Vocational Training

Eleven different English-language programs are offered in our 4 vocational training centres across Western Québec. These programs can lead to a Quebec Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS or DEP), sometimes in as little as a year.

Teaching staff in our vocational training centres bring a wealth of expertise and experience from the field to their classrooms, labs and workshops which are invaluable and inspirational to our students. Graduates enter hospitals or care facilities, dealerships, government offices, or businesses as skilled, qualified and competent individuals, who are equipped with the expertise to further advance themselves in their career of choice.

The Charter of French Language, or Law 101, does not apply to our Adult Education or Vocational Training programs. These English-language courses and programs are open to everyone, regardless of their parents’ mother tongue.


On this page:

See also:


Our Centres

Western Québec offers vocational training in 4 of its establishments.

To verify program availability, register or get more information on any of our vocational training programs, contact the centres directly.

CentreLocationContact
Western Quebec Career CentreGatineau (Aylmer)Heather Guinyou (wqcc@wqsb.qc.ca)
Pontiac Continuing Education CentreShawvilleCynthia Belair (cbbelair@wqsb.qc.ca)
Maniwaki Adult Education and Vocational Training CentreManiwakiThérèse Garneau (tgarneau@wqsb.qc.ca)
Western Quebec Continuing Education CentreVal-d’OrNatasha Frost-Larivière (natashafrost@wqsb.qc.ca)

Enrolment

Canadian students – Canadian students may enroll at the centre which offers the program that interests them. As this may change every year depending on availability, please contact one of our centres for more information.

International students – Western Québec invites international career seekers to experience Canada’s National Capital region and learn at the Western Québec Career Centre, located in Gatineau, just across the river from Ottawa, or at the Pontiac Continuing Education Centre, in a beautiful rural town just 45 minutes from Gatineau. Explore our programs on this page and contact Cindy Yao (cindyyao@wqsb.qc.ca), our International Student Representative, to get answers to any and all your questions.

Are you thinking of a more fulfilling career? Eager to pursue further education? Looking for support and guidance? Look no further than SARCA, proudly offered by the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB) to all adults residing in the Outaouais region – free of charge.

Why Choose SARCA?​

  • Empowerment: Take control of your future with SARCA’s support.​
  • Versatility: Explore options, change careers, and enhance your prospects.​
  • Recognition: Gain acknowledgment for your skills and past experiences.​
  • Improvement: Enhance your job situation with qualifications tailored to your goals.

Programs

  • Accounting (5731) - Also available online!

    This full-time 1350-hour program is offered online, as well as in Gatineau, Shawville, Maniwaki and Val D’Or, and is tuition free for all Québec residents.

    Program Objectives – This program provides accounting training to enable men and women to perform tasks and activities in the accounting field for today’s demanding and varied office and business environment. The Accounting program incorporates:

    • the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform accounting tasking using the latest computer software packages;
    • learning about Processing Source Documents, Processing Data, End-of-Period Tasks, Year- End Tasks, Income Tax and Accounting Systems;
    • developing and acquiring the trade-related knowledge for a rewarding career in financial services.

    Program Content – The program is divided into the following modules. In addition, all students participate in an on-the-job training period. Students gain valuable experience, which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the course.

    1. The Occupation and the Training Process
    2. Researching Information
    3. Tables and Charts
    4. Calculations Related to Source Documents
    5. Formatting Correspondence
    6. English Correspondence
    7. Processing Source Documents
    8. Handling Cash
    9. Legislation Affecting Businesses
    10. Professional Relationships
    11. Communicating in French
    12. Payroll
    13. French Correspondence
    14. Processing Data
    15. Daily Tasks
    16. Efficiency
    17. Cost of Goods and Services
    18. End-of-Period Tasks
    19. Year-End Tasks
    20. Income Tax Returns
    21. Accounting Systems
    22. Career Development
    23. Entering the Work Force

    The completion of this program leads to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) from the Québec ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

  • Assistance in Health Care Facilities (5816)

    This full-time 750 hours program is offered in Gatineau and Shawville. Program Objectives – The Assistance in Health Care Facilities program prepares men and women to practise the occupation of nursing attendants and carry out a variety of occupational activities. The program aims to help the nursing attendant trainee to develop attitudes and behaviours that meet the requirement for entry into the job market. This involves:

    • welcoming and integrating persons in the care unit;
    • providing care and comfort specific to the context of the unit;
    • ensuring that the required medical equipment and materials are available and are properly maintained and safe.

