Skilled Trades and Technologies are taught every day in our classrooms! Stats Canada has estimated that one million skilled trade workers will be needed by the year 2025. This will be the largest sector for employment in the near future. Technological skills are important for careers in engineering, design, and business. Many high school graduates claim that their tech class was a critical part of their education.
To honour National Skilled Trades and Technology Week happening this week, October 31 – November 6, we wanted to recognize and share a few of the many specialized course opportunities available in our secondary schools.
Communications Technology
What it's about:
"Comm Tech" courses allow students to create work from a media perspective.
What students learn:
Students will work in the areas of TV/video and movie production, radio and audio production, print and graphic communications, photography, and interactive new media and animation.
What students do:
Projects may include computer-based activities such as creating videos, editing photos, working with audio, cartooning, developing animations, and designing web pages.
Construction Technology
What it's about:
"Construction Tech" courses allow students to build and design various construction projects.
What students learn:
Students will learn to create and read working drawings; become familiar with common construction materials, components, and processes; and perform a variety of fabrication, assembly, and finishing operations.
What students do:
Practical projects may include using a variety of hand and power tools, equipment and materials while applying knowledge of the different systems of measurement.
Hairstyling and Aesthetics
What it's about:
These courses present hairstyling, make-up, and nail care techniques from a salon or spa perspective.
What students learn:
Students will use materials, processes, and techniques used in the industry and learn fundamental skills in hairstyling.
What students do:
Projects may include giving manicures and facials, and providing hair/scalp analyses and treatments, with consideration to the exploration of postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field of hairstyling and aesthetics.
Hospitality and Tourism
What it's about:
These courses allow students to practically explore different areas of hospitality and tourism, as reflected in the various sectors of the tourism industry, with an emphasis on food service.
What students learn:
Students will study culinary techniques of food handling and preparation and health and safety standards and the origins of foods.
What students do:
Practical projects could include using tools and equipment, preparing a variety of foods, event planning for tourism attractions, all with a look to exploring post-secondary pathways that lead to careers in the field and related fields.
Manufacturing Technology
What it's about:
These courses allow students to be immersed in the manufacturing industry by giving them opportunities to design and create products using a variety of processes, tools, and equipment.
What students learn:
Students will learn about technical drawing, properties and preparation of materials, and manufacturing techniques.
What students do:
Practical projects could include a robotic challenge, a design challenge, or a fabrication project involving processes such as machining, welding, vacuum forming, or injection molding.
Transportation Technology
What it's about:
These courses (sometimes called "Auto Tech") allow students to service and maintain vehicles, aircraft, and/or watercraft.
What students learn:
Students develop knowledge and skills related to the construction and operation of vehicle/craft systems and learn maintenance and repair techniques.
What students do:
Practical projects could include the construction of a self-propelled vehicle or craft, car engine servicing, tire/wheel servicing, electrical/battery servicing, and proper vehicle body care.
If you are interested in extending your education to other specialized programs offered through technology education, co-op, OYAP, and Dual Credit are also available!
Co-op
Co-operative Education is a great subject area to partner together with Technological Education. The subject areas and their courses and content complement each other, as does the learning and delivery style; hands-on, practical, and experiential. Students can even earn 'multiple' credits at one time. Connect with your Co-op and Tech Subject Department Heads for more information.
OYAP
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is a wonderful opportunity for students to jump start their post-secondary pathway.
Dual Credit
This program provides students with a high school credit, and a College credit at the same time. This provides students with an opportunity to 'reach ahead' to post-secondary while still in high school, and save money when entering a post-secondary school as they will already have a credit obtained without cost to them. They will also be immersed in the post-secondary 'world', experiencing what it might be like to go to college or university. Transportation costs for students to attend their post-secondary school are also covered.
For more information on available courses and pathways, please visit your guidance councilor for course selections and check out the board website.