Ontario Prospects 2007

Securing a Place in Life

École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier is a dynamic and innovative place where staff invite the students to aim higher and farther and try new experiences to expand their knowledge.

Some students recently participated in a new cooperative education initiative Collège Boréal offered. This partnership has allowed students of the Conseil scolaire public du Grand-Nord de l'Ontario and the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario to register for apprenticeship training in welding. After a 12-week in-class internship at École secondaire catholique Champlain, the trainees did a practical internship in the field with qualified welders. The internship was a huge success. The students completed level 1 of their apprenticeship training, developed welding skills, and established new contacts with employers in the community.

Daniel Larose was among the students who took advantage of the opportunity to perfect their welding skills and start their career while still in secondary school. He loved the experience and notes the importance of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program for those who want to work in a skilled trade. He also points out that the practical internship allowed him to gain actual experience, which is a prerequisite employers often demand.

Thanks to this initiative, Daniel has secured a part-time welding position in a local business where he proudly practices his trade ... even though he has yet to receive his secondary school diploma. He attends École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier every morning to earn his compulsory credits and then goes to work from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., five days a week. He says that this experience has changed his life: "I like what I am doing, I feel valued, and I know that I am a productive member of my work environment."

Daniel is part of a growing number of young adults who are opting for a career in the skilled trades. Skilled workers are extremely well paid and are motivated by new technologies. There is joy and pride in helping to build a building or a new model of heavy machinery! The work is also stimulating. Each project presents new challenges and opportunities to express creativity. Congratulations, Daniel. Your tenacity and fortitude have paid off!

Michel Bélanger, cooperative education teacher, École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier, Sudbury

Matthew's Success

The Junior Success program, introduced in September 2006 at St. Paul High School in Niagara Falls, has already proven to be a successful alternative education intervention strategy for "at-risk" students. With its small class size and specialized classroom learning environment, the Junior Success program provides at-risk students in Grades 9 and 10 with the attention and support they need to achieve success.

Matthew is one of those students. In Grade 9, he exhibited several problematic behaviours and as a result failed two courses. He was a daily concern to his parents and teachers. It was evident to everyone that intervention was necessary in his second year of high school. After a meeting with Matthew and his parents, he was placed in the Junior Success program. This specialized program offered him an opportunity to receive one-on-one help with his schoolwork, to recover credits, and to gain new credits through online learning. Most importantly, the Junior Success program helped Matthew develop and use his essential skills, and create a career path through attending presentations by guest speakers, field trips, and job-shadowing opportunities.

Matthew thrived in the Junior Success program. With individualized assistance, he covered a credit in the first week of class. With increased confidence, Matthew began participating more in classroom activities and discussions, and his grades reflected this. During the semester in Junior Success, he developed into a respectful and hardworking student, the star of the program. His ultimate triumph was his attainment of an A in his other classes. His teachers and parents were delighted by the change in Matthew. Through career counselling and classroom-based activities, he developed a career plan. His goal is to become a chef. Matthew has been successfully integrated into the regular school program and continues to succeed. Next year, he plans to pursue cooperative education in culinary arts to experience, first-hand, a "taste" of his chosen career. Bravo, Matthew! He is only one example of how the Junior Success program is helping students achieve success in our high schools today.

Nadia Trapasso, St. Paul Catholic High School, Niagara Falls

OYAP

The students of the Conseil scolaire catholique (CSC) Franco-Nord are well acquainted with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Several students take part in the program and become apprentices registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

What happens to these students after they receive their diplomas? Does their apprenticeship continue? The main objective of the CSC Franco-Nord is to ensure that the students receive placements that ensure the continuity of their training. The employers understand that when they agree to register a student, they commit to providing quality, long-term training.

The apprentices of École secondaire catholique Algonquin, École secondaire Franco-Cité, and École secondaire F.J. McElligott help meet the needs of their community.

Three employers provide quality training in the motive power sector, specifically in the field of truck and bus technology. The students they registered began their training in Grade 11 or 12 when they enrolled in the co-op program of their school.

Nikolaus Vézina was registered by Peterbilt in North Bay. Ricky, his employer, explains: "OYAP allowed us to check Nikolaus's knowledge and work skills. The program enabled Nikolaus to complete his apprenticeship with us at Peterbilt."

Guy Guénette is finishing his apprenticeship with Lewis International. His employer, Barry Kellar, says this about the program: "OYAP provides students with the opportunity to pursue relevant training in their field of interest."

Roger Champagne, owner of East Ferris Bus Lines, gives his view of the program: "There is a shortage of tradespeople, and young people do not want to get their hands dirty. OYAP gives students the opportunity to become acquainted with a trade before committing 100 percent." Roger takes part in the program and registered Marc Labrecque as an apprentice.

What a success! The employers are delighted that a new generation will take over, and we also keep our young people in the region.