Interested in a career in architecture and construction?
There are many options available to you in high school to gain skills, build experience and explore options in this sector.
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 construction. Some of these include:
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- Plumbers
- Concrete Finishers
- Architects
- Civil Engineers
There are lots of courses you can take to prepare you for a career in information technology. Below are some examples.
- Cooperative Education
- Business
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Studies
- Construction Technology
- Design Technology
- Computer Technology/Engineering
- Green Industries
- Transportation Technology
- Visual Arts
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 to support students interested in a future in architecture and construction, including:
- Cooperative Education
- Specialist High Skills Major
- Dual Credits
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Exploring Opportunities Program (EOP)
- Summer Learning Programs
Learn more about those programs below. Speak to your guidance counsellor about which program(s) may be right for you.
As you're considering an area of interest and course selection, here are some questions you may want to ask your teacher, guidance counsellor or someone at the school.
- What programs or opportunities does the school offer that would support my interest and pathway goals?
- What courses might I consider taking to support my interest and pathway goals?
- How might the experiential learning opportunities at the school support the development of transferable skills?
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.
How do I Take Co-Op?
- Students in Grade 11 and/or 12 can choose Cooperative Education during course selection.
Please note: 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:
- Build sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating.
- Learn more about a wide variety of careers in the sector.
- Earn industry-specific certifications.
It has five components:
- Required credits. Students take credits that provide sector-specific knowledge and cooperative education credits.
- Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs.
- Experiential learning and career exploration activities. This could include job shadowing, work or volunteer experience, attendance at a trade show, etc.
- Reach ahead experiences that let students explore their chosen pathway. This could include interviewing someone in the profession or visiting a class, for example.
- Sector-partnered experiences.
How do I Take an SHSM?
- Students who wish to participate in the Specialist High Skills Majors must take Co-op in Grade 11 and/or 12.
- Speak to your Guidance Counsellor at your school to discuss the application and course selection.
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.
How do I Register for a Dual Credit?
- 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:
- explore and gain training in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.
- 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.
How do I Register for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program?
- Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
- Talk to your Guidance Counsellor or Cooperative Education teacher.
(Exploring Opportunities Programs (EOP) are specialized regional programs that allow students to focus on developing a high skill level in a particular technology.
These programs include both in-school and work-based experiences, such as job shadowing / job twinning, work experience and/or cooperative education.
The focus is on skills training and the development of work habits and essential skills. These programs may provide additional certification for students in apprenticeship and skills certification programs. In addition this specialized program may provide the foundation for a student interested in SHSM programming.
An EOP student can also take part in the Specialist High Skills Major program and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
EOP is available at specific secondary schools with focus on specific sectors.
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.
Other Opportunities and Resources
Students interested in architecture and construction 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.
Learn more about other opportunities outside of school.