The Ontario Government Invests $4.8 Million to Expand Dual Credit Programs
What is the Dual Credit Program?
In efforts to encourage a higher number of high school students into skilled trades careers, the Ontario government has decided to invest $4.8 million to expand the Dual Credit Program. A program in which 2, 200 eligible students are able to participate in college classes and apprenticeship training all while completing high school.
It is no secret that the current demographic of skilled trades workers will soon be retired. “One in three tradespeople is over 55 years old and currently, 100,000 construction trades workers will be needed by the end of the decade to build critical infrastructure, housing and transit. Expanding this vital program will provide our students with “hands on” experience, opening the eyes and minds of our young students to the possibilities of a life-long career in a skilled trade.” said MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, John Jordan.
Benefits of the Dual Credit Program for high school students
- Allow them to complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- Ensure that the transition from high school to college or an apprenticeship program is easy and successful
- Increase awareness of career planning decisions
- Increase visibility of the many programs that are available to them
This expansion allows students to get ahead and develop specific skills that will be extremely useful in their careers. Some of the programs currently offered are welding, heavy equipment mechanics and cyber security. More programs are set to be added shortly to accommodate the different interests of students as well as market demand.
To find out more about the dual credit programs, click here.