Post-secondary Pathways

Secondary

Apprenticeship

What is an apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship pathway involves a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Typically:
– 80-90 percent of learning takes place in the workplace.
– 10-20 percent of learning involves classroom instruction at an approved training delivery agent .
Apprentices learn skills (competencies) and (in construction trades) earn hours to become qualified journeypersons.
The length of an apprenticeship varies depending on the trade.

Benefits

Skilled trades people:

Earn higher than average incomes.
Sometimes own their own businesses.
Learn transferable skills and knowledge.
Often become certified without incurring student debt.
Have rewarding careers with many opportunities for growth and change.

Who can participate?

Students who are at least 15 years of age, can work in Canada and have a social insurance number.
Students who meet the educational requirements for the specific trade.
Apprentices must have an Ontario employer sponsor who meets the criteria.

For additional information

Skilled Trades Ontario website
Skilled trades page on the Ontario government’s website
Ontario labour market page on the Ontario government’s website
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program website
Financial incentives for apprentices (Provincial) and Federal)
Contact your school’s Guidance Department or visit the Programs page for more information.

College

What is the college pathway?

College education provides a blend of classroom learning and practical skills training.
Ontario public colleges offer programs ranging from one-year diplomas to 4-year degrees.
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.
College instructors are often industry professionals and create real-world connections in the classroom.

Benefits

College educated individuals:

Find success in hands-on learning connected to various programs.
Explore a wide range of career options.
Build confidence and connections with industry and professional partners.

For additional information

Ontario Colleges website
OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program page on the Ontario government’s website
ontransfer.ca
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

What is the community pathway?

Special Education staff, parents/guardians, and community support agencies work collaboratively to plan and prepare students for life in the community upon exiting secondary school.
Community pathways 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, such as Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE).
Students may remain in secondary school until June of the year that they turn 21 years of age.

Who can participate in the community pathway?

Students with Special Education needs who are primarily accessing non-credit courses leading to a Certificate of Accomplishment.
Students with Special Education needs who are working towards an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC).

For additional information

Community Living Ontario website
Developmental Services Ontario website
Contact your school Head of Specialized Services.

University

What is the university pathway?

University programs typically involve academic learning focused on achievement of undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, co-op programs, and professional programs, ranging from three to 10 years of study.
University programs may support students to improve higher order thinking skills or train for specific career areas.

Benefits

University educated individuals:

Develop valuable learning and communication skills.
Foster personal and intellectual growth.
Access specific career opportunities that require 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
Talk to your school’s guidance counsellor or meet with University representatives when they visit your school or at a regional University Fair for more information.

Workplace

What is the workplace pathway?

The workplace pathway involves obtaining employment directly out of high school
Many careers require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), followed by specific on-the-job training.
Some employers provide opportunities for paid educational training and advancement.
Workers should gather information on the labour market and future opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Those who pursue the workplace pathway:

Gain work experience and transferable skills in a particular sector.
Make connections with industry partners and employers.
Explore employment opportunities that align with personal goals, skills, and interests.

For additional information

Career Services:
– Haliburton – Haliburton County’s Community Resource for Employers and Workers
– Kawartha Lakes – Victoria County Career Services
– Muskoka – Employment North, YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka, Agilec Employment Services
Workforce Development Board
– Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes – Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton
– Muskoka – Muskoka Workforce Development Strategy
Talk to your school’s guidance counsellor and meet with co-operative education teachers for more information.

Post-secondary Pathways

Secondary

On this page, jump to...

Apprenticeship

What is an apprenticeship?

Benefits

Skilled trades people:

Who can participate?

For additional information

College

What is the college pathway?

Benefits

College educated individuals:

For additional information

Community

What is the community pathway?

Who can participate in the community pathway?

For additional information

University

What is the university pathway?

Benefits

University educated individuals:

For additional information

Workplace

What is the workplace pathway?

Benefits

Those who pursue the workplace pathway:

For additional information

Lindsay Education Centre

Muskoka Education Centre

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