    The attendants are trained to meet the general needs of clients, to help them compensate for their disabilities, to guide and support them in maintaining or restoring their autonomy and good health. Employment Perspectives – Program graduates work in public, private and community health networks, in particular care units, as well as in various living environments that offer basic care and services to individuals, such as nursing homes, group homes, residential and long-term care centres (CHSLD) or similar types of environments. Program Content – The program is divided into the following competencies and includes an on-the-job training period. Adult learners gain valuable experience which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the program.

    1. Occupations and Training
    2. Client Needs
    3. Infections and Contamination
    4. Workplace Ethics
    5. The Helping Relationship
    6. Team Interaction
    7. Physical Illnesses and Disabilities
    8. Mental Health Approaches
    9. Basic Care Procedures
    10. First Aid
    11. Palliative Care
    12. Job Search Techniques
    13. Care Unit Procedures
    14. Long-Term Basic Care and Services
    15. Basic Mental Health Care and Services
    16. Short-Term Basic Care and Services

    Completion of this program leads to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) from the Québec ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

  • Automobile Mechanics (5798)

    This full-time 1800-hour program is offered at the Western Québec Career Centre in Gatineau. Program Objectives – This program provides mechanical training to enable men and women to perform the tasks and activities related to working with motor vehicles. The Automobile Mechanics program involves:

    • the development, practice and understanding of the skills required to maintain and repair automobiles;
    • learning the characteristics of a motor vehicle, electrical circuits, and transmission systems;
    • developing and acquiring the trade-related knowledge for a rewarding career in a garage, service centre or dealership.

    Program Content – The program is divided into the following modules. In addition, all students participate in an on-the-job training period. Students gain valuable experience, which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the course.

    1. The Trade and the Training Process
    2. Health, Safety and Environmental Protection
    3. Finding Technical Information
    4. Heating, Welding and Cutting
    5. Shop Work
    6. Communicating in the Workplace
    7. Inspecting Internal Combustion Engines
    8. Repairing Internal Combustion Engines
    9. Inspecting Road-Holding Systems
    10. Repairing Road-Holding Systems
    11. Inspecting Electrical and Electronic Systems
    12. Repairing Lighting Systems
    13. Inspecting Basic Computer-Controlled Systems
    14. Inspecting Transmission Systems
    15. Repairing Transmission Systems
    16. Inspecting Starting and Charging Systems and Electromagnetic Accessories
    17. Repairing Starting and Charging Systems and Electromagnetic Accessories
    18. Inspecting Engine and Passenger Compartment Temperature Control Systems
    19. Maintaining and Repairing Engine and Passenger Compartment Temperature Control Systems
    20. Inspecting Active and Passive Safety Systems
    21. Repairing Active and Passive Safety Systems
    22. General Automobile Maintenance
    23. Inspecting Electronic Ignition Systems
    24. Repairing Electronic Ignition Systems
    25. Inspecting Electronic Injection and Antipollution Systems
    26. Maintaining and Repairing Electronic Injection and Antipollution Systems
    27. Inspecting Drive Trains
    28. Job Search
    29. Entering the Work Force

    Completion of this program leads to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) from the Québec ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

  • Health Care Facility Patient Service Support Skills Training - New program
    With the new Health Care Facility Patient Service Support Skills Training Certificate, the Québec government wants to make it easier for you to obtain a rewarding job as an orderly in a CHSLD (long-term care centre), where every action makes a difference. You will earn this certificate after receiving quality training at one of our vocational centres.

    To register for this program, contact one of the centres directly. To learn more about this new program, visit the Quebec provincial website.

    Two of our centres offer this new program:

    Centre Location Contact Email Phone
    Western Québec Career Centre Gatineau (Aylmer) Heather Guinyou wqcc@wqsb.qc.ca 819-684-1770
    Pontiac Continuing Education Centre Shawville Michelle Forgues mforgues@wqsb.qc.ca 819-647-5605 ext. 1
  • Health Assistance and Nursing (5825)

    This full-time 1800-hour program is offered in Gatineau and Shawville. Program Objectives – This program prepares students to practise the profession of Nursing Assistant. The program goals are:

    • to acquire the knowledge, ability and attitude necessary to differentiate between health and illness;
    • to acquire the knowledge and ability to understand and apply the techniques learned;
    • to establish a helping role with those with health needs;
    • to engage in team work within the modern health organization;
    • to communicate effectively with patients and their family, with superiors and with other health team members.

