I have grown up in a society in which post-secondary education is the norm. I don’t remember a time when I ever considered not going to university, it always seemed to be the path I was on. Today, it seems almost necessary to have some sort of post-secondary education. Unemployment rates in today’s youth are extremely high, but “individuals whose highest level of completed education is high school face the highest unemployment rates” (239). Though high school was sufficient 30 years ago, employers now look for someone who has both education and experience. This increase in expected education has led to a “downgrading of educational credentials” (258). A bachelor’s degree today is comparable to a high school diploma 30 years ago. In order to be considered for a job, youth must invest thousands of dollars to complete an education which will not even guarantee them a job. Canada would be classified as a Type 2 country offering more flexibility for students and job seekers. The video we watched in class about the apprenticeship programs in Switzerland was extremely interesting. They would be what I consider a Type 1 country which is “characterized by highly structured and standardized education systems that stream individuals into specific occupations” (260). Choosing between university or apprenticeship paths at the age of 15 seemed extreme to me at first, but when I began to think about it I realized I had known at the age of 15 that I would attend university. Preparing these students for a specific role in the work force at such a young age seems to be a logical and efficient program. Also, by limiting the amount of students who are able to attend university they eliminate the issue that we face in Canada with downgraded credentials.
Discussion Question: Do you think a streaming program like the Swiss apprenticeship one could be beneficial in Canada?
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