How to become a college and other vocational instructor
Official title: College and other vocational instructors
Also called: College teacher, College lecturer, Police instructor, College instructor, Gliding instructor, Lecturer - college, Pursers instructor, Trainee instructor, Vocational trainer, Drafting instructor, Instructor - company, Bible college teacher
College and other vocational instructors 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 unit group.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $87,750 a year The middle half earn $64,214 to $106,178.
- About 131,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 147,400 are projected by 2033. (+12.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a college and other vocational instructor?
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.
How much does a college and other vocational instructor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $87,750 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $64,214 to $106,178.
Is a college and other vocational instructor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 131,100 to about 147,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a college and other vocational instructor?
Usually. 66% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03