A Look At The Future

There is value, honour, and dignity in all postsecondary destinations. Deciding whether to go to work, college or university, or to apprentice, upon completion of secondary school is no easy task. The number of careers from which to choose is endless. However, one thing is certain – good decisions are based on good planning!

UNIVERSITIES
The Ontario Universities’ Council on Admission (OUCA) has developed guidelines based on the OSS program and curriculum. Final decisions about future admission requirements will be made at individual universities and they will issue further advice as necessary.

  • The completion of the OSS Diploma, or equivalent, will be required for admission to an Ontario university. This will include the satisfactory completion of the Literacy Test and Community Involvement Hours.
  • A minimum overall average of 60% in six Grade 12U or M courses will be necessary for consideration for admission to an Ontario university. Most universities and/or programs will have higher admission averages.
  • Where there are prerequisite courses for admission to specific programs, it is probable that such courses will be required at the ‘U’ level, where offered. Consult individual university calendars.
  • Universities may consider both Grade 11 and Grade 12 ‘U’ and ‘M’ courses for admission and/or prerequisite purposes.
  • Some programs at some universities could require as many as 6 Grade 12 ‘U’ prerequisite courses for admission.
  • Students must ensure that they meet all the course requirements and diploma requirements specified by the universities to which they have applied.
  • The universities encourage students to maintain breadth in their secondary school course choices, and to keep their options open.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES
There have been significant changes to legislation about the mandate of our Community Colleges. Some have now begun to offer Applied Degrees, some offer joint programs with universities where diplomas and degrees are granted. As a result, the admission requirements for some programs have changed dramatically. In the past, colleges have required the OSSD for admission. Students should consult calendars for specific admission requirements, as some university courses are required for some programs. The colleges do give consideration and sometimes considerable weight to other factors, such as interviews, portfolios, standardized tests, questionnaires and volunteer experience. Colleges vary in requirements for specific programs and students are advised to consult with a counsellor or college staff, and to check recent calendars. Good standing in English is important for all college programs.

APPRENTICESHIPS
The majority of trades now require Grade 12 for entry into an apprenticeship. Some of the construction trades may have lower entry requirements but students need to be aware that individual employers may require a Grade 12 diploma as a condition of employment. Students should also be aware that employers may require additional math or technology courses beyond diploma requirements. Students can access recommended “Apprenticeship Subject Pathways” at www.edu.gov.on.ca skill site. Students can also access local trade information at the school’s guidance and co-op offices. There is growing demand for trade certifications. Reference “The Skilled Trades Handbook” published by the East Central Ontario Training Board (ecotb).

PRIVATE SCHOOLS (referred to as CAREER COLLEGES)
These privately owned and operated schools offer training for a variety of occupations from secretarial work to radio announcing. The levels of education required to take these courses vary with the schools and the particular course. In general, the candidate should have completed grade 12 and received an OSSD. These schools are very costly and should be investigated prior to making any commitment. School counsellors will gladly assist any student in this investigation. These programs usually allow students to accelerate the training period.

CANADIAN FORCES
A candidate may enter the Canadian Armed Forces under one of three plans:

  • entry for military trades training requires Canadian citizenship, a minimum of 17 years of age with at least grade 10 education (grade 12 is the norm), good physical health and the ability to pass certain selection tests;
  • entry to subsidized plans require acceptance by a Canadian university;
  • entry as an officer requires the candidate to already have a university degree or college diploma. Entry into the regular officer-training program at one of the military colleges (Royal Military College in Kingston) requires university preparation courses.