Ontario has announced it’s expanding the provincial dual credit program, which enables students to earn college credits and take apprenticeship training while still in high school.
An investment of $4.8 million means that an additional 2,200 students across the province will be able to enroll in the program.
The province’s goal is to get more students interested in the skilled trades at an earlier age and prepare them for careers in industry.
“For far too long, parents and students have been told the only path to success in life is by going to university, which is simply not true,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, in Nov. 24 a news release.
“When you have a job in the trades, you have a job for life. Our government will continue to give students the tools they need to land six-figure salaries and purpose-driven careers.”
Credits earned by students in the dual credit program count toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
For the 2023-2024 school year, the dual credit program expansion will include:
- an additional 400 students in apprenticeship in-class training;
- an additional 400 students in technological education college courses; and
- an additional 180 students in Early Childhood Education college courses.
According to the province, approximately one in five job openings in Ontario are projected to be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2026.
