Post Secondary Pathways
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a practical method of learning, providing hands-on training in over 130 skilled trades. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience and wages increase with skill levels.
What kinds of careers can an Apprenticeship lead to?
Apprenticeships can lead to careers such as construction worker, chef, horticulturist, information technologist, educational assistant and hair stylist. (See the image below for a listing of apprenticeable trades in Ontario.)
How long does apprenticeship take?
Becoming a certified tradesperson requires a combination of on-the-job training and in-school training usually done at the local college, and usually lasts 2-5 years.
Consider Apprenticeship if:
You enjoy hands-on learning and have good mechanical and spatial abilities.
You enjoy fixing things, assembling and disassembling structures.
You are able to solve problems, determine why something does not work and how it can be done better
You are interested in a career that requires the completion of an apprenticeship.
College
Ontario's colleges are at the forefront of technology, innovation and workforce development, preparing students for success in the
cutting-edge careers of tomorrow.
University
Are you thinking about applying to a University in Ontario? If so, OntarioUniversitiesInfo.ca is the BEST place to do your research. The Ontario Universities' Application Centre is also a great resource. The OUAC 101 application can be found here.
Thinking about going to a university outside of Ontario? If so, www.myblueprint.ca is a good place to start your research, but sure to check the individual school's website for the most accurate application and admission information.
Workplace
Are you heading into the Workplace after High School?
A wide variety of careers require a high school diploma, followed by specific on-the-job training or entry-level positions from high school including: real estate agents, animal care workers, bank tellers, photographers, website designers and construction labourers. Some students who choose direct entry into work may later pursue apprenticeship, college and/or university. Several programs in Halton provide opportunities for students to meet initial requirements for entering specific industries, allowing them to make a successful transition from school to the workplace.
Consider direct entry into Work if:
You have developed practical workplace skills that have prepared you for a specific career without needing to pursue college, university, or an apprenticeship first.
You have been successful in workplace pathway courses and wish to explore workplace opportunities.
You want to gain workplace experience before continuing post-secondary education.
You have specific career goals in mind that allow you to go directly to the workplace for on-the-job training.
For more information on direct entry into Work, visit:
Funding Post Secondary Studies
Information about University and College Scholarships and Awards:
Guaranteed Entrance Awards
awarded to students who obtain a certain average –no application is necessary
not every school offers these awards (so confirm with your school(s) of interest)
information can be found on college/university websites, calendars, first-year handbooks, and the websites (see over for additional info…)
the amount of the scholarship/award differs by the university and admission average, e.g. the McMaster Honour Award is $750 for students with an 85-89.9% admissions average, but Nipissing University’s Entrance Scholarship for the same mark range is $2250
Application-Based Entrance Scholarships
criteria vary depending on the award and the specific post-secondary institution
generally, a high (i.e. 90%+) average and significant school and community involvement is required
requires a separate application for consideration
information can be found, as stated above, via school websites, student handbooks etc.
Bursaries
a bursary is a non-repayable grant for students who demonstrate financial need
provided on the basis of financial need alone, or some combination of financial need, co-curricular involvement, academics, leadership and volunteerism
often require that students are also OSAP applicants
check with the financial aid office at the particular school(s) of interest to you
Community/Organization Scholarships and Awards
various organizations and corporations provide scholarships and awards, e.g. TD Canada Trust Scholarship, The Loran Award, Miller Thomson Foundation Scholarship, Terry Fox Award
applications for some of these scholarships will be received by the school
information and applications for most of these scholarships can now be found online at the sources listed above
investigate sources of scholarships that may apply to you, e.g. your employer; your parents’ employer(s); professional, cultural, service, religious, sports and music/theatre clubs and organizations with which your family is affiliated
BCHS Scholarships and Awards
over 40 scholarships and awards, presented at Commencement, are offered by the school and donors in our community, e.g. Burlington Chamber of Commerce Education Award, Central Staff Awards, Carmine Marozzo and Gordon Gerrie Memorial Bursaries etc.
recipients are decided by a committee of Central staff
criteria vary with the award - high marks are not always a necessity - good citizenship and participation in co-curriculars are!!
financial need is a criterion for some awards
there is an “Award Information Form” available in Student Services that you can complete and submit to aid in award consideration
Websites to Consult:
click on “Searchable Scholarships” on the header bar of the main page, or select a particular school and program and click on “More Details”, “Scholarships and Awards”
click on “Financial Planner” and then the link to “Paying for Post-Secondary
click on “FAQ” at the top right, then “Tuition and Financial Aid” at the bottom of the menu
learn about the Ontario Student Assistance Program and helpful links to assist you in applying for student loans through the government of Ontario
on the “Students” tab drop-down menu, select “Success at School”, then “Scholarships and Financial Assistance”
follow the prompts to create a profile. This profile will help the search engine to identify relevant awards for you. Find out key info, including award names, financial value, timelines, application process steps, etc.
functions similarly to scholarshipscanada.com; you create a profile of information specific to you, your background, interests, educational and career plans match you with scholarship opportunities
The Halton District School Board has written a Scholarship website. Students/Parents are urged to review the site frequently for updates and additions.
Other Sources for Financial Planning Information:
College and university websites, program calendars, program books and financial aid offices
BCHS Student Services Office, Financial Planning bulletin board, scholarships binder
The following are the BEST websites for Post-Secondary Planning:
www.myblueprint.ca - Education and Career Planning
www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca - Ontario Universities' Info
www.ontariocolleges.ca - Ontario Colleges
www.haltonpathways.ca Regional Programs (SHSM, OYAP, etc)
www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship - Apprenticeship in Ontario
www.oyap.com - Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
www.ontransfer.ca - Collaborative University and College Programs and Program Transfer Guide