Pathway Programs

A pathway refers to a person's individual journey which includes experiential learning, school and community supports, courses and programs that lead to a successful transition from grade-to-grade and then to a post-secondary destination (apprenticeship, college, community living, university, workplace).

Our school allow students to grow and learn spiritually, personally and academically. It is a time for students to meet new friends, join extra-curricular activities and learn about their strengths and interests.

As you grow to understand your God-given talents, it is important to take time to reflect on personal strengths and interests while exploring community, career and education options.

Planning pathways for life-long learning

Students, parents and teachers are life-long learners. The idea of planning a pathway toward an educational goal should be focused, yet flexible. Educational goals can change over time. The ultimate goal of a student is to find and enjoy meaningful work.
There are many ways to journey toward work. The journey involves the transition from grade-to-grade and to life after high school to one of the post-secondary destinations of: apprenticeship, college, community living, university or the workplace. View the DCDSB Pathways to Student Success Site.

Pathway options students can explore include:

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary pathway that combines on-the-job training, work experience and technical training that leads to certification in over 150 trades.

  • Employers provide about 90% of the apprenticeship training in the workplace.
  • All apprentices attend in-school sessions offered by approved training delivery agents (e.g. colleges, unions) for the remaining 10%, which involves classroom instruction on theory.
  • Once both school and on-the-job components have been satisfied, apprentices will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
  • For trades with exams, apprentices must pass the exam before they can receive their Certificate of Qualification.

Check out Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program or Skilled Trades Ontario for more information about apprenticeship opportunities.

 
College 

There are 27 colleges in Ontario, located throughout the province. Colleges offer a variety of diploma, certificate and applied degree programs. The basic admission requirement for postsecondary programs in the Ontario College system is one of the following:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or
  • any lesser minimum admission requirement as established by a college on a program-specific basis.

Ontario colleges offer more than 2,400 program choices in almost 600 subject areas. Programs are career-oriented and geared toward marketable skills. Find out about programs, arrange a campus tour or talk to college staff who can answer your specific questions.

Visit Ontario Colleges for more information and college specific requirements.

 
Community Living 

Transition planning is about looking ahead to the future and preparing for adulthood. It is a partnership involving student, parent, teachers, friends, community and adult service providers, and any other individual with a vested interest in your child. Consideration must be given to such things as:

  • Living arrangements
  • Community programs
  • Employment opportunities
  • Further education opportunities
  • Health care
  • Recreation and social activities

Visit Developmental Services Ontario for information. 

 
University 

To attend university, students must attain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and 6 of their grade 12 courses must be at the University or University/College Level. There are 21 universities in Ontario, offering professional programs in a variety of fields. Universities offer three and four year undergraduate degrees. Professional programs such as dentistry, medicine, engineering and education are offered at several Ontario universities.

For specific information about programs, visit Ontario Universities Information.  

 
Workplace 

The goal of all students is to find employment that is fulfilling and of service to society. There are many ways to get to the world of work and one of the ways is through an entry-level job. Students will find information regarding the availability of entry-level jobs in their guidance department at high school. A number of organizations exist in Durham Region that help assist students to find employment after high school. An important organization is Employment Ontario.

Visit Employment Canada for specific information about programs.