| The 175 post-secondary institutions which are members
of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) are officially
known by a range of titles, including Community College, Technical
Institute, University College, and Cégep. All of these institutions
have the primary function of responding to the training needs of business,
industry and the public service sectors. They also meet the educational
needs of vocationally-oriented secondary school graduates, employment-seeking
university graduates, as well as the lifelong learning requirements
of the adult population. Historically, these institutions offered
diplomas as community needs change and evolve and at least 18 are
now granting degrees and applied degrees.
The two- to three-year (or shorter) college programs typically
offer specific, vocationally-oriented curricula, as well as general
academic concentrations. In fact, a significant number of university
graduates attend college upon completion of their degrees to acquire
vocational skills for employment. Colleges typically have more vocationally-related
curricula than universities, with smaller classes, off-campus course
offerings, a greater ratio of laboratory space to classroom space,
an interactive teaching style and inclusive entry criteria. Employment-related
programs, including apprenticeship and continuing education courses,
often maintain varying entry levels and range from the technologies
to the creative arts. Colleges maintain renowned Centres of Excellence
in many fields such as information technology, mining, the environment,
and hospitality and tourism. They design curriculum and hands-on
training for future participants in a skilled and specialized Canadian
work force. Other full and part-time programs include health, business,
academic upgrading, applied arts, social services, adult literacy,
and university preparation.
The uniqueness of Canadian colleges lies in the combination of
employer-centred curricula within comprehensive learning institutions
which respond to national economic policy. Colleges are dynamic
institutions, constantly changing to meet the economic and social
needs of the communities in which they work. As such, several colleges
have achieved ISO certification and all strive for quality and excellence
in meeting the changing learning needs of society.
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