Pathway Planning

An apprenticeship can be a pathway to a rewarding career in the trades. As an apprentice, you take classes at college and learn your trade by working under the direction of experienced workers.  You also get paid as an apprentice.  

 What is an apprenticeship? 

A skilled trade is a career path that typically requires more hands-on work and specialized knowledge. We often see skilled-trade workers supply key services like building/maintain infrastructure (I.e., homes, schools, roads, parks). They also keep industries running and provide services we rely on daily, like hairstyling, food preparation or social services. Some of the benefits of having a career in skilled trades include: 

• Highly requested jobs & services and great earning potential  
• Using state-of-the-art technology  
• Being paid while learning on-the-job 
• Many paths to advance/specialize in  
• Transferable skills  

Students who are interested in pursuing a career in the trades will need to find a licensed apprentice sponsor to get certified.  Taking co-op in high school is a great way to make connections, network, get hands-on training and even start accumulating apprenticeship hours while through our Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. 

There are over 140 Skilled Trades recognized in Ontario and they fall into the following sectors:  construction, industrial, transportation and service. 

As part of our subscription to THE SCHOLARSHIP REPORT, we received access to a workshop regarding the career and apprentice pathway. If you are interested in watching an informative video regarding the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships, please reach out directly to Mrs. Rodrigues at [email protected], and she will provide you with the link and password to access the video.

What is college?

Colleges in Ontario offer a comprehensive program of career-oriented, postsecondary education and training to assist students in finding and keeping employment. Ontario’s 24 colleges offer 900 programs that provide students with professional expertise that opens the door to rewarding careers in many of today’s most in-demand fields. 

Colleges tend to be more directly career-oriented than universities. This means they offer practical or hands-on training. Generally, a certificate program is 1 year or less, and a diploma program is 2 or 3 years. Colleges also have pre-trades and apprenticeship training, language training and skills upgrading. 

What do I need to get in?

Admission requirements vary between specific colleges and programs. In most cases, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent is required. Graduate Certificate programs require a prior college or university certificate, diploma, or degree for admission. In addition, colleges may establish program-specific admission requirements. Specific requirements can be found on the Ontario Colleges website. 

We recommend exploring the different program options available by visiting the OCAS Explore Programs resource. 

How do I apply to college?

OCAS is the application service for all Ontario Colleges. Instructions for applying to college can be found on their site, as well as deadlines for applications. All programs open registration in early October for the following September, but several highly competitive programs have specific deadlines for applications. The Equal Consideration deadline is February 1, but many programs keep registration open until all the seats have been filled. 

Are there programs that pair University and College together?

Yes, these are called Collaborative programs and they pair the learning and experience of University and College. Check these links to learn more about these exciting programs: 

Collaborative Program search (OUAC) 

Collaborative Program search (OCAS) 

Where do I find information on Indigenous Institutions?

The Indigenous Institutes Consortium represents seven indigenous-owned and controlled education and training institutions across Ontario. 

Transition to Adulthood: Planning and Resources 

Below are a series of links which will help families with the Transition Planning process. 

https://contacthamilton.ca/resources/transition-planning/ 

Prior to age 18, Contact Hamilton can help with the transition to adult services (provided through DSO Developmental Services Ontario). 

https://www.dsontario.ca/how-to-access-services/the-application-process 

Developmental Services Ontario (and Passport Funding). When you turn 18, your children’s developmental services, such as Special Services at Home, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, and services through the Ontario Autism Program, end. This means that you must apply through DSO to see if you are eligible to receive adult MCCSS-funded supports available in your community. When you connect with your area DSO, they will help you: understand and complete the application process; determine the kind of services and supports you need; get access to MCCSS (Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services) funded services and supports that you need when a spot is available; and find information in your community. 

https://adultsinmotion.org/programs  

AIM- Adults In Motion Hamilton. “Our Mission is to build a strong safe and supportive community for people with disabilities and their families, while meeting needs, creating opportunities and inspiring inclusion.”  

What is University?

Universities are institutions that can grant degrees. All universities have undergraduate (bachelor’s) degrees, and many have graduate (Master’s and doctoral) programs. Many universities also offer professional programs, such as medicine, dentistry, and law. In some cases, you can begin these programs after 2 or 3 years of undergraduate study. 

What do I need to get in?

The basic requirement for admission is 6 University (U) or University/College (M) courses. Most programs have specific subject requirements, and some universities require a minimum number of ‘U’ type courses. Some programs are more competitive than others and consequently have higher averages required for admission. 

How do I apply?

All University applications for schools in Ontario are made through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.  

 Are there programs that pair university and college together?

Yes, these are called Collaborative programs and they pair the learning and experience of University and College. Check these links to learn more about these exciting programs: 

Collaborative Program search (OUAC) 

Collaborative Program search (OCAS) 

Where do I find information on Indigenous Institutions?

The Indigenous Institutes Consortium represents seven indigenous-owned and controlled education and training institutions across Ontario.