1. Pathways to Opportunity

2. The Pathways Students in Ontario have many options for post secondary training. There are: 28 colleges, 21 universities, 100s of private career colleges, over 140 apprenticeship opportunities and on the job training programs.

3. The Apprenticeship Pathway a hands-on training program that has existed for 1,000s of years one of Ontarios best kept secrets of post-secondary education What are the trades?

4. 48 industrial trades include: 34 service trades include : 20 motive power trades include: 33 construction trades include : Baker Cook Child/Youth Worker Education Asst Hairstylist Carpenter Electrician Crane Operator Steam Fitter Painter Automotive Painter Auto Service Technician Motorcycle Technician Truck/Coach Technician Draftsperson General Machinist Locksmith Tool & Die Maker Welder

5. College programs provide a valuable combination of academic and practical/technical skills training for a specific career Some of the almost 600 programs at colleges include: Business Administration Biomedical Technology Computer Animation Engineering Technology Paramedic Social Worker The College Pathway

6. University College Program links between colleges and universities are increasing dramatically by offering: multiple opportunities for transfer between colleges and universities exist

7. University programs provide theoretical academic training In general, there are 5 main types of programs at most universities: Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences Life/Health Sciences Physical/Engineering Sciences Business/Commerce Professional programs The University Pathway

8. The Workplace Pathway Students who are fast-tracking into the workforce/community directly after high school should: work with guidance and co-op teachers to create a personal portfolio (resume, cover letters, letters of reference, successes, etc.) to present to prospective employers, and, be aware that cooperative education is an important component of workplace preparation. Remember we are all going to work but we enter the workforce at different times in our lives!

9. Our goal is to make the last 24% into the other three categories!

10. Tips for Students Understand what your interests and strengths are Involve your parents in decision-making Explore a variety of careers and extra- curricular activities Set goals and research for Plan A and Plan B Develop good work habits

11. School Work College ApprenticeshipUniversity International Travel/Educn Private Training Pathways to Opportunity Which path will you choose?

13. Next Steps?... Counsellors will visit elementary schools late January and distribute registration information Students register on-line using Career Cruising: more info & training coming soon! Grade 8 Parents Night is 7 – 9 p.m. Thurs. Feb. 4, 2010 Student Registrations are due to their grade 8 teachers by Feb. 12, 2010 Counsellors will keep in touch with the elementary schools throughout the rest of the school year

14. Any Questions?... Further Information is available on the YRDSB website (including how to log in to the Career Cruising site) : http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca Please visit the Guidance Services website at: http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/guidance.services

15. Thank you for visiting Markham District HS today!