Beginning in the 2024 school year, students entering ninth grade must take the “Technical Education Credit” course.
Ontario Education Minister Steven Leche said at a recent press conference that the curriculum would help prepare students for skilled labor jobs.
Students may choose one subject of their choice from classes approved through the Technical Education Curriculum. Areas of education include construction, transportation, manufacturing, computer technology, and telecommunications. Details of the curriculum will be released later.
Education Ministry officials said that more than 70 percent of skilled workers are male, and they hope that by including technical training as a compulsory course, more women will be able to explore jobs in the tech sector.
The announcement comes days after Ontario launched a new program that would allow 11th grade students to earn a high school diploma while apprenticing.