dashboard/