Graduation and Post-Secondary Planning

What is a Skilled Trade?

Find a career you wouldn’t trade!  A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge.  Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks.  They keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day, like hairstyling, food preparation or social services.  Skilled Trade work has been on the rise for the last number of years, in terms of job and growth opportunities, and income. 

What is an Apprenticeship?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is a training system that combines on-the-job training and periods of classroom learning (usually 8-week terms, but can range from 4 to 12 week periods).

While working, apprentices gain practical experience with training provided by a certified journeyperson in the designated trade.  While at school, apprentices gain the technical knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry.

Typically, apprenticeship combines 90 percent on-the-job training with 10 percent technical training.

As an apprentice, you will learn the latest industry standards and technology while you gain hands-on experience.  An Apprenticeship allows you to make money while educating yourself in the trade – you “earn, while you learn”.   Ultimately, the goal is to become certified.  This will create many opportunities, ranging from increasing your chances of future employment to mobility across the country.  An Inter-Provincial (IP), or Red Seal, certification allows you to work anywhere in Canada in your trade.  For more information about apprenticeships in Ontario, please visit the MTCU website Start Apprenticeship. 

• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
• Link to Tradesperson Interviews and Information
• Preparing For and Finding a Sponsor
• Skilled Trades Ontario - Exploring the Trades and the Resources to Becoming a Tradesperson
• The Workforce Planning Board of York Region is a non-for-profit, community-based organization working to develop solutions to local labour market needs and issues.
• Support Ontario Youth is a registered charity transforming skilled trades.

Deadline to apply is typically February 1st (please see OCAS site to confirm each year and for application resources).

• It is important to choose the appropriate start date for your programs.  Often your program will have several start dates.  If you are hoping to apply after Graduation this year, be sure to choose SEPTEMBER of this school year. 

• You will need your OEN number (on report card or come to Guidance).  Be sure to only create one account.

• There is a non-refundable fee to apply to college through ontariocolleges.ca. The application fee includes up to 5 program choices (no more than 3 at any one college); the programs must start within the same academic year (August to July). To apply to programs starting in the next academic year, you will need to create a new application and pay a new application processing fee. Your application will not be forwarded to your college choices until the application processing fee has been received. Payment of this fee doesn't guarantee that you will get an offer to your program of choice, but you can make changes to your program choices within the same application cycle without any additional payments. Please note that there are no exemptions from the application processing fee.

• Supporting Documents may be required, depending on the program(s) you’re applying to.   You will receive email communication from the colleges after you apply.  These emails will ask you to log into a college account, where you will be notified about any program-specific documents that are required.  See below for more on this.

• It is important to follow the prompts to log in with each college, as this is how they will continue to communicate with you, not through ontariocolleges.ca.

• Some colleges will tell you that you are missing the requirement of your OSSD - that's ok...you haven't graduated yet;).  As long as you are on track to graduate, that part will be ok.  If you have any other missing requirements, see your Guidance counsellor asap. 

• International Students apply by alternative means.  If you are currently studying in Canada with a valid study permit, you are still considered an International Student.  It is important to note that some competitive programs are not open to International Students.  For application procedures and information on English Proficiency requirements, as well as how to view programs with seats available for International Students, please review this link.  

• Markville submits Transcripts for you:

  • When you first apply, last year’s grades (11) are visible, as well as this year’s enrolled courses 

  • Mid-term grades Semester 1 (new this year)

  • Final grades Semester 1

  • Mid-term grades Semester 2   (conditional offers)

  • Final grades Semester 2  (offers can be withdrawn)

  • Summer submission  (including YRDSB summer school results - check with each College to see if they accept courses taken past June.)

• Students with IEPs should reach out to Student Services once an offer is accepted, or at the latest during the summer.  It takes time to establish what accommodations you will receive and what documents are needed, so enough time is necessary to ensure that you are good to go in September!  Colleges will not know that you require accommodations unless you self-identify.  Speak to your SERT for further information!

English Proficiency

Students with less than 4 years of English in an Ontario high school should review the English Proficiency requirements of the universities to which you are applying.  Please explore the IELTS and TOEFL sites.

IEP Supports in Post-Secondary

Students with IEPs should reach out to Student Services once an offer is accepted, or at the latest during the summer.  It takes time to establish what accommodations you will receive and what documents are needed, so enough time is necessary to ensure that you are good to go in September!  Universities will not know that you require accommodations unless you self-identify.  Speak to your SERT for further information.

