November 24, 2022 – The Ontario government is spending $4.8 million to expand dual-credit programs in secondary schools, thereby creating opportunities for an additional 2200 students to earn college credits and take apprenticeship training in the skilled trades while still in high school.

“This expansion supports our government’s broader mission to fill the skills gap by better connecting and ultimately inspiring Ontario students to enter these good-paying jobs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

Ontario’s dual-credit programs support eligible secondary students to take college courses or apprenticeship training that count toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a post-secondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

High school students taking dual-credit courses benefit from a variety of college supports and services, says the province, as well as the supervision and support of their dual-credit teacher at their school. Additional Training Delivery Agents—including trade unions—will now be included in the delivery of Dual Credit Level 1 Apprenticeship training programs.

“For far too long, parents and students have been told the only path to success in life is by going to university, which is simply not true,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “When you have a job in the trades, you have a job for life.”