    Employment Perspectives – Program graduates find employment in long-term care facilities, general care and specialized care hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, private establishments such as long-term care and clinics as well as health and social service centres. Program Content – Program is divided into the following modules. In addition, all students participate in an on-the-job training period. Students gain valuable experience, which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the course.

    1. Profession and Training
    2. Comprehensive Approach to Health
    3. Communicating in a Care Team
    4. Basic Care Procedures
    5. Helping Relationship
    6. Ethical and Legal Aspects
    7. Care Procedures and the Musculoskeletal System
    8. Infection Control
    9. Drug Therapy
    10. Basic Care
    11. Nutrition
    12. Care Procedures and the Nervous and Sensory Systems
    13. Care Procedures and the Endocrine System
    14. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
    15. Care Procedures and the Digestive System
    16. Care Procedures and the Urinary and Reproductive Systems
    17. Specific Care
    18. Approach to Clients with Cognitive Deficits
    19. Approach to Clients in Palliative Care
    20. Approach to Clients with Mental Health Problems
    21. Geronto-Geriatric Care
    22. First Aid
    23. Care of Clients with Mental Health Problems
    24. Medical Care
    25. Physical Rehabilitation Care
    26. Surgical Care
    27. Approach to Mothers and Newborns
    28. Care of Mothers and Newborns
    29. Approach to Children and Adolescents
    30. Care of Children and Adolescents
    31. Care of a Diverse Clientele

    Completion of this program leads to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) from the Québec ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

  • Home Care Assistance (5816)

    This full-time 960 hours program is offered at the Western Québec Career Centre in Gatineau. Program Objectives – This program provides training to enable men and women to perform the tasks and activities related to caring for individuals who need health assistance in a variety of settings. The Home Care and Family and Social Assistance program involves the development, practice and understanding of the skills required to aid patients to who may not be autonomous improve their quality of life. The student will learn basic patient care, human development, teamwork, and first aid. The student will develop and acquire the trade-related knowledge for a rewarding career in clients’ homes, hospitals and residential settings. Employment Perspectives – Graduates work in long-term care facilities, general and specialized hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centres, old age residences and health and social service centres. Program Content – The program is divided into the following modules. In addition, all students participate in an on-the-job training period. Students gain valuable experience, which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the course.

    1. The Occupation and the Training Process
    2. Concepts Related to Human Development
    3. Communication and Team Work
    4. Hygiene and Microbiology
    5. Daily Housekeeping Tasks
    6. Common Diseases and Disorders
    7. Principles and Techniques of Moving Clients Safely
    8. Performance of Tasks Related to Hygienic Care and Client Comfort
    9. Professional Ethics
    10. Occupational Health and Safety
    11. Performance of Tasks Related to Feeding
    12. Participation in Providing Home Care and Services
    13. Concepts of Family Dynamics
    14. Social Problems and Resources
    15. Developing a Trusting Relationship with a Client at Home
    16. First Aid
    17. Managing Daily Affairs
    18. Planning a Job Search
    19. Providing Home Care and Services

    Completion of this program leads to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) from the Québec ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

  • Hotel Reception (5783)

    This full-time 735-hour program is offered at the Western Québec Career Centre in Gatineau. Program Objectives – This program provides Hotel Reception training to enable men and women to perform the tasks and activities related to working in today’s vibrant and ever-growing hospitality industry. The Hotel Reception program involves:

    • the development and understanding of the skills required to work in the reception area of a small or large hotel;
    • learning about greeting guests, emergency procedures, customer service, and hotel computer systems;
    • developing and acquiring the trade-related knowledge for a rewarding career in Hotel Reception.

    Program Content – The program is divided into the following modules. In addition, all students participate in an on-the-job training period. Students gain valuable experience, which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the course.

    1. The Trade and the Training Process
    2. Professional Relationships
    3. Selling Hotel Products and Services
    4. Taking Reservations
    5. Accounting Tasks
    6. Safety and Security
    7. Reception-Related Tasks in a Non-Computerized Environment
    8. Communication in the Second Language
    9. Operating a Hotel Computer System
    10. Reception-Related Tasks in a Computerized Environment
    11. Entering the Work Force
  • Industrial Drafting (5725)

    This full-time 1800-hour program is offered at the Western Québec Career Centre in Gatineau. Program Objectives – This program provides the specialized training to enable men and women to perform the tasks and activities related to designing technical objects. The Industrial Drafting program develops:

    • the competencies necessary to determine the information to include on drawings and to understand manufacturing
    • the skills necessary to interpret, carry out, and correct drawings and to produce sketches
    • usage of specialized functions of a computer-aided drafting program to produce detail drawings of mechanical components
    • the necessary skills for multidisciplinary team work.