If you are applying to an out-of-province college, you are responsible for the application AND sending the academic transcript.  Application deadlines are not the same - check carefully. If the college does not access academic information through OCAS, it is your responsibility to send a transcript. Transcripts for out-of-province College and scholarship applications must be ordered from the Guidance Secretary 3 days before you need to send them out.   Be aware of deadlines and communicate with your counsellor often.  Students may be required to take a placement test in Math and English to determine their level in these classes.  

• College pathways have become more and more popular, and as such, many programs are highly competitive to enter.  Students interested in such competitive programs, should prepare at the high school level by taking courses that will enable them to meet entrance requirements.

• High school University level courses are NOT given an advantage over high school College level courses.  For example, if a student receives a 75% in ENG4U, and another student receives 88% in ENG4C, the student with the higher mark in ENG4C will be permitted entrance.  In many of these cases, it does not benefit the student to take U level courses.  In fact, for competitive programs, it can be a disadvantage, as students aim to get the highest mark possible to compete for the college seat.

• If you’re browsing programs using the Find a Program tool, the program details will indicate if a program is highly competitive.

• Colleges are partnered with many universities for students who are looking to Bridge their college education into a university degree.  See the College-to-University, University-to-College page for more details.

• Students who take a Dual Credit in high school will have already gained an elective credit towards their program, if their Dual Credit applies to their preferred program.

• Many colleges now offer Bachelor Degrees - this is an incredible opportunity for students.  As this is relatively new for colleges, the entrance percentage into these degree programs is often lower than what is required at University.  Students MUST have 6U/M, as well as the same necessary pre-requisites, however.   Degrees at colleges are an excellent choice for students who prefer a smaller classroom, connection to their professor, and as college tuition is often lower than university tuition, degrees can be achieved more affordably.  

• Have a friend or family member review the emails and application criteria so that you don't miss Supplementary requests - they can be missed!!

• Do not miss deadlines!

• For Portfolios, check the requirements as soon as you can - some of your course work can perhaps be modified to meet a portfolio requirement (speak to your teacher for support).  As well, ask your teacher for help reviewing your portfolio.  They will be able to make suggestions on how you can enhance your work.  Lastly, many colleges will offer portfolio review days and offer tips - take advantage, you have nothing to lose and much to gain!

• As mentioned above, some students find navigating the college emails a bit confusing - you will need to log in with each college and begin communicating with them individually.  If you have any issues with this process or seeing any additional requirements, please come to Guidance for support to ensure that you do not miss a necessary step.

Ontario College Fair

Student Life Expo

Attend in-person tours on campus and College Virtual Tour days - this is an excellent way to see if the college is the right fit for you.  Ask questions.  Check out residences, if away from home (but remember, that is likely only one year)

•  Requires 6 U/M courses, including ENG4U, as well as any program-specific Pre-Requisite Courses

• Students do not get to choose the TOP 6 - Universities will take all Pre-Requisite courses and the remaining Top Grades on the Transcript.

• Deadline is mid-January (please see OUAC for each year's date)

• PINs do not exist anymore.  Students sign up using their OEN #, which can be attained on any report card (even from elementary in Ontario).

• Fees

1. Base Application Fee

   • Required of all applicants.

   • For your initial 3 program choices.

2. Additional Choice Fee

   • For each additional program choice beyond your first 3 (e.g., if you add 2 additional university choices, you must pay $100 in addition to the base application fee).

   • Notes: There is no fee for replacing a program choice with another program choice at the same university.You may apply to as many Ontario universities as you wish; however, you are limited to a maximum of 3 program choices at any 1 university (including its affiliates). Some universities may further limit the number of programs you can apply to.

3. International Service Fee: If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

4. Supplemental Program Fee: Supplemental program fees cover the cost of individual faculty admission processes. The supplemental program fee is non-refundable.  It is sometimes paid along with your OUAC application fee, and sometimes directly to the university. 

• Markville submits Transcripts for you:

  • When you first apply, last year’s grades (11) are visible, as well as this year’s enrolled courses 

  • Mid-term grades Semester 1 (new this year)

  • Final grades Semester 1

  • Mid-term grades Semester 2   (conditional offers)

  • Final grades Semester 2  (offers can be withdrawn)

  • Summer submission  (including YRDSB summer school results - check with each University to see if they accept courses taken past June.)

Application FAQs

English Proficiency

Students with less than 4 years of English in an Ontario high school should review the English Proficiency requirements of the universities to which you are applying.  Please explore the IELTS and TOEFL sites.

IEP Supports in Post-Secondary

Students with IEPs should reach out to Student Services once an offer is accepted, or at the latest during the summer.  It takes time to establish what accommodations you will receive and what documents are needed, so enough time is necessary to ensure that you are good to go in September!  Universities will not know that you require accommodations unless you self-identify.  Speak to your SERT for further information.

