As our knowledge-based society continues to underline the need for post-secondary education there are many people wondering how they can make a successful leap into an appropriate program of study? This may include folks who have not completed secondary school to others struggling to find a program that works for them.

Thankfully, the post-secondary system in BC does not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Following, are 16 possible paths that may be used to access post-secondary studies in our province:

1. Adult Basic Education Program - offers the opportunity to upgrade from a fundamental to provincial level. Instruction ranges from basic skills upgrading in reading, writing and Math to Grade 12 equivalency (i.e. -BC Adult Graduation Diploma).
   
   
2. Adult Special Education Programs - help students with learning difficulties or disabilities overcome barriers to education and/or employment.
   
   
3. Career/Vocational Programs - practical training of up to three years that is geared to finding immediate employment in specific occupations.
   
   
4. Combined ESL/Career Programs - an opportunity for second language learners to develop communication skills along with theory and practical skills for specific occupations such as culinary arts or hairstyling.
   
   
5. Co-operative Education Programs - offers students the opportunity to gain paid, practical work experience within many academic, career or technical programs.
   
   
6. Direct University Entry - students with appropriate secondary school courses and grades may directly enter university studies to pursue an undergraduate degree.
   
   
7. Distance and Online Learning - offers students the opportunity to learn from anywhere (i.e. home or office) at almost any time.
   
   
8. Employment Preparation Programs - helps students with barriers reach employment goals. Students receive help with self exploration and skill building for the work place.
   
   
9. English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs - typically offers students the opportunity to gain skills in speaking and listening, reading, vocabulary, grammar and writing. Learning may be for personal growth or to transition into other post-secondary programs.
   
   
10. Entry Level Trades Training - a pre-apprenticeship program that offers students credit towards the technical training portion of an apprenticeship.
    
    
11. External Study - offers students the opportunity to obtain credits towards their credential through international educational experiences. (For instance Langara College offers exchange opportunities with universities in Japan and Mexico.)
    
    
12. GED Preparation and Testing - students can prepare for the General Educational Development Tests which are five multiple choices tests in language arts writing, language arts reading, social studies, science and math. Completion of these tests grants a GED Secondary School Equivalency Certificate.
    
    
13. Part-time Studies - enables those working part- or full-time to pursue life-long learning as part-time learners during the day, evening or weekends.
    
    
14. Technology Entry Program - offers academic preparation for students wishing to enter technology programs at the post-secondary level.
    
    
15. Technical Programs - offer students practical instruction in mechanical or scientific fields of study.
    
    
16. University Transfer Studies - enables students to complete first- and second-year university level work at a college or university college before transferring to an undergraduate degree program at a university.
    
    

The above list is not meant to be an exhaustive one. Most importantly it is intended to show potential students that post-secondary can work for them. Several of the above pathways also allow you to build on your studies for future educational or work success.

The hardest step for accessing post-secondary studies is the first one. There are some people who view their attendance at post-secondary as if it was a party they are not invited to. So, if you can see a post-secondary path that may work for you think of it as an invitation to follow up with the advising staff of an appropriate post-secondary institution.

With the advising staff of an appropriate post-secondary institution as soon as possible.

Tagged In: Adult Learners , Parents , Planning , Success Strategies , Transition , Youth