Key Questions Remain Unanswered Regarding New Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Program

Earlier this week, the government announced a new policy that will allow secondary students to transition to skilled trades apprenticeship programs more quickly. As per usual with the Ford government, we were not consulted on this new apprenticeship pathway, and only learned the details of the program at the same time as the public.

OSSTF/FEESO is supportive of encouraging students to consider careers in the skilled trades, but we have significant concerns and many questions about whether this program will be best for meeting student needs. After years of the government promoting (but not properly supporting) the initiative on de-streaming, this program sounds like it will “re-stream” students out of high school and into the workforce at a young age. Students need appropriate time to explore their options and should not be forced to make such an important, lifelong decision as early as grade 10.

Students should not be encouraged to leave school early. They should be allowed to explore interests in the trades and other areas while completing secondary school with their peers. We have seen the value of in-school learning after over two years of the pandemic. Schools are integral for developing social and personal skills and they also offer access to important wrap-around supports that many students are unable to access elsewhere.

Furthermore, any credit delivered to students towards their secondary school diploma must have a teacher associated. The government has not shared details on how this would be achieved with this new program.

There are many details that have yet to be shared with us, leaving several key questions unanswered. OSSTF/FEESO will be advocating with the Ministry of Education directly for these issues to be resolved.

Provincial Office will continue to provide updates to Members on this issue.