    Program Content – The program is divided into the following competencies and includes an on-the-job training period. Adult learners gain valuable experience which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the program.

    1. The Trade and the Training Process
    2. Solving Problems Related to Industrial Drafting
    3. Interpreting Technical Drawings
    4. Producing Sketches
    5. Working at a Computerized Work Station
    6. Producing Detail Drawings of Mechanical Components
    7. Illustrating Fasteners
    8. Illustrating the Arrangement of Components
    9. Interpreting Technical Information Related to Materials and Manufacturing Processes
    10. Produce Assembly Drawings
    11. Using the Specialized Functions of a Computer-Aided Drafting Program
    12. Taking and Interpreting Measurements
    13. Determining Dimensional Tolerances
    14. Correcting a Drawing
    15. Illustrating Power Train Systems
    16. Producing Development Drawings
    17. Making Three-Dimensional Drawings of an Object
    18. Producing Detail Drawings of a Mechanism
    19. Making Piping and Circuit Diagrams
    20. Using Job Search or Entrepreneurial Techniques
    21. Producing Drawings for a Mechanical System
    22. Drawing the Housing of a Machine
    23. Adapting to the New Types of Work Organization
    24. Designing a Simple Technical Object
    25. Entering the Work Force
  • Residential and Commercial Drafting (5750)

    This full-time 1800-hour program is offered at the Western Québec Career Centre in Gatineau. Program Objectives – This program provides the specialized training to enable men and women to perform the tasks and activities related to produce drawings for residential and commercial properties. The Residential and Commercial Drafting program develops the competencies:

    • required to integrate harmoniously into the school and work environments;
    • to use computer software and hardware related to computer assisted drafting;
    • to produce sketches and use a drafting table;
    • to produce architectural drawings;
    • to produce structural drawings;
    • to produce mechanical construction drawings and electrical plans;
    • to carry out various tasks on construction sites and estimate quantities.

    Program Content – The program is divided into the following competencies and includes an on-the-job training period. Adult learners gain valuable experience which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the program.

    1. The Trade and the Training Process
    2. Using a Computer
    3. Architectural Drawing Components
    4. Basic Functions of Drafting Software Applications
    5. Architectural Objects
    6. Architectural Plans: Single-Family Dwellings
    7. Health and Safety on Construction Sites
    8. Advanced Functions of Drawing Software Applications
    9. Reinforced Concrete Drawings
    10. Construction Site Data
    11. Information Related to Plumbing
    12. Plumbing Plans
    13. Wall Sections and Detail Drawings
    14. Estimating Quantities
    15. Steel Structure Assembly Drawings
    16. Structural Steel Shop Drawings
    17. Architectural Plans; Multi-Family Dwellings
    18. Information Related to Electricity
    19. Electrical Plans
    20. Presentation Drawings
    21. Job Search Techniques
    22. Information Related to Ventilation
    23. Ventilation Plans
    24. Commercial Building Plans
    25. Entering the Work Force
  • Secretarial Studies (5712)

    This full-time 1485 hours program is offered in Gatineau, Shawville, Maniwaki and Val D’Or. Program Objectives – This program provides secretarial training to enable men and women to perform the tasks and activities to function effectively in today’s wired, shifting and demanding office environment. The Secretarial Studies program incorporates:

    • The development, practice and understanding of the skills required to work in diverse office settings;
    • Learning about Database software, spreadsheets, word processing, bilingual communication and business correspondence production;
    • Developing and acquiring the trade-related knowledge for a rewarding career in administrative services.

    Program Content – The program is divided into the following modules. In addition, all students participate in an on-the-job training period.

