Pathways An Introduction for Parents Grade 8 Information Evening 2011

Why go to high school? to prepare our children for their future To help our students find success and joy in their learning throughout high school and beyond to see our students pursue a pathway that relates to their interests, skills and abilities The Common Goal

The world has changed and our economy is changing with it Our students need to be prepared for this dynamic, technological marketplace Our Changing World

Directly after high school: A small percentage of students leave for an apprenticeship Approximately 20% of students go to college About 30% of students go to university Close to 50% of students go directly to work, with or without their OSSD * Source: Double Cohort Study, King (2005) Ontario: Post-Secondary Destinations

Sources: Ontario Colleges Application Services, Ontario Universities Application Centre, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Halton District School Board Post-Secondary Statistics

Source: Ontario Job Futures Website Projected Jobs in Ontario by Educational Training Requirements

What are “Pathways”? Pathways is a philosophy of valuing all four destinations equally: – –Apprenticeship, College, University, Work It asks students and parents to focus on four key steps: – –Know Yourself – –Explore Opportunities – –Build a Pathway – –Get Experience

Recognize your skills and abilities. What are you good at? Recognize your skills and abilities. What are you good at? Value your interests. How might they connect to a future career? Value your interests. How might they connect to a future career? Plan for success. How can you set goals that are achievable within a given time frame? Plan for success. How can you set goals that are achievable within a given time frame? Step 1: Know Yourself

Take a variety of courses. Which ones interest you the most? Test the waters. What can you learn from Take Our Kids to Work Day, co-op, or job shadowing? Get information. What programs are available that might excite you about your future? Step 2: Explore Opportunities

Do the research. What are the different ways in which you can reach your career goal? Plan ahead. How can you use your intended destination to best plan your course selections? Use resources. How can you use the many tools provided to support your plan? (Pathway Planner, schooltocareer.ca, parents, Student Services etc.) Step 3: Build a Pathway

Get out there! Which experiential programs in Halton or beyond may better prepare you for your career? Get out there! Which experiential programs in Halton or beyond may better prepare you for your career? Get informed. What are the many career options that may extend from your experiences? Get informed. What are the many career options that may extend from your experiences? Be a life-long learner. What can you learn along your educational journey? Be a life-long learner. What can you learn along your educational journey? Step 4: Get Experience

There is no best program pathway – apprenticeship, college, university, work – BUT there is one that is best for you!

Provides a practical method of learning specific job skills Allows the student to be mentored by a journeyperson and practice skills while on the job Earn while you learn and receive a Certificate of Qualification Examples: electrician, tool and die maker, chef, auto mechanic The Apprenticeship Pathway

Provides job-oriented training and practical experiences Typically has high employment rates Earn a certificate or diploma that can lead to transferring to applied degrees or a university education Examples: graphic design, police foundations, practical nursing, accounting The College Pathway

Provides a more theoretical and abstract education Education is not necessarily job-specific Earn a degree that may lead to other pathways Examples: engineering, teaching, medicine, finance The University Pathway

Direct entry to a specific job Provides on-the-job training and experience Can provide opportunities for advancement and further education Can act as a potential stepping stone to other pathways Examples: retail salesperson, office clerk, manufacturing, recreational worker etc. The Work Pathway

Student Services in your school Guidance Counsellors and Teachers Parents Halton Board Pathway Planner schooltocareer.ca Online career resources such as myBlueprint.ca and careercruising.com Resources Available to Students

Specialist High Skills Major Programs Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs Specialty School to Career Programs Check out for more information. Halton Public and Catholic Board Programs for Students

Help your child recognize their skills and abilities Communicate with your child about interests and opportunities & become a partner in your child’s educational journey Assist your child with using current career exploration resources Become a partner with the school Encourage your child to pursue new experiences What Role Can Parents Play In Their Child’s Pathway Planning?