“More and more, we want to train throughout our lives. It’s the end of the study-work-retire tertiary model,” says Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay, professor at TELUQ University. Higher education establishments adapt to demand.
“Nowadays, there are a lot of adult students, because organizations expect people to continue training,” notes Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay, specialist in human resources management, economics and sociology. of work and professor at TELUQ, a university created precisely to facilitate access to lifelong training. Whether to return to school, reorient or improve, adults return to school after completing their initial training.
Multiple formats and formulas
Despite the proliferation of training offers of all kinds, universities continue to guarantee quality training, and diploma training still has attractions. “The diploma is still important, particularly in the eyes of employers,” notes Michel Janosz, dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education (FEP) at the University of Montreal.
Universities must still offer flexibility. “For the same course content, we develop short training courses and webinars to meet demand and offer different lengths and formats,” says M.me Tremblay. At TELUQ, students have the choice of completing their courses within the scheduled 15 weeks, or of doing so more quickly or slowly, and registrations are open at any time.
The pandemic effect
“A faculty like ours is affected by socioeconomic conditions and migration conditions,” confides Mr. Janosz. Thus, the FEP of the University of Montreal noted an increase in registrations during the pandemic, “while we noted a drop in students just before,” he points out. In a situation of full employment like now, “people are less inclined to seek new skills,” he adds.
The pandemic has also created a demand for online courses. This formula allows for a better balance between work, studies and family. “Adults have constraints, and distance learning is an important lever for access,” observes Mr. Janosz. The pandemic was also an opportunity for many to reorient themselves while building on what they have learned, for example by seeking management training applicable to their environment. A training area whose popularity continues at TELUQ, according to Mme Tremblay.
Evolving needs and programs
Repositioning, acquisition of knowledge in the face of technological advances… The needs of learners have evolved enormously in recent decades. Thus, TELUQ offers diplomas in multiple distance programs from 1er and 2e cycles: education, communication, environment, IT, etc.
The FEP offers dozens of training courses (communication, intervention, health, philanthropy, etc.), most of which are professional. “We aim to develop skills that promote professional integration,” explains Mr. Janosz. “The mission of the FEP is to meet the training needs of the labor market,” he continues, indicating that training in the psychosocial field is very popular at the moment. The Faculty does not hesitate to adapt and create new programs, and to terminate those that no longer meet needs.
In doing so, institutions broaden access to university studies. If some people have experienced situations that prevented them from going to university, our two speakers are clear: the elitist vision that outside the linear trajectory, there is no salvation, it is over.
The MOOC: preview and additional learning
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.