STEM is the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with other subject areas to solve complex problems that exist in our local and global contexts. This integrated approach creates opportunities for careers that also cross-disciplines to work towards meaningful solutions.
Interested in a career in STEM?
There are many options available to you in high school to gain skills, build experience and explore options in science, technology, engineering and math.
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 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics that could lead you to a number of fields, including; Health and Wellness, Information and Communications Technology, Construction, Energy, Transportation, Manufacturing, and Environment. Some of these include:
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Health information management occupations
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Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
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Professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
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Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
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Computer programmers and interactive media developers
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Information systems analysts and consultants
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Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
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Architectural technologists and technicians
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Home building and renovation managers
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Power engineers and power systems operators
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Geological engineers
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Civil engineer
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Meteorologists and climatologists
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Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers
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Aerospace engineers
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Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
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Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
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Metallurgical and materials engineers
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Chemical technologists and technicians
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Chemical and mechanical engineers
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Cooperative Education
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Technology Education
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Science Education
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Math Education
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 STEM.
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Cooperative Education (Co-op)
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Specialist High Skills Major
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Dual Credits
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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
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Summer Learning Programs
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.
- 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.
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 counselor 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 - Health and Wellness |
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SHSM - ICT |
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SHSM - Construction |
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SHSM - Energy |
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SHSM - Environment |
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SHSM - Manufacturing |
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SHSM - Transportation |
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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 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics may also be interested in the following events. Speak to your teacher to learn more:
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Professional Engineers of Ontario offers Design Challenges, Mathletes Competitions and a variety of STEM related activities.
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The mission of HOSA Canada is to enable secondary and postsecondary students to become leaders in the healthcare industry by enabling future health professionals to acquire knowledge, skills training and leadership development through competition.
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DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for College and Careers.
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York Region Science & Technology Fair for students in Grades 7-12.
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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.