Cooperative Education

High Skills Program

Exploring Opportunities Program

What is it?

  1. A specialty “high skills” program providing access to apprenticeship for students with an interest and aptitude in any one of the four trade sectors:  Manufacturing, Construction, Service, and Transportation.

How does it work?

  1. You apply through a standardized application and interview process and if accepted attend a regional location on a ‘transfer basis’;
  2. You retain the privileges afforded to you through your home school;
  3. You complete in-school courses embedded with work experience opportunities, technical skills training, essential skills training and additional certification opportunities;
  4. Individualized programs will be developed for you as you work towards the completion of your OSSD, using instructional strategies that focus on authentic learning opportunities;
  5. The number of credits earned will depend on the date of enrolment, your individualized needs (credit or otherwise) and your motivation;
  6. Continuous intake and e-learning are also program options;
  7. Opportunities to apply for Level 1 Apprenticeship training; and
  8. Sample courses would include Co-op, technology courses, GLD20 and GLN40 as well as other required compulsory credits.

Do I have the right stuff?


To apply to these programs you must

  1. Be 16 years of age or over;
  2. Be registered in a YRDSB secondary school or planning to re-enter school;
  3. Have demonstrated an aptitude and interest in a skilled trade career;
  4. Be enrolled in a school that does not have the trade specific technology; and
  5. Register and apply through a standardized application available through the guidance or co-op department

Program Locations

  1. Manufacturing – Huron Heights Secondary School – Semester 1 (holding code XE0P01) Phone:  905-895-2384
  2. Construction – Richmond Green Secondary School (holding code XE0P02) Phone:  905-780-7858 and Sutton District High School (holding code XE0P03) Phone:  905-722-3281
  3. Service (Horticulture) – Huron Heights Secondary School – Semester 2 (holding code XE0P04) Phone:  905-895-2384
  4. Service (Hospitality) – Stephen Lewis Secondary School (holding code XE0P05) Phone:  905-326-7994
  5. Transportation – Alexander Mackenzie High School (holding code XE0P06) Phone:  905-884-0554