The goal of Ontario Schools in the 21st Century is to support high quality learning while giving students opportunities to improve their prospects for success. They do this by helping students identify their personal interests, strengths, competencies, abilities and accomplishments and connect these to their learning in school, using this knowledge of themselves to inform their choice of programs and learning opportunities (refer to Career development continuum Choices Into Action – Guidance and Career Education Program Policy for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools 1999) Ontario schools also provide a range of learning opportunities, courses and programs both in and out of school that meet the needs and interests of their students.

Reaching any goal requires a plan

There are many choices you need to make that will lead you to your destination. Follow these four steps to help you begin your planning.

Building Pathways - How to Get There

How do I get to where I want to go? You've got options.

Apprenticeship

Is a form of post-secondary education for someone who...

• Enjoys hands-on learning and has good mechanical and spatial abilities
• Enjoys fixing things, assembling and disassembling structures
• Is able to solve problems and make things work better

You earn while you learn. 85% of the learning takes place on the job taught one-on-one by a Journey person already certified in the trade. 15% of the learning will take place in apprenticeship courses traditionally taught at a local community college, The government pays the majority of your tuition.

College

Is a form of post secondary education for someone who...

• Finds success in practical, applied curriculum learning best from read life applications to their learning
• Enjoys smaller classes and the personal approach to instruction
• Has specific career goals that require a college education

Your college education will combine academic and applied learning and employment preparation. In some of the following areas: Applied Arts, Business, Health and Human Services, Technology and Apprenticeship Preparation and Training. You will receive either a certificate, diploma and/or an applied degree. You will have a wide range of career options from which to choose.

University

• Enjoys abstract concepts associated with course material and academic and theoretical learning
• Is able to complete much of his/her course work independently
• Has a specific career goal that requires a university degree

Your university education will emphasize academic and theoretical learning and employment preparation in the following areas: Engineering, Business, Health and human Services, Science and Technology, Social Sciences and Arts. You will receive an undergraduate degree.

Work

Is a form of post secondary education for someone who...

• Would like to learning and train while being paid
• May want to experience work first and go to post secondary education later
• May have a desire to seek employment and begin earning wages right after high school

Work is where the applied learning and skill development occurs through employment in some of the following areas: Business, Finance & Administration, Sales and Service, Trades, and Transport & Equipment Operation. This is an opportunity for you to develop your employability skills and build a network for future training opportunities.

Videos

Watch our video for a look at the Pathway Programs offered in the Halton Catholic District School Board and check out schooltocareer.ca. This video was produced by Wayne Lucey, Assumption Catholic Secondary School's Communications Technology Lead Teacher of the Communications Technology Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, and his SHSM students Kyle Burns (Camera), Jake deBoer (Camera/Director of Cinematography) and Jordan Cole (Photography/Talent).