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Making Learning Decisions
Where can I find the information I need?
Talk to employers
Visit employers who hire graduates from training programs of interest. Employers can provide an overview of the skills and qualifications they require to help individuals choose appropriate training programs.
Many employers are willing to talk to individuals in person or on the telephone. It is a good idea to have some questions ready to ask such as:
Has the employer heard about the school and/or training program being considered? What is their opinion of the program? What is their opinion of the program's strengths and weaknesses?
Would the employer hire a graduate of the program?
What type of job might a graduate of this program be qualified for?
What sort of salary might a graduate expect?
Are there other programs the employer would recommend?
Potential employers can be found using a wide-variety of resources including telephone directories, online business directories and referrals from instructors and counsellors at post-secondary institutions or local employment agencies.
Contact professional associations
Professional associations may have a great deal of information to assist individuals in exploring training options for a particular occupation.
Some associations produce newsletters and/or materials that describe the occupations. The following is a list of some of the other activities associations may carry out:
Ensuring occupational standards
Regulating training requirements for employment
Organizing professional development opportunities
Providing a network to share information
Monitoring employment opportunities
Keeping members informed of developments in their field and of association activities.
You can obtain contact information for, and descriptions of, some professional associations by searching the Professional Associations List.
Other sources of contact information are telephone directories, websites and professionals employed in the occupation.
Visit training institutions
Visit schools and institutions that offer the courses and programs of interest.
Many institutions have student advisors and admissions personnel who can provide guidance and answer questions. It is also a good idea to talk with instructors at the institutions.
Gather information about post-secondary graduates
The employment experience of recent graduates can provide valuable information to help evaluate training option. Results from follow-up surveys of recent post-secondary graduates may help answer important career-related questions such as:
What percentage of graduates found employment?
What percentage of graduates are working in jobs related to their programs of study?
Are those employed working full or part-time?
What are their wages?
The Department of Education’s Career Search 2004 document contains a list of nine selected indicators for labour market outcomes, program satisfaction and student debt for each post-secondary program in Newfoundland and Labrador.
What information do I need to consider?
Entrance requirements
Carefully examine entrance requirements for training programs under consideration. Individuals may require skills upgrading before beginning a program or the school may require completion a general entrance exam as part of the application process.
Instructors or counsellors can suggest refresher courses and resources to help individuals prepare for entrance exams or begin upgrading.
To find a career counsellor near you, search the Labour Market and Career Assistance Services section of Services Near You.
Program costs and financial assistance
Financial needs are central to career and life planning.
Consider financial needs as they relate to business, education and training, and job skills development needs. Financial assistance may be available to assist with:
Tuition costs, books and living expenses while attending school
Personal financial difficulties
Family support needs
Retirement transitions
Job related injuries
Business development
Employment development
Unemployment
It may help to talk to others, including counsellors, who can help assess an individuals' needs and whether they can be met by a particular type of financial support.
Types of financial support
Explore the various forms of financial help that are available. A combination of these sources may be required to meet financial needs related to training. When assessing financial support options, keep the following questions in mind:
What does the financial help offer?
Are there any fees required to obtain the financial help?
Is this program for anyone?
Does the money have to be repaid?
Is there interest on a loan?
How long is the financial help for?
Housing and transportation
Participation in training programs often require a big change in lifestyle and living arrangements. Some questions to consider include:
Where will I live while attending school?
Does the school have a residence? If not, can the Admissions Office or Student Services Office provide a list of apartments and/or boarding houses?
Will I live alone, with friends or family?
Where is the school located?
Will I have to move?
How will I get to school each day (E.g. private transportation, bus)?
Transfer of credits already earned
Some or all of the courses an individual has already completed may be transferable to another post-secondary institution or training program.
The credentials held by newcomers to Canada in their home country may be recognized through the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) program.
Visit the following to determine whether you can obtain credit for these courses:
How to prepare for education or training
Some schools offer programs to help new students adjust to the learning environment. These include:
Orientation programs
How to study courses
Workshops on writing papers and using libraries effectively
Student services, that may include counseling
It is important to recognize that much of the work involved with a training program is completed after regular class hours. Individuals should consider:
Do I have, or can I arrange for a quiet place to study?
Will my lifestyle and other commitments (e.g. family, social, job) allow me the flexibility to attend a course/program and the extra time required for study?
Student services at various institutions may be able to assist with questions about:
Living arrangements
Finances
Study supports
Tutors
Other personal issues
Effective study habits
Effective study habits are the key to success in a learning, education or training program. Most education or training institutions offer support to individuals learn effective study skills.
Depending on the type of program, there are a number of points to consider.
What is my learning style? Do I learn best by listening, seeing, or doing?
Where is the best place to study that is comfortable, free of distractions and interference?
Am I organized and do I have all of the materials that I need?
What are my training objectives and priorities?
Do I have time to study on a regular basis?
The Study Skills Checklist can help individuals identify study skills they may need to improve.
Additional Resources
Please visit the Students / Lifelong Learners page to access a comprehensive directory of links to related resources and tools.