Pathways...

what’s yours?

Co-operative
Education Programs

Dual Credit
Programs

Ontario Youth
Apprenticeship Program

Specialist High Skills

Major Programs

Regional Learning
Choices Programs

We inspire success,
confidence and hope in each student.
Contents
Co-operative Education Programs 04

Dual Credit Programs 06

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs 08

Specialist High Skills Major Programs 10

Regional Learning Choices Programs 12

Pathway Experiential Learning Activities 14

Key Questions in the Career/Life Planning Process 15

02
Peel District School Board pathway programs provide
a range of diverse and engaging learning opportunities,
courses and programs, both inside and outside the
classroom. These programs meet the interests, strengths,
needs and aspirations of the students and honour all
post-secondary opportunities—apprenticeship, college,
community living, university and the workplace.

The vision of pathways planning sees students as the architects of their own lives.
All students should leave secondary school with a clear plan for their initial post-
secondary destination, whether in apprenticeship training, college, community living,
university or the workplace (Creating Pathways to Success: An education and career/life
planning program for Ontario schools, Ministry of Education, 2013).

Students should have confidence in their ability to implement, revise and adapt their
pathway plan throughout their lives as they and the world around them change.

This resource invites you to discover some of the dynamic and innovative pathway
programs offered in Peel schools.

03
 Co-operative
Education Programs
Experience Your Future

The Co-operative Education Program (co-op) allows

students to earn credits by integrating course curriculum
with learning at a work placement. Students in all
pathways — apprenticeship, college, community living,
university, or the workplace — can participate.

Co-op programs are available in all secondary schools. They can be designed to include
up to four credits per semester to a maximum of 12 co-op credits towards the Ontario
Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students are monitored and supported in their
learning by the placement supervisor and co-op teachers.

Benefits to students:
• gain workplace experience in a unique learning environment outside the classroom
• develop employability skills and work habits that are applicable to the workplace
• participate in hands-on learning in a safe and encouraging environment
• choose a work placement based on their interests, readiness and needs
• connect and build relationships with potential future employers

Co-op placements
Students can choose from a broad range of practical, hands-on co-op opportunities
in a variety of sectors in the community that best suit their needs and interests,
including:
• retail, marketing, design
• arts, media
• business, technology
• health, education, civil services
• skilled trades

04
 “My co-op experience as a teacher’s
assistant was the best decision I have
made. I am now looking into doing a
Bachelor of Education following the
completion of my degree, as well as doing
a double Masters in Islamic Studies and
Education to become a teacher.”
Zarah M.
Co-operative Education Student

“I graduated from college in December

and passed my nursing license exam in
February. The best part is I got a job as
a nurse at the nursing home I did my
co-op back in high school! Co-op is an
amazing course! I am very excited for
this job.”
Judy C.
Co-operative Education Student

For more information:

See your guidance counsellor
or visit www.peelschools.org/
CoopEducation.

05
 Dual Credit Programs
Experience College Life

Dual Credit programs, available through all Peel secondary

schools, provide grade 11 and 12 students with a unique
opportunity to earn both college and non-compulsory
secondary credits at the same time. College credits earned
may be applied to a college program after high school.
Choose from more than 50 courses at colleges such as:
Centennial, George Brown, Humber, Seneca and Sheridan.

Benefits to students:
• opportunity to explore college programs and the college learning environment
• free tuition, no cost for textbooks, subsidized transportation, work boot subsidy
• free access to all facilities at the college, including athletics facilities, library, computer labs
• experience the transition to college
• access to peer mentoring/peer tutoring
• support through Accessible Learning Services/Disability Services/Accommodations

Programs include:

Arts & Culture Digital Art & Design, Evolution of Popular Music, Life Drawing
for Animation, Film & Television Broadcasting

Health & Wellness Fitness Leadership, Spa & Cosmetic Management, Animal Care

Hospitality Baking & Pastry for Cooks, Dining Room & Service Management,
Food: Theory and Practice

Social Sciences Criminology/ Police Foundations, Social Psychology

Skilled Trades Electrical, Home Renovation, Plumbing, Refrigeration &

Air Conditioning Systems, Welding

Information Technology Operating Systems Technology, Web Development Technology

06
“The Dual Credit program was a great
learning experience that gave me a better
idea of college life and expectations, as
well as learning career-specific skills that
will put me ahead when I start college.
This also makes it easier for me to get into
the college I want to attend. The teachers
were great, and we got lots of hands-on
experience. I would recommend this
program to anyone who wants to improve
their career-specific skills.”
Elizabeth G.
Dual Credit Student

“The Dual Credit course opens you to the

post-secondary world and gives you a basic
knowledge of what the college program is
about. This program will help me decide
what courses I will take after high school.
I encourage people to take Dual Credit
courses because you get to see what college is
about and you also earn a high school credit.”
Amad M.
Dual Credit Student

For more information:

See your guidance counsellor
or visit www.peelschools.org/
DualCredit.