Ontario secondary school students, applying to any of the listed Canadian universities outside of Ontario, can authorize the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) to transfer their academic data to the listed out-of-province university.   

The applicant must sign the release authorization and record the OUAC Reference Number on the out-of-province university application form as applicable.  McGill, Concordia University, Bishop's University, Dalhousie University, U.B.C., Simon Fraser and University of Victoria access OUAC information IF the OUAC # is included on the application form to that university. 

• OUAC to Apply to out-of-province Universities

Use the following links to explore universities in Canada, outside of Ontario:

• The Universities Canada website has as list of all Canadian universities..

• The Student Life Expo takes place in late September and features a number of out-of-province universities.

Important: If you are applying to an out-of-province university, you are responsible for the application AND sending the academic transcript. 

Application deadlines are not the same - check carefully - they are often earlier.  If the university does not access academic information through OUAC, it is your responsibility to send a transcript. Transcripts for out-of-province University and scholarship applications must be ordered from the Guidance Secretary 3 days before you need to send them out.  

Many students applying to American universities require a Common Application - it is critical to start this process with a Guidance Counsellor as early into your Grade 12 year as possible.  For most Common Apps, Guidance is required to rank you in relation to your graduating class, and identify the level of difficulty of your courses.   Be aware of deadlines and communicate with your counsellor often.

American Universities

• There is no equivalent of the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) for American universities, so each university requires a separate application, and/or you can apply online to hundreds of schools through the College Board website www.collegeboard.com. 

• Always check that your American university is fully "accredited" (Does it offers degrees that are recognized both in the United States and internationally - Canada?).

• Credits from two-year American colleges may not be transferable.

Resources

• The ACT (American College Testing) assessment, or "A-C-T" as it is commonly called, is a national admission examination that is required by many American colleges and universities.  Check the admissions section on your university's website to see if the ACTs are an admissions requirement.  You should also check to see if the university prefers ACT or SAT. 

• The SAT Assessment, or "S-A-T" as it is commonly called, is the other national admission examination that is required by many American colleges and universities.  

• My Pathway Planner has a guide on studying in the United States.

• The College Board has a Find a College feature that may help you to explore and narrow your choices.  This website also allows you to register online or by mail for the SAT.  Markville's MIDENT # is 924841

• Many US universities want students to have 1 or 2 Language courses. 

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has information about Athletics.

• Go Abroad Fair 

• Be aware of cost- unless a student is a US Citizen, they are paying International Fees AND an exchange rate.  Can be costly.  

• Have a friend or family member review the emails and application criteria so that you don't miss Supplementary requests - they can be missed!!

• Supplementaries often cost additional fees on top of your OUAC fees - you pay them upfront via OUAC.  Fees are dependent upon the university/program. 

• Do not miss deadlines!

• For Portfolios, check the requirements as soon as you can - some of your course work can perhaps be modified to meet a portfolio requirement (speak to your teacher for support).  As well, ask your teacher for help reviewing your portfolio.  They will be able to make suggestions on how you can enhance your work.  Lastly, many universities will offer portfolio review days and offer tips - take advantage, you have nothing to lose and much to gain!

• Start early!  If you need to have your information verified, be sure to show the people who are verifying what you are saying and ensure they agree BEFORE you submit it.  

  • Sometimes only one verifier can be submitted for several different activities - ie. Queen's asks for a teacher or Guidance counsellor to verify activities they do not necessarily know about you.  Be sure to seek support early!  You Guidance counsellor will likely request a document from you that states all activities, as well as the email addresses of those who can actually verify it.  The counsellor would then send a message out to those people to confirm your comments so they can verify on their behalf.  Leave time for this and communicate well.

  • Be sure that your accomplishments are accurate - if you embellish, it may be difficult for a teacher to agree with and sign off on your comments.  (ie. Western Ivey - if a student exaggerates their claims, a teacher may feel forced to decline the verification.  Be safe and show your answers prior to submission and be authentic).

• When requesting Reference Letters from teachers or employers, give LOTS of time for the person writing the reference to produce a letter, and it is up to YOU to follow up to make sure they remember to get it to you on time.  It is always a great idea to provide a resumé to the person writing, and/or a list of items you hope they can reflect on.  Be sure that YOU know what you hope they will say about you before asking them to provide a reference.  Offer to meet with them to discuss the contents of the letter before they start.  Choose wisely - you know who will help you most!

• Write to Impress: A Guide to Writing University Supplementary Applications

Please review each site to see what universities are offering in-person and virtual tours this year.

Ontario Universities Fair 

Student Life Expo

• Attend University Tour days - this is an excellent way to see if the university is the right fit for you.  

• Ask questions.  

• Check out residences, if going away from home (but remember, that is likely only one year!)