Interested in a career in agriculture, food, environment and natural resources?
There are many options available to you in high school to gain skills, build experience and explore options in agriculture, food, environment and natural resources.
Not sure what courses or programs are right for you? Speak to your guidance counselor. They can help you with course and career planning.
Click on the tabs below to learn more about career opportunities, and high school courses and programs. Or, explore opportunities in other career sectors.
There are many different career opportunities available in Agriculture, Food, Environment and Natural Resources. Some of these include:
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Conservation Officers and Fishery Officers
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Forestry professionals
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Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians
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Geoscientists and Oceanographers
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Landscape Architects
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Landscape and Horticulture Technicians and Specialists
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Managers in Aquaculture
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Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers
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Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guides
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Silviculture and Forestry Workers
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Urban and Land Use Planners
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Water and Waste Treatment Plant Operators
There are lots of courses you can take to prepare you for a career in agriculture, food, environment and natural resources. Below are some examples.
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Cooperative Education
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Canadian and World Studies
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Geography
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Healthy Active Living Education
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Visual Arts
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Business
Learn more about the courses offered at your secondary school.
Your guidance counselor can help you with course and career planning.
There are a number of programs available in secondary school that let you explore your interests while gaining skills, experience and certifications, including:
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Cooperative Education
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Specialist High Skills Major
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Dual Credits
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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Learn more about those programs below. Speak to your guidance counsellor about which program(s) may be right for you.
Secondary School Programs
In Co-op, students earn credits while completing a work placement in the community. Students also participate in classroom learning that supports the practical work experience.
Co-op placements are available at a wide variety of organizations. Teachers work with students to find placements that support classroom learning and their goals and interests.
Students gain hands-on experience, while earning high school credits. Co-op is available at all secondary schools.
Students who wish to participate in the Specialist High Skills Majors and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program must take Co-op in Grade 11 and/or 12.
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) offers career-focused learning in different sectors while working towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
We offer SHSM programs in many sectors, including:
Students in the SHSM program:
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Build sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating.
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Learn more about a wide variety of careers in the sector.
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Earn industry-specific certifications.
It has five components:
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Required credits. Students take credits that provide sector-specific knowledge and cooperative education credits.
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Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs.
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Experiential learning and career exploration activities. This could include job shadowing, work or volunteer experience, attendance at a trade show, etc.
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Reach ahead experiences that let students explore their chosen pathway. This could include interviewing someone in the profession or visiting a class, for example.
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Sector-partnered experiences.
Students in Dual Credits take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or apprenticeship certification.
The York Region District School Board, in partnership with local colleges, offers many dual credit courses for Grade 11 and 12 students.
Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to register for a dual credit. Speak with your guidance counsellor for more information.
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program. Students in the program:
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explore and gain training in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.
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can become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.
There are over 150+ skilled trades (PDF) to choose from.
Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
There are many opportunities to earn credits, explore pathways and gain experience during the summer months, including secondary summer school, secondary pathway programs and more.
Learn more about summer learning opportunities.
Where programs are available:
*For 2023-2024 school year
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Program |
Schools Offering |
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Cooperative Education |
All secondary schools in YRDSB. |
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SHSM - Environment |
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SHSM - Hospitality and Tourism |
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SHSM - Horticulture and Landscaping |
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SHSM - Health and Wellness |
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SHSM - Sport |
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SHSM - Business |
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OYAP |
All secondary schools in YRDSB. |
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Dual Credits |
All secondary schools in YRDSB, in partnership with local colleges. |
Other Opportunities and Resources
Students interested in agriculture, Food, Environment and Natural Resources may also be interested in the following events. Speak to your teacher to learn more:
- DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for College and Careers.
- York Region Skills Challenge (YRSC). Students from Grades 4-12 compete in a variety of skilled based competitions that takes place in Feb/March every year.
- Skills Ontario. Students from YRSC can represent YRDSB in a variety of skilled based competitions annually every spring.