07
 Ontario Youth
Apprenticeship Program
Start Your Career Now

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is available to

all grade 11 and 12 students in the Co-operative Education
Program. The program provides students with practical,
hands-on training in a skilled trades environment while they
earn credits towards their high school diploma and explore a
potential career. Students wishing to pursue a career in the
trades may choose to become a registered apprentice and
member of the Ontario College of Trades.
Graduating students who are certain of their apprenticeship
pathway may apply for a spot in the OYAP Accelerated Level 1
Dual Credit programs with various colleges.

Benefits to students:
• customize high school education to suit interests and career goals
• gain sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training
• develop experience in skilled trades and network with prospective future sponsors
• move into work directly after graduation and continue the apprenticeship
• trade-specific health and safety training provided by skilled tradespeople
• no tuition costs, subsidized transportation, subsidized safety equipment

Programs include: OYAP students may

Students can choose from more than 150 skilled
trades and accelerated programs, including:
auto service technician
baker, cook, hairstylist
child development practitioner
construction craft worker,
general carpenter
electrician, plumber, refrigeration
and air conditioning mechanic
participate in:
• P eel board, Ontario and national
skilled trades competitions
• hands-on experience at
building expos
• Young Women in the Skilled
Trades (Y.W.I.S.T.) event
• Skills Work! For Women
networking opportunity event
• involvement in the Ministry of
Training, Colleges and Universities
graduation ceremonies

08
“OYAP opened my eyes to job opportunities in the skilled
trades. Thanks to OYAP, I honed my skills and developed
them into qualities that are sure to help my success!”
Jag S.
OYAP Student

“Some people don’t want to work in an office and it is

because of being enrolled in OYAP during high school
that I found my niche. To this day, I never look back.”
Johnathon N.
OYAP Student

For more information:

See your guidance counsellor
or visit www.oyap.com and
www.peelschools.org/OYAP.

09
 Specialist High Skills
Major Programs
Explore Your Interests, Discover Your Career

Students can discover their careers through our

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs. In
the SHSM program, grade 11 and 12 students focus
their learning on a career area of interest. These
sector-specific programs, unique to each high
school, enable students to earn sector-recognized
certifications towards the SHSM seal diploma.

Benefits to students:
• customize secondary school education to suit interests and learning needs
• develop specialized knowledge and skills that are valued by the economic sector
and post-secondary education programs
• gain sector-specific and career-relevant certification and training
• participate in experiential learning and “reach ahead” activities to help refine
career goals

Programs include:

Arts & Culture I nformation &

Communications Technology
Business
Justice, Community Safety
Construction & Emergency Services
Environment Manufacturing
Health & Wellness Non-Profit
Hospitality & Tourism Sports

Transportation

10
Activities and events:
SHSM Student Conference: grade 11 SHSM
students earned more than 1,000 certificates,
contributing to their SHSM seal diploma requirements.
“Showing
future employers
Students get involved in apprenticeship,
college, university and workplace my training
experiences, including: certificates got
• Maple Leaf Sports me the job.” Kayla T.
and Entertainment SHSM Student
workshop
• Mapping Your
Career in the
“I’m building knowledge
Arts session and skills for the
• Automobile design tour
• Medical cadaver lab at
workplace and I now
McMaster University have a competitive edge.”
• Film and television
Ryan S.
workshop SHSM Student
• Stone masonry,
carpentry and
electrical training “The SHSM program
• Canadian Food and helped me decide what
Wine Institute at
Niagara College tour I want to do in my life.”
• Bay Street Financial Gurpreet G.
District tour SHSM Student

For more information:

See your guidance
counsellor or visit
www.peelschools.org/SHSM.

11
 Regional Learning
Choices Programs

Regional Learning Choices Programs empower students by

providing them with opportunities to develop and explore
skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are
open to all students who meet the criteria for acceptance.

Students living in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will be offered spots first. Students
meeting the program criteria and who live outside of Peel region will be offered spots once
local student applicants have been accommodated. In some cases, all spots may be offered
to students who live in Peel.

Regional programs offered:

Program Entry Grade School(s)

Actively in Motion (AIM) 6 Royal Orchard M.S.

