The Government of Ontario says it will mandate that students pass a technological education course to receive their high school diploma, beginning with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024.
Students will have to complete a Grade 9 or 10 tech course, including those covering construction, manufacturing, computer tech, hospitality, and communication.
The announcement is part of the government’s attempt to encourage young people, particularly women, to consider a career in the skilled trades. The province also recently announced an accelerated Grade 11 apprenticeship pathway to allow students to enter the trades faster.
In 2020-2021 39 per cent of high school students were enrolled in a tech course, but 63 per cent were male students.