Toronto 
The government of Ontario will soon allow high school students in grade 11, to enroll in full-time apprenticeship programs while still pursuing their high school diplomas.
To address the ongoing labour shortages in Ontario and help young people enter in-demand and well-paying trades, the Ontario government is introducing changes to allow grade 11 students to transition to full-time skilled trades apprenticeships.
After completing their apprenticeship and receiving a Certificate of Apprenticeship, these students can apply for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as mature students.
The provincial government expects that this change will help more students enter the trades faster and support the province’s infrastructure plans, including building 1.5 million homes by 2031.
The Ministry of Education is also working to recognize up to 30 credits required to earn the OSSD for individuals with a Certificate of Apprenticeship or equivalent.
With over 140 skilled trades in Ontario and 72,000 new workers needed by 2027 in the construction sector alone due to retirements and expected job growth, these changes will help to address the labour shortage and build a skilled workforce in the province.
In addition to these changes, the government will begin consultations in fall 2023 with various stakeholders to explore ways to make it easier for young people to enter a career in the trades. This includes potentially lowering entry requirements for some of the 106 skilled trades that currently require a grade 12-level education.
Premier Doug Ford stated that these changes provide students with exciting pathways to good-paying jobs and rewarding careers, and support the government’s efforts to train the skilled workforce that will build Ontario.
