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Students graduating high school soon need to earn a credit in technological education.
Starting in September of 2024, all students entering grade will be required to earn grade nine or ten technical education credit as part of their high school graduation requirement.
The grade 9s entering school that year will be the first students requiring the mandatory credit.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says this will take in courses such as computer technology, communication, and the skilled trades.
“We know that all students need to have an earlier opportunity to appreciate the pathways in the skilled trades,” says Lecce.
“We want to inspire more students to understand the opportunities in the digital economy and the changing landscape around us. And so we want young people earlier in their careers to know that this new graduation requirement will open doors and opportunities for every single child.”
Lecce says the move will also expose more girls to the trades and the careers available.
“Because just in the year 2021, only 39% of female students were taking a technical education course. And we know we can do better.”
It is projected that by 2026 approximately one in five job openings in Ontario will be in skilled trades-related fields.