Career Awareness
Overview
Gain practical skills and knowledge for work through experiential learning in the classroom, on field trips, and on work experience placements. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities.| Tuition | $1,981 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 38 weeks |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
Applicants will be asked to sign a release of information so documentation can be provided to faculty to support the application. The training needs of the student are met through a program that includes community awareness, generic work skills, specific skill training, career exploration, and work experience placements. The program consists of classroom learning activities, three (3) work experiences, and two (2) planning meetings. Orientation and introduction to basic job readiness skills and career exploration is complemented by industry tours. Classroom learning components alternate with work experience placements suited to the student’s strengths and abilities. Planning meetings monitor students’ progress in the program, set goals, and identify strategies for success. Participation of family members or support persons is at the student’s discretion. Students benefit from a realistic and practical exposure to the workplace through work experience placements. Faculty work closely with students to determine interests and abilities when choosing work sites. The instructor provides ongoing support to the student while he/she is at a work experience site, and the student is expected to work independently once familiar with required duties.What you will learn
- Develop a personal, education and career plan
- Describe reasonable education/workplace accommodations/adjustments and supports and use strategies to assist in skill acquisition
- Apply safety practices and principles at work
- Conduct themselves in a professional manner in the workplace, consistent with industry standards
- Work with limited direct supervision while developing an employable skill
- Apply health and wellness concepts to personal, educational, and employment goals
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
Career Awareness is 38 weeks with 26 weeks of classroom component alternated with 12 weeks of work experience. The maximum allowable time for students to complete the program is 40 weeks.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Diagnosis or history that identifies difficulty with learning.
- An interview with a Career Awareness instructor that will assess readiness for the program.
Upon Acceptance
- Students in this program may be required to complete a CRC prior to their work experience placement. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. work experiences) or graduate.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Ability to operate independently in the community without supervision, including ability to travel independently
- Comfortable in various learning environments, including classroom, field trips and on-site work experiences
- Classroom, field trips and on-site work experiences requires a level of stamina, strength and endurance for participation
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2026 |
Courses
The program consists of approximately 26 weeks of classroom activities and 12 weeks of supervised community work experiences matched to the student's interests and abilities.| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAAW 0631 | Education/Employment Exploration | 5 |
| CAAW 0632 | Employability and Workplace Skills | 5 |
| CAAW 0633 | Communication Skills | 5 |
| CAAW 0634 | Personal Awareness & Wellness | 4 |
| CAAW 0635 | Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Tech | 3 |
| CAAW 0636 | Job Search and Interview Skills | 4 |
| CAAW 0637 | Work Experience 1 for Career Awareness | 3 |
| CAAW 0638 | Work Experience 2 for Career Awareness | 4 |
| CAAW 0639 | Work Experience 3 for Career Awareness | 5 |
| Total Credits | 38 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,981 | |
| Student union | $73 | |
| College initiative | $115 | |
| Campus resource | $80 | |
| U-Pass | $423 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $2,750 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
Are you interested in this program?- Sign up for an information session to learn about our Accessible Education and Training programs.
- After you have attended the information session, apply on EducationPlanner BC. You will need to know which program you would like to attend.
- After you apply, you will be contacted for an interview with an instructor. The instructor will help you determine the best option for you. Note: Applying does not guarantee you a seat in the course or program.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?