The provincial government is introducing a new mandatory technical education credit for high school students in Ontario, the Secretary of Education announced on Friday.
In a press release, the province said the change would begin when students enter Grade 9 in September 2024.
“I’m proud to announce another step forward to ensure all students learn the crucial skills they need to succeed and get a well-paying job,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce said in a statement.
“By requiring students to earn at least one technical education credit in high school, we open doors and create new pathways to good jobs in the STEM fields and skilled trades. All students will benefit from a greater emphasis on hands-on learning experiences to acquire technical skills in the classroom so that they can graduate with a competitive advantage in this country.”
The province says this new degree requirement will “allow Ontario students to pursue at least one degree program that could provide them with a path to a future career in the skilled trades.” According to the government, there are currently nearly 100,000 unfilled skilled trades jobs in Ontario, prompting efforts to attract more people to these jobs.
Lecce said the province wanted young people to know that this new requirement “opens doors and opportunities for everyone,” especially girls.
About three quarters of high school students have completed at least one technical degree, but the majority are male students, the government said.
Charmaine Williams, deputy minister of women’s social and economic opportunities, said that for Ontario to succeed, the province needs more women and girls pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
“I have five children who are all enrolled in Ontario’s public education system and I want to ensure that they and all other children in Ontario have the absolute best opportunity to succeed economically,” she said.
The technical education curriculum covers a range of sectors including construction, transportation, manufacturing and computer technology among others.
This news follows an announcement from the province this week that Ontario will allow students starting in Grade 11 to transition to full-time teaching programs while earning a high school diploma.
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