Opening Doors: Learn more about Dual Credit, Co-op Education, OYAP, SHSM

Parents and students are invited to learn more about Dual Credits, Co-operative Education, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) in Rainbow Schools on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. An information session will be held from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the Lecture Theatre at Lasalle Secondary School, 1545 Kennedy Street in Sudbury. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“Parents play a key role in their child’s success in school,” said Rainbow District School Board Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “We encourage students in Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 and their parents to come out and learn more about the many program options available in Rainbow secondary schools. Now, more than ever before, students can tailor their education to match their interests and benefit from exciting hands-on learning opportunities.”

At the information session, community experts and program staff will be on hand to provide information about Dual Credits, Specialist High Skills Majors, Co-operative Education and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Community participants will include Sharon Murdock, Executive Director of the Sudbury & Manitoulin Workforce Partnerships Board, as well as Julien Gauthier from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities who will talk about apprenticeship training.

“Rainbow District School Board is proud to offer students a variety of ways to be successful in school and complete their secondary school diploma,” said Director Blaseg. “This information session will open doors, giving students and their parents an opportunity to explore options, refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future.”

Dual Credit Programs
Students can now earn credits that can be applied towards both their secondary school diploma and their postsecondary diploma, degree or apprenticeship certification. Programs are offered at Cambrian College in a variety of sectors including Chef Training, Business, Arts, Health Sciences, Trades, Technology and a number of Level 1 Apprenticeship programs. 


Specialist High Skills Major Programs
Rainbow District School Board offers Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in seven sectors: Arts and Culture, Business, Energy, Environment, Health and Wellness, Manufacturing and Mining. Students learn on the job and can earn valuable industry certifications.

Co-operative Education
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. Co-operative Education prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow and enables employers to help develop the future workforce.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
This Co-operative Education Program gives senior students an opportunity to begin a career in a skilled trade while attending high school. The 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 and encourage an early start toward a well paid and satisfying career. Students with special needs also have an opportunity to select OYAP as an option.

For more information about the information session on Dual Credits, Co-operative Education, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM), please contact your local Rainbow secondary school. More information about these programs is also available at rainbowschools.ca.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705.674.3171, ext. 7217.