Province Adds Mandatory Technological Credit for High School Students

Kids entering Grade 9 in 2024 will have to have a technological education credit in order to graduate high school

The Ontario government has added a new high school graduation requirement. 

Students starting Grade 9 in September 2024 will be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 technological education credit in order to get their diploma. 

"I am proud to announce another step forward to ensure all students learn the critical skills necessary to succeed and get a good paying job," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. "By requiring students to take at least one Technological Education credit in high school, we are opening up doors and creating new pathways to good jobs in STEM and the skilled trades. All students will benefit from a greater emphasis on hands-on learning experiences and technical skills in the classroom so they can graduate with a competitive advantage in this country."

The technological education curriculum covers a variety of sectors, including transportation, construction, computer technology, manufacturing, hospitality and communication. 

Currently, about three-quarters of students graduate with a technological education credit, but most of them are boys. 

The province says this is one way to encourage girls to consider a career in the skilled trades. 

"For Ontario to succeed, we need more women and girls to pursue fulfilling careers in the skilled trades. I am proud our government is taking action to ensure students across our province have the tools and skills they need to build a new generation of prosperity in Ontario," said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. "This mandatory graduation requirement means a brighter future - not just for Women and Girls - but for our entire province."

The province says by 2026, about one in five job openings in Ontario will be in skilled trades-related fields.