Career Pathways exploration programs, available to students beginning in grade 11, are comprised of four core programs that promote learning through experience, observation, and reflection. 

Choosing a program based on their skills and ambitions, students can practice a career both within and outside of the classroom with full assistance and support, easing the transition as they move on to post-secondary life, whether in an apprenticeship, college, university, or workforce. 

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). It assists in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. Visit the SHSM website.

Still have questions? Contact our SHSM Lead: charles.benyair@ugdsb.on.ca

The Co-operative Education program allows students heading to an apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement. The program consists of a Co-op course monitored by a Co-operative education teacher, a related curriculum course in any subject, and a work placement. Visit the Co-op website.

Still have questions? Contact our Co-Op Lead: charles.benyair@ugdsb.on.ca

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program wherein Grade 11 or 12 students work in apprenticeship occupations through the Co-operative Education program. Students can become registered apprentices and work towards becoming a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Visit the OYAP website.

Still have questions? Contact our OYAP Lead: joanne.harris@ugdsb.on.ca

Our Dual Credit program allows students, while still in secondary school, to take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Visit the Dual Credit website.

Still have questions? Contact our Dual Credit Lead: charles.benyair@ugdsb.on.ca

Students can use myBlueprint to create portfolios as evidence of learning from Pathways Programming. They can upload certifications, create resumes and cover letters, and collect letters of reference to maintain in a portfolio that they can edit and share with teachers, potential employers or post-secondary programs to support success. Furthermore, students can monitor their progress towards earning their Red Seal in SHSM and achieving their post-secondary goals.