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A pathway refers to a person’s journey in life which is influenced by the courses they take, volunteter and work experiences, school and community support and personal interests. Post secondary pathways are the various opportunities available to students after the completion of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Ontario Online High School offers various kinds of courses such as Academic, Applied, University, College and Workplace to keep doors open for students as they explore their interests and start thinking about their steps after high school.
When preparing for your future pathways, consider asking some of the questions below:
What do I like to do?
What subjects do I enjoy?
What are my strengths, talents and abilities?
What are my strengths, talents and abilities?
What areas can I work on?
What specialized programs can I participate in to help explore my pathway options?
What can I learn about myself when I participate in recreational, social, leadership, experiential learning, and part-time job opportunities?
What fields of work, occupations or jobs are related to my favourite subject areas, my interests, learning styles or my strengths?
What kind of person do I want to become?
What are my career, education and life goals?
What are my personal and interpersonal goals?
What resources do I need to implement my goals?
What programs or experiences can I participate in to help me plan my pathway?
What courses do I need to build my pathway toward my preferred destination?
Who can I ask to help guide me as I plan my pathway?
Make sure to double check the requirements for earning your Ontario Secondary School Diploma! Refer to the OSSD Requirements page to track the course you need. The main things to keep your eyes on are the:
Number of credits and compulsory credits,
Literacy Requirement and
Community Service Hours.
Learning is a lifelong journey and your parents, guardians, teachers and peers will be on this path with you. There is never a point when someone knows everything. The goal then, when choosing your pathway at this point in your life, is to find something that is meaningful to you.
Also keep in mind – people change pathways in their lives many times, so this choice should not be seen as the deciding factor for your life. As your interests and needs in life evolve, so will your goals and the pathways you choose to take. This is an important point to keep in mind as you prepare for the next step in your educational journey.
Apprenticeship is a post-secondary pathway that combines on-the-job training, work experience and technical training that leads to certification in over 150 trades.
Employers provide about 90% of the apprenticeship training in the workplace.
All apprentices attend in-school sessions offered by approved training delivery agents (e.g. colleges, unions) for the remaining 10%, which involves classroom instruction on theory.
Once both school and on-the-job components have been satisfied, apprentices will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
For trades with exams, apprentices must pass the exam before they can receive their Certificate of Qualification.
Check out Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program or College of Trades for more information about apprenticeship opportunities.
There are 27 colleges in Ontario, located throughout the province. Colleges offer a variety of diploma, certificate and applied degree programs. The basic admission requirement for postsecondary programs in the Ontario College system is one of the following:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or
any lesser minimum admission requirement as established by a college on a program-specific basis.
Ontario colleges offer more than 2,400 program choices in almost 600 subject areas. Programs are career-oriented and geared toward marketable skills. Find out about programs, arrange a campus tour or talk to college staff who can answer your specific questions.
Visit Ontario Colleges for more information and college specific requirements.
Transition planning is about looking ahead to the future and preparing for adulthood. It is a partnership involving student, parent, teachers, friends, community and adult service providers, and any other individual with a vested interest in your child. Consideration must be given to such things as:
Living arrangements
Community programs
Employment opportunities
Further education opportunities
Health care
Recreation and social activities
Ontario colleges offer more than 2,400 program choices in almost 600 subject areas. Programs are career-oriented and geared toward marketable skills. Find out about programs, arrange a campus tour or talk to college staff who can answer your specific questions.
Visit Developmental Services Ontario for information.
The goal of all students is to find employment that is fulfilling and of service to society. There are many ways to get to the world of work and one of the ways is through an entry-level job. Students will find information regarding the availability of entry-level jobs in their guidance department at high school. A number of organizations exist in Ontario that help assist students to find employment after high school. An important organization is Employment Ontario.
Visit Employment Canada for specific information about programs.
To attend university, students must attain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and 6 of their grade 12 courses must be at the University or University/College Level. There are 21 universities in Ontario, offering professional programs in a variety of fields. Universities offer three and four year undergraduate degrees. Professional programs such as dentistry, medicine, engineering and education are offered at several Ontario universities.
For specific information about programs, visit Ontario Universities Info.
