Pathways, a key component of the Ministry of Education鈥檚 Student Success Initiative, is dedicated to transforming our education system. This program aims to prepare students for the future by fostering success and joy in learning during high school and beyond. Through Pathways, students are guided in planning and pursuing post-secondary opportunities that align with their unique interests, skills, and abilities.

Learn more at haltonpathways.ca

Cooperative Education (Co-op)

Cooperative Education (Co-op) provides high school students with the opportunity to earn credits while gaining hands-on experience through community work placements, complemented by classroom or online learning activities. These placements are coordinated by the student鈥檚 high school and adhere to Ministry of Education policies and guidelines.

Each co-op student is assigned a cooperative education teacher who ensures:

  • Students learn in safe, culturally responsive environments within the community.
  • Students actively participate in shaping their own learning experiences.
  • Students help decide how to demonstrate their learning outcomes.

Benefits of Co-op Education

Students who entered grade 9 in the 2023-2024 school can count two co-op credits towards their compulsory high school graduation requirements, with unlimited opportunities to earn additional optional credits. For students who entered grade 9 in September 2024 or later, 1 credit of co-op may count towards compulsory credits.

Through Co-op, students can:

  • Gain hands-on learning experience.
  • Explore and test potential career paths.
  • Connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
  • Earn credits through workplace experience.
  • Develop workplace skills and habits essential for future success.
  • Build a resum茅 for post-secondary education and future employment opportunities.

Students interested in pursuing co-op education should book an appointment with their school’s Guidance Counsellor.

Co-Op Opportunities for Employers: Partner with a Student!

We are seeking Halton community employers looking to offer co-op opportunities to HCDSB students

Learn More

Dual Credit Programs

Dual credit programs offer high school students the opportunity to take college courses or apprenticeship training that count towards both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a post secondary certificate, diploma, degree, or Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Benefits of Dual Credit Programs

Students participating in dual credit programs can:

  • Earn high school credits while studying at a publicly funded college or completing apprenticeship training.
  • Gain valuable experience to ease their transition to post-secondary education or apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Get a head start on learning and training for their future careers.

HCDSB Guidance Counsellors and Student Services Departments can help students explore dual credit program opportunities available at their school.

Students interested in pursuing a Dual Credit Program should book an appointment with their school’s Guidance Counsellor.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers high school students at HCDSB three pathways to explore careers in skilled trades while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Benefits of OYAP

OYAP provides an opportunity to discover the right career path while gaining valuable, transferable skills. Students can explore their interests and even shift directions if needed. Skilled tradespeople often enjoy a sense of accomplishment from seeing the tangible results of their efforts each day.

OYAP Options at HCDSB

  1. Regular OYAP
    Students participate in a cooperative education placement in any of the 144 skilled trades in Ontario.
  2. Concentrated OYAP
    These pre-trade programs equip students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to begin a career in skilled trades. Concentrated OYAP programs cover the Level 1 Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) apprenticeship curriculum while meeting the Ministry of Education’s secondary school requirements. Co-op is a critical part of the Concentrated OYAP program, when students can be registered as an OYAP apprentice.
  3. Accelerated Level 1 OYAP/Dual Credit
    Students complete the 1st level of apprenticeship post-secondary training (Level 1) over 8-10 weeks at a local college or union training delivery agent (TDA). They also participate in a full-day Cooperative Education course in a skilled trade and sign a Registered Training Agreement.

Students interested in pursuing OYAP options should book an appointment with their school’s Guidance Counsellor.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry of Education-approved program that enables high school students to tailor their education by focusing on a specific economic sector, while still meeting the requirements to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This program supports students in making a seamless transition to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace after graduation.

Benefits of SHSM

Participating in the SHSM program offers students numerous opportunities to enhance their learning and career preparation:

  • Customize Their Education: Tailor their high school experience to align with their interests and talents.
  • Develop Specialized Skills: Gain in-depth knowledge and skills valued by specific economic sectors and postsecondary institutions.
  • Earn Recognized Credits: Acquire credits that are acknowledged by industry sectors and postsecondary education.
  • Receive Sector-Specific Training: Complete career-relevant certifications and training unique to the SHSM sector.
  • Build Confidence: Strengthen their understanding of the chosen SHSM sector.
  • Graduate with a Competitive Edge: Leave high school with a well-rounded resum茅 showcasing their achievements.
  • Clarify Career Goals: Identify, explore, and refine their career aspirations while making informed decisions about postsecondary options.
  • Maintain Flexibility: Keep options open with the ability to transition between pathways as interests evolve.

Students interested in pursuing a SHSM program should book an appointment with their school’s Guidance Counsellor.