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Applied learning that shapes future pathways

Skilled trades and applied learning programs offer students meaningful pathways into high-demand professions through hands-on, industry-aligned experiences. This year, students across the TDSB gained the skills, confidence, and real-world exposure needed to take their next steps toward rewarding careers in the trades.

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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized program in high school that allows students to explore apprenticeship and consider careers in the skilled trades. The program demonstrated exceptional performance this past year, significantly exceeding its participation targets.

With 2,340 students engaged, representing 146 percent of the targeted 1,600, the TDSB showed strong outreach and program appeal. In addition, 380 students registered as apprentices, achieving 95 percent of the goal of 400, reflecting effective transition planning and employer engagement.

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Brick and stone students lay the foundation for success

This year鈥檚 Brick and Stone Masonry OYAP students proved that grit, discipline, and support can pave the way for remarkable success. The students rose to the challenge of arriving at Ontario Masonry Training Centre in Mississauga by 6:45 a.m. each morning. Thanks to a generous contribution from the School College Work Initiative, transportation in the morning was funded via taxi, allowing students to focus on what mattered most: showing up, working hard, and building their future.

Students committed fully to the zero-tolerance policy for lateness and absenteeism, and their dedication paid off. All students successfully completed their Level 1 Brick and Stone Masonry training, and four out of six were offered immediate employment with Heritage Restoration, one of Ontario鈥檚 leading employers in the field. These students are now contributing to some of the city鈥檚 most exciting heritage construction projects.

Beyond the job site, this group also gave back as volunteers at the Ontario Skills Competition. Students supported the masonry events by demonstrating their skills to visiting elementary students. This group of accelerated OYAP is a shining example of what鈥檚 possible when young people are given the opportunity, encouragement, and tools to succeed.

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STEP to Construction

The STEP to Construction program provides a great opportunity for students to experience the construction industry through participation in a variety of skilled trades, while working on a single construction site. Students participate in work placements across the city with some of Ontario's largest building companies. As part of this program, students also participate in a dual credit program, earning one college credit in addition to their four cooperative education credits.

The Construction Employer Trades Event in January 2025 was a gathering of many of the major building construction companies. We brought together a panel of current and former STEP to Construction students to talk about their successes and what the program has meant to them. A podcast produced by Mary Wiens, formerly of CBC, and Michael Brown, highlights the student panel was a highlight.

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STEP to Transportation

This year, the TTC has hired a large number of our TDSB students through Front of the Line. Of the seven students hired, six are former STEP students.

The PACE Program

PACE is a TDSB in-house construction program offered in collaboration with TDSB's Design, Construction, Maintenance department, and its trades union, the Maintenance and Construction Skilled Trades Council (MCSTC). Students will have an opportunity to explore a skilled trade within the construction sector, through a co-op experience alongside TDSB trades employees.

One co-op student in the PACE program said, 鈥淭he PACE program has allowed me to gain knowledge in the electrical field and get closer to my career goals. I鈥檝e met many certified electricians and learned how to apply theoretical knowledge to practical work.鈥�

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Blessed Martells inspires young women across Ontario

Blessed Martells, a Grade 12 student at David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute, is charging ahead on a bright and determined path in the skilled trades. Born in Canada and proudly of Jamaican descent, Blessed comes from a vibrant, close-knit family of eight siblings. With a passion for contact sports, the arts, and hands-on work, she found her true calling in the electrical trade.

This year, Blessed excelled in her Level 1 electrician apprenticeship training through the Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program at George Brown College. Known by her instructors for her drive and technical ability, she quickly emerged as a leader in her cohort, breaking barriers and challenging expectations in a male-dominated field.

On May 5, Blessed took the stage as a featured panelist at the Skills Ontario Young Women鈥檚 Conference. With an inspiring presence, she encouraged young women across the province to pursue careers in the trades, share their voices, and dream big. She spoke candidly about her personal goals, including her dream of building a home for her mother.

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