So you’re getting close to the end of your high school career, but aren’t sure what happens next. If you’re in need of some extra support to help you earn your diploma or are looking for ways to prepare for post-secondary pathways, here are some excellent resources to explore!
CO-OP EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING – OYAP & Apprenticeship Research:
- GREAT NEW RESOURCE – WRDSB APPRENTICESHIP & TRADES PATHWAYS GUIDE
- Apprenticeship is an agreement between an individual who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker. It is a combination of in-school training and on the job experience. It can last two to five years depending on the program. You earn while you learn. You require an OSSD, and an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice.
- SkilledTradesOntario
- Employment Ontario Apprenticeship
- www.apprenticesearch.com
- MyBlueprint
Students interested in exploring a potential skilled trade/apprenticeship pathway have the opportunity to “try before you buy” in high school by signing up for co-op in a recognized trade sector. Not only do you earn high school credits while engaged in valuable experiential learning, but you may get a jump start on your pursuit of an apprenticeship after high school. For more information on the OYAP program, click here (or the graphic above). Speak with your school guidance counsellor to learn more or to sign up for co-op!
Interested in learning more about the skilled trades from students who completed OYAP programs OR those working in the field? Check out the JOBTALKS website or links below!
Completing High School Credits and Upgrading (Adult Education):
- St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education:
- 80 Young Street, Kitchener 519-745-1201 – stlouis.wcdsb.ca
- day school, night school and self directed courses
- must be 18 years old.
- Also available, School to Work Programs in Chef Training, Hairstylist, Computer Training, Personal Support worker and Microsoft Office Specialist.
- Conestoga College Academic Upgrading:
- www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/upgrading/ or 519-885-0300 ext 229
- provides opportunities to update and improve your skills, prepare for college, apprenticeship or workplace, prepare for GED (High School Equivalence Certificate) or earn ACE (Academic and Career Entrance) Certificate
Employment:
- Starling Employment Services
- 165 King Street East, Kitchener 519-743-2460
- Better Jobs Ontario (Conestoga College):
- available at Doon, Guelph, Stratford and Waterloo campuses
- call 519-748-3535 or 1-877-748-3535
- Service Canada Employment Resources
- Employment Ontario Jobs
Private Career Colleges:
Private colleges provide an alternative to apprenticeship and community colleges. They offer full and part time programs. Check yellow pages in phone book under schools.
Conestoga College Certificate Programs for Workplace Students:
- Apply through Conestoga College: 519-748-5220- ext 3656 or www.conestogac.on.ca
(not the Ontario Colleges Application Centre). Requires a diploma or for student to be 19 years of age.
