Toronto, ON — High school students will be able to earn college credits and take apprenticeship training while still in school starting in the 2023-2024 school year. The announcement was made by Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s minister of education on Nov. 24.
“This expansion supports our government’s broader mission to fill the skills gap by better connecting and ultimately inspiring Ontario students to enter these good paying jobs,” said Lecce. “By placing a real emphasis on life and job skills like coding, financial literacy and budgeting, along with more hands-on learning opportunities in the classroom, we are ensuring Ontario students graduate with a competitive advantage.”
The provincial government is investing $4.8 million to expand the dual credit program which is expected to create opportunities for an additional 2,200 students.
Ontario’s dual credit program enables secondary students to take college courses or apprenticeship training that count towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree, or Certificate of Apprenticeship.
“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. “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.”
For the 2023-24 school year the dual credit program expansion will include an additional 400 students in apprenticeship in-class training, and an additional 400 students in technological education college courses.