It’s the “big question”: What are you going to do after high school? Everyone wants to know. You probably get asked a lot at family functions. It’s a lot of pressure to come up with a good answer. On top of that, you know the job market is changing – fast. You worry that by the time you complete your degree, it will already be obsolete.
Half of Canadian jobs will require a major skills shift in the next 10 years as technological advancements change the way we work.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the options out there for you after graduation - not to mention the suggestions from well-meaning parents, teachers, and friends - let us help. We've broken all these options down for you in one convenient blog series.
So, Should I Go to University?
Chances are your family, friends, and teachers want you to go to university. There are certainly many worthwhile opportunities to explore in this post-secondary institution.
- In 2017, there were 1.7 million students enrolled in Canadian universities for full-time, part-time or continuing education studies.
- Between March 2008 and March 2017, 1.6 million new jobs were created for university graduates – almost three times those created for graduates of all other types of post-secondary education combined.
- In 2017, women comprised more than 56% of students on campuses.
You Need Technical and Soft Skills to Succeed in the Job Market
University can teach you the technical and soft skills you need to succeed in the job market. Soft skills are also very important for jobs in the manufacturing industry.
- Teamwork
- Analysis
- Critical thinking
- Time Management
- Networking
Finding the Best Skills Development Option for You
It can be difficult to find a balance between doing what you love and what is sustainable (in other words, what makes you money). To help you decide which path to take, look at some of the skills the job market will require in the next few years and find programs that provide skills development in those areas.
In the manufacturing industry, an entry level job allows you to work your way up really well, and find out more about the career you’re getting into before you make the big commitment of taking on several thousands of dollars in student loans. Instead of jumping into full-time post-secondary education at 18, take the time to figure out what program you are passionate about, while making money to help pay for that education.
A career in the manufacturing industry provides:
- Stable career
- Good pay
- Positive company culture
Get the Best of Both Worlds
Ever hear people talk about how you can’t get a job without experience and you can’t get experience without a job. Co-op placements, internships, and apprenticeships fill that gap and provide the necessary experience while you take the courses you need at the same time. What you learn will make more sense when you see it applied to real life situations in a real work setting.
Take a look at university programs with co-op placements for even more on-the-job experience than you can get in a classroom. Consider programs in engineering, computer engineering, or computer programming.
Need More Information to Decide That Question “Should I Go to University”?
Download this e-book to learn more about the multitude of training, college, and university education options as well as job search tools available to you if you are thinking about pursuing a career in manufacturing.
External links are provided as informational resources only and are not necessarily endorsed by Ontario East.
References:
https://www.univcan.ca/universities/facts-and-stats/back-to-school-2018-quick-facts/;
https://www.univcan.ca/universities/facts-and-stats/;
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/08/why-men-are-the-new-college-minority/536103/
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