Advanced Placement
Arts
Arts & Technology
Graphic Design Management
International Baccalaureate
International Business 6 and 9
& Technology Williams Parkway Sr. P.S.,
International & Executive 9
Leadership Academy
SciTech
Sports
Strings
Truck & Coach Technology
9 Central Peel S.S., John Fraser S.S.
6, 7* and 9 Earnscliffe Sr. P.S.,
Queen Elizabeth Sr. P.S.*,
Cawthra Park S.S., Mayfield S.S.
6 Morning Star M.S.
9 Gordon Graydon Memorial S.S.
6 and 9 Bristol Road M.S., WG Davis Sr. P.S.,
Glenforest S.S., Harold M. Brathwaite S.S.,
Turner Fenton S.S.
Allan A. Martin Sr. P.S., Lisgar M.S.,
Gordon Graydon Memorial S.S.,
Meadowvale S.S., North Park S.S.
TL Kennedy S.S.
6 and 9 Centennial Sr. P.S., Macville P.S.
Tomken Road M.S., Chinguacousy S.S.,
Port Credit S.S.
9 Applewood Heights S.S.
9 Central Peel S.S., Port Credit S.S.
9 Bramalea S.S.

12
Transportation
If students have been accepted into a
regional program and they live within
the school boundary, they are eligible
for busing only if they meet the distance
criteria outlined in the Peel board’s
Policy 39 - Transportation.

Fees
All regional programs include
application and annual fees that
are specific to the program.

For more information:

See your guidance counsellor
or visit www.peelschools.org/
RegionalPrograms.

13
 “There are many different
courses and pathways
Learning Beyond that help you pursue your
the Classroom dreams.”
Sabrina W.
Peel Student

Experiential Learning activities provide students with rich

opportunities to see how their classroom learning applies in
a workplace setting. Activities beyond the classroom allow
students to deepen their understanding of a particular career
area of interest. Experiential Learning helps students explore
their personal interests, strengths, needs and aspirations.

Many activities and events are offered, including:

Count Me In – is the largest youth-led movement connecting teens and the charitable sector.
Grade 8 students learn about exciting opportunities for volunteer service

A Day in the Trades – grade 7 and 8 students explore post-secondary pathways and skilled
trades at the Sheridan Skills Training Centre. Students experience an engaging tour and
hands-on workshops

Spotlight Sheridan - Davis Campus – students in grade 7 participate in an interactive tour and
hands-on activities to explore future careers

Think Skills Think Future Young Women’s Conference – young women in grades 7 to 11 attend
a conference through Skills Ontario Canada to learn about opportunities in the skilled trades

Peel Technological Skills Challenges – grade 4 to 12 students problem solve in various hands-on
technological fields. Regional level winners compete at provincial and national competitions

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) – grade 1 to 12 students
participate in events such as the Junior FIRST Lego League, FIRST Lego League and FIRST
Robotics to showcase projects in challenges locally, provincially, nationally and internationally

Peel Dance Showcase – students in grades 3 to 12 showcase their passion for dance, share their
artistic talents, and demonstrate collaboration and physical literacy

Inline Robotics – students age 14 to 18 create and program an autonomous robot in a challenge
against other Peel teams and around the world

Mock Trial Tournament – grade 11 and 12 students grapple with concepts of law and justice
in an annual Mock Trial Tournament demonstrate them at a showcase competition

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Olympics – students compete in

teams in the following subject areas: physics, biology, chemistry, earth and space science,
technology and math

Peel Student Film Festival – secondary students express their creativity and share their artistic
vision through student-made films at an annual festival

14
Key Questions in 1. Who am I?

the Career/Life • W hat are my interests and

abilities?
Planning Process • What are my traits and values?
• What am I passionate about and
what inspires me?
Parents/guardians and
students are encouraged 2. What are my opportunities?
to continually explore, •  What high school courses, specialized
assess and reassess programs and extracurricular
meaningful responses activities are available to me?
•  What education, training and
to the four key questions certification opportunities are
of Career/Life planning: available after high school in
apprenticeship, college, university
and the workplace?
•  What fields of work exist and what
occupations are within them?

3. Who do I want to become?

•  What are my hopes and dreams for

the future?
• What are some goals I want to
accomplish?
• What does “success” mean to me?

All Peel board parents/guardians and students 4. W

 hat is my plan for achieving
can use myBlueprint as a program pathway and my goals?
career planning tool. Login, create an account,
and start your planning today. •  What steps should I take to help me
achieve my goals?
•  What resources can help me plan
my own pathway?
•  Who can support me in achieving my
goals?
Visit www.myBlueprint.ca/Peel to explore
Peel’s web-based Education and Career/Life
Planner and
www.makingmyway.ca to explore pathways
program and career opportunities.
Parents/guardians may also contact their
child’s school for more information.

15
Visit www.makingmyway.ca to
explore pathway programs and
career opportunities.

We inspire success,
confidence and hope in each student. www.peelschools.org