Students achieve success through hands-on learning

More students in Rainbow Schools are participating in programs that combine in-class instruction with authentic hands-on learning, including Co-operative Education, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Dual Credits and the Specialist High Skills Majors.

“Rainbow District School Board has surpassed the provincial participation rates in all of these programs,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “More importantly, the success rates continue to grow. Students are earning credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.”

He added: “Learning becomes that much more relevant when students go on work placements, take apprenticeship training, earn industry certifications and participate in reach ahead activities in fields of interest. In the process, they explore career options, develop the essential skills and habits required in the workplace, and gain experience for their résumé.” 

The Co-operative Education Program integrates classroom theory with practical experience. Students divide their time between the school and the workplace, spending at least half the day with an employer. Students can now apply two Co-operative Education credits towards their compulsory graduation requirements. There is no limit on earning optional Co-operative Education credits. In Rainbow Schools, students can also participate in Co-operative Education during the summer. 

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) gives students in Grades 11 and 12 an opportunity to begin a career in a skilled trade while attending high school. This Co-operative Education program is designed to introduce students to a career path that will lead to skilled trades, provide students with the opportunity to develop trade related competencies and accumulate hours toward a skilled trade as a registered or non-registered apprentice.

Rainbow District School Board offers a number of Dual Credit Programs at Cambrian College. Students can earn credits that can be applied towards both their secondary school diploma and their postsecondary diploma, degree or apprenticeship certification. Dual Credit Programs enable students to customize their learning and gain exposure to the college environment.

In Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, students focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Each Specialist High Skills Major is a bundle of 8 to 10 courses in a selected field. Students learn on the job and can earn valuable industry certifications. Rainbow District School Board offers Specialist High Skills Majors in nine sectors: Arts and Culture, Business, Construction, Energy, Environment, Health and Wellness, Information Communications Technology, Manufacturing and Mining.

 

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.