Ontario’s New School-age Education Plan to Emphasize Skilled Trades

(Photo provided by: the Ontario Government)

After two years of pandemic disruptions, the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Education launched its Plan to Catch Up for the 2022-23 school year. The Plan is focused on providing students the best learning experience possible, so that they can get back on track, and learn the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

“In a digital world and fast-changing economy, we’re teaching students from grades one and up about coding, financial literacy, and a renewed focus on science, technology, engineering and math. By 2025, one out of every five jobs will be in the skilled trades,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “That’s why we continue to modernize school curriculum to ensure we’re teaching the skills students need to graduate into good paying jobs. By doing so, they can pursue real pathways to rewarding, innovative and high-wage careers.”

Ontario expects to invest roughly $39.6 million over three years to expand direct programming related to the skilled trades. An additional $1 million was also invested in 2021-22 and 2022-23 to provide approximately 1,000 student bursaries each year for those who have plans to pursue the skilled trades and have financial or other barriers to completing their Ontario secondary school diploma.

“We are thrilled to continue our strong partnership with the Ontario Government,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. “Working together and inspiring the next generation of skilled trade and technology leaders is crucial to our success as a province, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide learning opportunities to Ontarians.”

For more information on the Plan to Catch Up, visit ontario.ca.