The WECDSB Construction Academies is a unique program that provides students with apprenticeship and employment opportunities in the construction industry while providing employers with a new source of workers to address skills shortages. Participating students are given the opportunity to start their apprenticeship while in high school through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and gain real on the job experience. This two year program is available to all WECDSB students but delivered at three WECDSB schools: F. J. Brennan Catholic High School (Masonry), Catholic Central High School (Electrical) and St. Joseph’s Catholic High School (Carpentry & Plumbing).
Why choose a career path in Construction?
- You can take pride in the work you do and see the results every day
- You can be part of a vibrant community that continually impacts the Canadian way of life
- There are many ways to build a long and rewarding career
- You can become a supervisor, get into planning or management … even start you own business
- There are dozens of careers to choose from and four construction sectors, that means limitless opportunities to advance and plenty of chances to travel across Canada and around the world
- You have the chance to work with Canada’s top construction professionals
- Whether you’re a skilled construction worker or manager you can earn up
to six figures annually
Who Should Apply?
Grade 10 students interested in pursuing a career pathway in the construction industry with particular interest in apprenticeship and employment opportunities. Student wishing to pursue SHSM certification in Construction should also apply.
Eligibility You must have:
- 14 credits before 1st semester of Grade 11
- You must have a Social Insurance Number by semester two of Grade 11
Program Overview
This program incorporates a combination of learning experiences including: in school Construction Technology credits, Dual Credits, Co-op credits, and an accelerated OYAP component with four (4) focus streams: Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing , and Electrical. An opportunity to expedite a student's apprenticeship journey will be achieved by offering a Level 1 apprenticeship (Basic Level) in-school curriculum for the trades of: Brick and Stone Mason and General Carpenter. The program will be delivered at three (3) WECDSB high schools: Catholic Central High School (Electrical), F. J. Brennan CHS (Masonry) and St. Joseph's CHS (Carpentry) but is open to all WECDSB students.
Skilled Trades you can pursue through Construction Tech Courses:
- 401A Brick & Stone Mason
- 309A Electrician (Construction & Maintenance)
- 403A General Carpenter
- 306A Plumber
- 308A Sheet Metal Worker
- 313A Refrigeration and AC Systems Mechanic (HCVAC)
All Construction Academy students will complete their Level 1 college apprenticeship schooling through the St. Clair College Level 1 Dual Credit program.
Benefits
- Enhance knowledge and skills learned in school
- Develop transferable and trade-specific skills to improve qualifications for future employment
- Earn secondary school credits while gaining practical experience
- Obtain employment references
- May gain part-time, full-time or apprenticeship employment
- Career in the construction industry provides: good income, technology, career advancement, variety opportunities and challenge, the chance to create something that lasts and is useful, the chance to work on a team – then choose a career in the construction industry
- Start your apprenticeship early; save $500 in tuition costs and expedite becoming a certified journey person in the trade
- Free industry recognized certifications