National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1

4 - Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services

Occupations in this category are concerned with law, teaching, counselling, conducting social science research, developing government policy, and administering government and other programs. Occupations providing religious services and leadership are included in this category. These occupations usually require completion of a related post-secondary program. Individuals who work as paralegals, social service workers or educators and instructors who are not part of the elementary, secondary or post-secondary school system are usually required to complete additional formal education to progress to professional occupations.

40 - Professional occupations in education services

This major group comprises professional occupations in education services. It includes secondary and elementary school teachers, university professors, college and other vocational instructors, post-secondary assistants and educational counsellors.

402 - College and other vocational instructors

This minor group includes instructors who teach at community colleges, CEGEPs, agricultural colleges, technical and vocational institutes, language schools and other college level schools. This unit group also includes trainers who are employed by private training establishments, companies, community agencies and governments to deliver internal training or development courses.

4021 - College and other vocational instructors

This unit group includes instructors who teach applied arts, academic, technical and vocational subjects to students at community colleges, CEGEPs, agricultural colleges, technical and vocational institutes, language schools and other college level schools. This unit group also includes trainers who are employed by private training establishments, companies, community agencies and governments to deliver internal training or development courses. College teachers who are heads of departments are included in this group.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • CEGEP teacher
  • college teacher
  • commercial art instructor
  • community college teacher
  • company trainer
  • computer training instructor
  • department chairperson - college
  • department head - CEGEP
  • firefighting instructor
  • instructor - technology institute
  • language school instructor
  • lecturer - college
  • legal assistant program teacher
  • teacher - institute of technology
  • training officer - company
  • vocational institute teacher

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training (See 0421 Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training)
  • Instructors teaching non-academic or non-vocational courses (See 4216 Other instructors)
  • Secondary school teachers (See 4031 Secondary school teachers)
  • University professors and lecturers (See 4011 University professors and lecturers)

• Main duties

  College and other vocational instructors perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Teach students using a systematic plan of lectures, demonstrations, discussion groups, laboratory work, shop sessions, seminars, case studies, field assignments and independent or group projects
  • Develop curriculum and prepare teaching materials and outlines for courses
  • Prepare, administer and mark tests and papers to evaluate students' progress
  • Advise students on program curricula and career decisions
  • Provide individualized tutorial or remedial instruction to students who require it
  • Supervise independent or group projects, field placements, laboratory work or hands-on training
  • Supervise teaching assistants
  • May provide consultation services to government, business and other organizations
  • May serve on committees concerned with matters such as budgets, curriculum revision, and course and diploma requirements.

  These instructors specialize in particular fields or areas of study such as visual arts, dental hygiene, welding, engineering technology, policing, computer software, management and early childhood education.

• Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree, a college diploma or demonstrated expertise in the field of instruction is required.
  • A master's degree in the field of instruction may be required.
  • A certificate, diploma or degree in adult education may be required.
  • For instructors of trades, completion of apprenticeship training and industry or trade certification are required. Additional courses in teaching or a provincial teaching certificate may be required.

• Additional information

  • Progression to administrative positions in post-secondary education is possible with experience.