In an effort to get more students interested in the field of skilled trades, the Ontario government has introduced a new high school graduation requirement.
Starting with those entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
“By requiring students to take at least one Technological Education credit in high school, we are opening up doors and creating new pathways to good jobs in STEM and the skilled trades,” said Minister of Education Stephen Lecce in a news release. “All students will benefit from a greater emphasis on hands-on learning experiences and technical skills in the classroom so they can graduate with a competitive advantage in this country.”
The Technological Education curriculum covers a broad range of sectors, including construction, transportation, manufacturing, computer technology, hospitality, and communication.
Of the secondary students enrolled in a Technological Education course in 2020-2021, nearly 63 per cent were male. The province said the prerequisite will provide more female students with an opportunity to explore the trades.
According to government figures, there are currently more than 100,000 unfilled jobs in Ontario’s skilled trades sectors. The province said 72,000 new workers are needed by 2027 in the construction sector alone, to account for retirements and expected job growth.
In order to help battle historic labour shortages, the province announced last week that Grade 11 students will be allowed to transition to full-time apprenticeship programs, with the opportunity to apply for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as mature students.