At the onset of the pandemic, among the sectors that were drastically affected was the educational sector, as the closure of colleges and universities across Canada was high in priority in the federal government’s to-do list to protect students from the onslaught of the virus. As a result, post-secondary students where thrust into a digital academic environment as their courses moved online. Some students were not as lucky and had their courses postponed altogether.

Back in April until May, Statistics Canada reported the results of crowdsourcing data collection completed by over 100,000 post-secondary students during this period, indicating more than one-quarter (26%) of respondents had some of their courses postponed or cancelled as a result of the pandemic. The academic disruption had various effects over different fields of study, but trades was largely affected (53%) because of the requirements of job placements or course work such as labs, applied learning, and hands-on instruction that cannot be transferred onto a digital platform.

Fast-forward to nine months later, and things seem to be heading in the right direction for the students who are interested in continuing their studies in trades. More and more institutions recognize the need and have embraced online learning platforms to ensure that education continues.

Automotive Training Centre
Available in Surrey, BC and Toronto, ON

If you’re a car enthusiast, this option is definitely worth looking into. Automotive Training Centres or ATC have two campuses throughout Canada, one in Surrey, BC and the other in Toronto, ON. However, they now provide online learning, so whether it’s repair, dispatch, or running an auto shop that piques your interest, this one’s for you. Of course, ATC still provides the option of learning in-class if you’re looking more into mechanical or auto-body repair. They have repair facilities available for you to acquire hands-on experience.

International Career School (Canada)

International Career School or ICS provides over 55 online training programs, the majority of which are focused on the trades. They have affordable learning programs and ensure that the content is updated regularly to provide a seamless educational experience for students. Among the trades programs they offer are animal care (Pet Grooming), automotive (Automotive Mechanics, Diesel Mechanics, Motorcycle Repair, Small Engine Repair), culinary (Gourmet Cooking), Design (Drafting with AutoCAD, Dressmaking & Design, Floral Design, Interior Decorating, Jewelry Design & Repair), Aircraft Mechanics, Appliance Repair, Electronics, and others.

Full Sail University

Full Sail University is another school that offers a wide variety of programs, including ones that focus on trades. They offer both online and in-campus options for you to hone your trades skills, including 3D Arts and Audio Arts. Full Sail University is committed to student-centered education through its online programs by organizing online lectures with exclusive industry veterans and providing access to a technical support team.

CDI College

CDI College has campuses throughout Canada but offers online learning as well. In its more than 50 years of providing quality education, CDI College prides itself in changing people’s lives for the better. Among the trades programs offered are Veterinary Health Care Assistant and Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Specialist.

As schools increasingly realize the need for online education, more and more trades courses will become available. If you are interested in a career in the trades, do not let the pandemic stop you. Take a closer look at the courses listed above as well as others.

SOURCES

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2020001/article/00015-eng.htm

https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/automotive-training-centres/

https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/

https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/ics-canada/

https://www.icslearn.ca/

https://www.trade-schools.net/full-sail-university/

https://www.fullsail.edu/