Learning no longer ends at the school walls. There are so many great opportunities that help YOU learn more about yourselves, explore career opportunities, gain some experience and start to build YOUR pathway to the future!

The WCDSB recognizes, supports, and values 5 different pathways. Apprenticeship, College, Community, University & Work

Apprenticeships In school, you can take OYAP – Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Benefits to students: - Gain on the job training and experience in an apprenticeship in a skilled trade while earning credits toward your high school diploma - - you can accumulate workplace hours that count towards both your secondary school co-op credits and the requirements of an apprenticeship program Placements - Students need to be 16 years of age - - a certified journeyperson must be available to provide on the job training - If you are already graduated high school, you can find an employer who will be your mentor and you can get your apprenticeship then.

College College offers affordable, practical, hands-on preparation for “real” jobs. The main purpose of college is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a specific field of work. You’ll get lots of practical experience in this setting for whatever it is you want to do. Work Smart – careers textbook

Community The community pathway is for students with special education needs who are studying at the active or community living level.

University University offers a wide variety of courses in every major discipline. The main purpose of university is to help you refine your higher-level thinking skills. As you explore your area of study more fully, you learn to think more critically and to analyze concepts in new ways. Work Smart – careers textbook

Work

About 50% of all students who start Grade 9 in Ontario choose work as their first option after high school. Some people who choose to go straight to work after high school later choose to continue their education in college, university, or an apprenticeship program. Some earn certifications through vocational training programs that help them advance in their chosen occupation. Anyone who really makes it in the world of work makes it because they know how to learn in the most important classroom of all – the workplace. Work Smart – careers textbook

LET’S REVIEW: The pathways are? A stands for ________________ C stands for ________________ U stands for ________________ W stands for _________________