Post-secondary Pathways
Students
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Apprenticeship
Overview
- A combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- 80-90 percent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace.
- 10-20 percent involves classroom instruction at a college or another approved training organization.
- Length of the apprenticeship varies depending on the trade.
Why choose the skilled trades?
- Changing technologies are also creating more new jobs every year.
- 40 per cent of new jobs will be in skilled trades and technologies in the next two decades.
- Skilled tradespeople earn higher than average incomes.
- Many skilled tradespeople own their own businesses.
- Transferable skills and knowledge.
- Graduate without student debt.
- Rewarding careers with many opportunities for growth and change.
Requirements
- Be at least 15 years of age.
- Can work in Canada and a social insurance number.
- Meet the educational requirements for the trade (often Ontario Secondary School Diploma).
- Have an employer in Ontario who meets the criteria.
For additional information
- Skilled trades page on the Ontario government’s website
- Ontario labour market page on the Ontario government’s website
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program website
- Contact your school’s Guidance Department or visit the Programs page for more information.
College
Overview
- College education provides a blend of academic learning and practical skills training.
- Ontario’s public colleges offer over 4500 programs, ranging from one-year diplomas to 4-year degrees in Applied Arts, Business, Health and Human Services, and Technology.
- Collaborative programs are offered jointly between a college and a partner university, in some areas of study such as business, health care, information technology, and science.
- Can lead to many careers, including arborists, conversation officers, dental hygienists, journalists, paralegals, paramedics, and website technicians.
- High employment rates for college graduates.
- College instructors are often industry professionals and create real-world connections in the classroom.
- Costs vary between programs and tuition can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per year.
- There are currently 29 colleges in major cities throughout Ontario.
Consider the college pathways if you…
- Meet basic admission requirements which require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and some programs may have specific course requirements.
- Find success in hands-on learning and applied curriculum.
- Enjoy smaller classes and the personal approach to instruction.
- Want to explore career options in a broad study program before specializing.
- To build confidence and connections in industry and professional partners.
- Have specific career goals that require a college education.
For additional information
- Ontario Colleges website
- OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program page on the Ontario government’s website
- ontransfer.ca
- View collaborative University and college programs on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre website.
- Talk to your school’s guidance counsellor or meet with College representatives when they visit your school or at a regional College Fair for more information.
Community
Overview
- Special Education staff, parents, and community support agencies work collaboratively to plan and prepare students for life in the community upon exiting secondary school.
- Options include, but are not limited to volunteer work, paid employment and participation in recreational programs.
- Some students may be able to access specialized programs offered at Ontario Community Colleges (i.e. CICE – Community Integration through Co-operative Education).
- Student may remain in secondary school until June of the year that the student turns 21 years of age.
This pathways is for…
- Students with Special Education needs who are primarily accessing non-credit courses leading to a Certificate of Accomplishment need to display significant progress in completing individual, personal, and educational goals.
- Students working towards an Ontario Secondary School Certificate [OSSC] need to successfully complete a minimum of 14 credits including seven compulsory and seven optional courses.
For additional information
University
Overview
- Most programs allow students to explore their subject of interest.
- The purpose of a university education is to help refine higher order thinking skills.
- Only select programs will train you for work in a specific job area; for example, business, engineering or nursing.
- Most programs allow students to explore their subjects of interest.
- Can lead to careers such as teachers, engineers, doctors, accountants, computer programmers, researchers, psychologists, and lawyers.
- Ontario public universities offer undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, co-op programs, and professional programs, ranging from 3-10 years of study.
- There are currently 21 universities with campuses in 30 communities throughout Ontario.
- Costs widely vary between type of programs and tuition can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
Consider the university pathways if you…
- The basic requirement for admission of 6 marks in “U” or “M” (U/C) courses.
- Enjoy abstract concepts associated with course material and academic/theoretical learning.
- Are able to complete much of your work independently.
- Have specific career goals in mind that require a university education.
For additional information
- Ontario Universities’ Info website
- Ontario Universities’ Application Centre website
- Student loans, grants, scholarships, and bursaries page on the Ontario government’s website
- Virtual Tours of all Canadian University and College Campuses
- Talk to your school’s guidance counsellor or meet with College representatives when they visit your school or at a regional University Fair for more information.
Workplace
Overview
- About 50% of secondary school graduates enter the workforce first before considering an apprenticeship, college, or university program.
- Many careers require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), followed by specific on-the-job training.
- There are a variety of entry-level positions in different careers including: real estate agents, animal care workers, bank tellers, photographers, web site designers, and construction labourers.
- Some employment provides opportunities for paid educational training and advancement.
- Gather information on the labour market and future opportunities for growth.
- Participate in various programs throughout high school, such as co-op, dual credits, OYAP, and SHSM, to gain certifications and training that can help build a resume and meet initial work requirements.
Consider the workplace pathways if you…
- Have specific career goals that allow you to go directly to the workplace for on-the-job training.
- Want to gain work experience and transferable skills in a particular sector.
- Make connections to industry partners and employers.
- Want to explore employment opportunities that matches your goals, skills, interests, availability, and job satisfaction.
For additional information
- Career Services:
– Haliburton – Fleming Crew
– Kawartha Lakes – Victoria County Career Services
– Muskoka – Employment North, YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka, Agilec Employment Services - Workforce Development Board – Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton
- Talk to your school’s guidance counsellor and meet with co-operative education teachers for more information.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact your local school or fill in the Pathways Questions Form.
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