Ontario’s education system is evolving to prepare students for the future job market through a focus on Skilled Trades, Coding, and STEM.
Skilled Trades programs introduce students to diverse, high-demand career opportunities, while Coding is integrated into the curriculum from Grades 1 to 9, fostering digital proficiency and problem-solving skills.
STEM education is prioritized, with curriculum revisions and the elimination of streaming in Grade 9 science courses to equip students with real-world skills for high-growth industries. Ontario’s holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared for an innovative and competitive future, where these pillars play pivotal roles in their success.
Skilled Trades
Ontario schools offer various programs to introduce students to skilled trades and encourage them to consider these careers. Skilled trades provide rewarding and high-paying opportunities, with an increasing demand expected by 2026. There are over 140 skilled trades across four sectors: construction, industrial, transportation, and service.
Secondary schools in Ontario provide job skills programs like Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) for Grades 11 and 12 students, focusing on specific career paths and industry certifications. Dual credit programs allow high school students to earn credits towards both their diploma and postsecondary certificates or apprenticeships. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) lets students explore apprenticeships in Grade 11 or 12. Cooperative (co-op) education offers students work placements alongside classroom learning.
Schools are increasing skilled trades awareness through education and career planning, emphasizing Grade 10 career studies courses and experiential learning opportunities like career fairs, mentorships, and workplace tours. Partnerships with organizations like FIRST Robotics Canada and Skills Ontario provide hands-on experiences and career exploration for students, with a focus on encouraging girls and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM and skilled trades.
CODING
Ontario schools are taking significant steps to equip students with coding skills from an early age.
The updated curriculum integrates coding into various subjects, spanning from Grades 1 to 9. Students engage with coding in mathematics, science, and technology courses, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and fostering a greater comfort with technology.
This proactive approach ensures that students are not only exposed to coding but also gain practical experience, preparing them for a future workforce increasingly reliant on digital and technological proficiency. By embedding coding into the educational framework, Ontario schools are empowering students to adapt and thrive in the evolving landscape of the digital age.
STEM
Ontario is prioritizing Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to better prepare students for the demands of the future workforce.
In Grades 1 to 8, students engage with the updated science and technology curriculum, while Grade 9 students embark on the de-streamed science course. This strategic shift equips students with real-world skills tailored to the expanding sectors of the economy, nurturing their abilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
By fostering STEM proficiency at an early age and eliminating streaming, Ontario is ensuring that students are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities in these critical fields, contributing to a more innovative and competitive future.
