Oakvillian

The rest of your post is so much fluff, but I'd be obliged if you can tell me why Slippy does not face a dilemma? Originally a very specific syllogism (if A then B; if C then D: A and C; therefore B and D) in formal Greek logic, the word has come to mean, in English, either a choice between two equally difficult options, or, more generally, any difficult problem.

The OED cites instances from the beginning of the 17th century onwards of the latter, more general usage. Even the more traditional English definition, though, fits this situation: Slippy can try to get documented evidence of completing secondary education, or can persuade the employer to proceed without it. Either is potentially fraught with difficulty.

Dulciusexasperis

Oakvillian, a 'dilemma' implies a DIFFICULT choice. It's not difficult to pick up a phone or use Skype. So from my perspective, there is no dilemma.

I hope that clarifies what I meant.

colchar

I worked in academia (university level) for a decade so I am very familiar with what they award here in Canada. The diplomas offered by universities here are normally done in conjunction with a degree (ie. getting a diploma in something, rather than just doing a minor in it, while also doing a B.A. in another subject). They also offer diplomas for programs done in conjunction with industry associations, etc.

The point is that many people refer to university qualifications as diplomas when they are degrees, which are much much harder to obtain.

Also, colleges here can now grant some limited degrees (a change that I am not in agreement with) but far too many people refer to any college qualification as a degree when it is merely a diploma or a certificate. I think that largely stems from Americans calling universities colleges and people here equating the two.

The4BellsLondon

Where did I mention O Levels??!!

Dulciusexasperis

So, you agree that both Universities and Colleges award diplomas and degrees colchar. What you are talking about is people using the wrong term. ie. saying degree when in fact it is a diploma or vice versa.

What does it matter what people refer to them as? I understand the difference but don't see how it matters. Matters to who? If someone tells me they have a College degree in Marketing, I understand what they are saying and I know it is a diploma not a degree. I couldn't care less what they call it. The question is what does it indicate they have some knowledge about. That's all it really means and all that matters.

I also don't agree with a blanket statement that degrees are 'much harder to obtain' than a diploma. That simply isn't always the case. It depends on what you compare. A degree in Media Studies may not be as hard for someone to get as a diploma in Instrumentation Engineering Technology for example.

It also depends on the aptitudes of the individual. For example, if you are mechanically challenged and have no head for Maths, I'm sure the IET Diploma would be beyond achieveable. At the same time you may find a degree in Media Studies a walk in the park.

I can understand your personal frustration in people using the wrong term but it's hardly worth making an issue of.

rivingtonpike

You just have!!

The4BellsLondon

Dam iPhone cut off my karma giving .... Last word missing.. Himself !

rivingtonpike

You can say that again!!

Oakvillian

It certainly clarifies something about you...

Slippy

Well folks it's been an interesting thread if I must say lol the thing that I was mostly concerned about was spending the £2500 I've saved to come over next month and put myself out there by visiting these companies in person because to be totally honest I don't really do phone conversations, scottish accents and phone conversations don't really go well together unless were talking to our own tribe and I know I'd mess it up, I can sell myself way better meeting in person, that was my only gripe spending savings on something that was going to be a complete waste of time and money BUT you know something I've decided what the hell I'm still coming over and I will get a job and as for this education malarkey I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. So I'd just like to say thankyou to everyone that commented on my thread and hopefully I'll be over soon driving my lil heart away on the Canadian roads ;-)

rivingtonpike

It might still be worth seeing what you can get from the school/school board etc before you come. Canadians seems to love bits of paper - seems to be a reassurance reinforcement thing; kind of absolves them psychologically and personally if the poo hits the proverbial fan down the line - "well I checked his papers!"

Otherwise what the heck! If you don't try you won't know. A neighbour up the road from me works in the shale gas stuff in Alberta making roads for the exploratory test wells. He certainly doesn't wave diplomas and graduation certs at employers - I checked.

Slippy

Yeh I've spoken to someone from the scottish board of education today and they told me that from 1995 onwards everybody's cert and stuff will be on computer but anything before that is archived and she did mention that my info might not even be there it might've been destroyed in that case I will get the £38 charge refunded but I won't know for a couple of weeks and I ain't waiting so I'm going to just book flights up and head over,after fed up waiting around...! I did an apprenticeship after school (scotvec) so there mite be something in there that I can use who knows lol.

rivingtonpike

Well good luck anyway -whatever the outcome. I know there will be lots on here keen to hear the outcome and who all wish you the very best!

Sats72

Hi Slippy, just thought I'd share my experience. I'm a truck driver based in Manitoba with PR status. I left school at the age of 15 in 4th year in Belfast, but my parents sent me to primary school a year too soon. So essentially, I completed the 12 years (8+4) of education required for PNP, but just not in the right order.

I did, however, take a few exams before leaving school (with the school not wanting me to leave with nothing), but all I could find was a RSA maths certificate when looking for proof of education for PNP, and some after school certificates for Inn-keeping.

HTH

Dulciusexasperis

I have no problem with encouraging you to come and try to get some interviews Slippy. If you are more comfortable face to face that's fine.

I suggested phoning because I think that you will be able to overcome the 'paper' requirement with your practical driving experience. But you have to get someone to talk to you to do that. By phone or in person, either will do.