    1. The Occupation and the Training Process
    2. Keyboarding
    3. Proofreading
    4. Information Management
    5. Basic Word Processing
    6. Writing Business Correspondence
    7. Common Accounting Tasks
    8. Database Software
    9. Quality
    10. Periodic Accounting Tasks
    11. Communication
    12. Telecommunication Tools
    13. Bilingual Communication
    14. Business Correspondence Production
    15. Spreadsheets
    16. Time Management
    17. Business Correspondence in French
    18. Labour Laws
    19. Translation into French
    20. Advanced Word Processing
    21. Desktop Publishing
    22. Document Production
    23. Business Meetings
    24. File Updates
    25. Job Search Techniques
    26. Entering the work Force
  • Starting a Business (5764)

    This full-time 330 hours program is offered at the Western Québec Career Centre in Gatineau. Program of Study – The program of study incorporates all the competencies and objectives related to starting a business. It offers the student the opportunity to plan his or her business venture. The program consists of six modules. Each module provides basic training in business notions and marketing strategies. The Training Includes:

    • Entrepreneurship and Training Process;
    • Defining a Business Venture;
    • Applying Concepts in Business Administration;
    • Applying Sales Techniques;
    • Developing a Business Plan;
    • Financing a Business.

    Meet Experts in the Following Fields:

    • Legal;
    • Taxation;
    • Sales;

    Program Objectives

    1. To define a business venture.
    2. To develop in the students the competencies needed for sales and business administration.
    3. To apply sales techniques.
    4. To apply concepts in business administration.
    5. To develop the competencies needed to plan activities involved in starting a business.
    6. To develop a business plan.
    7. To negotiate financing for a business

    Completion of this program leads to an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS) from the Québec ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

  • Welding & Fitting (5695)

    This full-time 1800-hour program is offered at the Western Québec Career Centre in Gatineau. Program Objectives – This program provides the specialized training to enable men and women to acquire the qualifications needed to work in the field of welding and fitting. The Welding and Fitting program develops the competencies to acquire the qualifications needed:

    • to get into the labour market;
    • to acquire the qualifications needed to interpret plans, specifications and procedures;
    • to acquire the qualifications needed to prepare and weld steel, stainless steel and aluminum parts according to different processes (SMAW, CTAW, GMAW, FCAW);
    • to acquire the qualifications needed to carry out, modify and repair assemblies;
    • to apply occupational health and safety rules; to control the quality of products built.

    Program Content – The program is divided into the following competencies and includes an on-the-job training period. Adult learners gain valuable experience which should enable them to secure employment upon the successful completion of the program.

    1. The Trade and the Training Process
    2. Occupational Health and Safety Rules
    3. Producing Sketches and Drawings
    4. Applying Concepts of Metallurgy
    5. Cutting Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
    6. Using Cutting and Shaping Equipment
    7. Preparing Parts
    8. Applying the SMAW Process
    9. Welding Steel Parts Using the SMAW Process
    10. Interpreting Plans and Specifications
    11. Applying the GTAW Process
    12. Welding Steel Parts Using the GTAW Process
    13. Welding Aluminum Parts Using the GTAW Process
    14. Basic Assemblies
    15. Applying the GMAW Process
    16. Welding Steel Parts using the GMAW Process
    17. Welding Aluminum Parts Using the GMAW Process
    18. Simple Assemblies
    19. Applying the FCAW Process
    20. Welding Steel Parts Using the FCAW Process
    21. Applying the SAW, RW and PAW Processes
    22. Interpretation of Plans and Specifications for Complex Assemblies
    23. Assemblies of Medium Complexity
    24. Communication in the Workplace
    25. Complex Assemblies
    26. Modifying Assemblies
    27. Repairing Assemblies
    28. Using Job-Search Techniques
    29. Entering the Work Force

    Completion of this program leads to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) from the Québec ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

  • Personal & Professional Upgrading

    The following courses are available during evenings and weekends when the demand is sufficient.

    • Computer courses (beginner to advanced workshops)
      • Pontiac Adult Education and Vocational Training Centre (Shawville)
      • Maniwaki Adult Education and Vocational Training Centre (Maniwaki)
      • Val d’Or Continuing Education Centre (Val d’Or)
    • French Second Language
      • Pontiac Adult Education and Vocational Training Centre (Shawville)
      • Hull Adult Education Centre
      • Maniwaki Adult Education and Vocational Training Centre (Maniwaki)
      • Val d’Or Continuing Education Centre
    • Safety in Construction
      • Western Québec Career Centre (Gatineau)
      • Pontiac Adult Education and Vocational Training Centre (Shawville)
    • Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
      • Hull Adult Education Centre
      • Pontiac Adult Education and Vocational Training Centre (Shawville)