Students at the Wellington Catholic District School Board have the opportunity to achieve real world experience, and industry recognized accreditation for it, through the Dual Credit Program.
In the Dual Credit program, students can jump start their career by enrolling in a trade or college pathway course that they are interested in. The program is a result of a partnership between Wellington Catholic District School Board, Conestoga College and the School to College Work Initiative (SCWI) to offer students reach ahead programming in the college and apprenticeship pathways.
“Students travel to Conestoga College where they learn from college instructors and gain invaluable experiences on campus. The program is called Dual Credit because students get high school credits that also count as college credits. This allows them to graduate with two college credits already completed,” shared Sarah Gammie, Dual Credit Resource teacher.
The program is available to students in grade 12 who are college or apprenticeship bound.
“Students should take this program because it gives them an experience that they would not get in the regular classroom,” shared Gammie. “They are exposed to college life with the support of their high school dual credit teacher. They gain college and high school credits, and confidence taking on that next step on their post-secondary pathway.”
A variety of post-secondary opportunities are available to explore. While it varies year to year, this year Canadian Criminal Justice + Security Guard Licensing, Photoshop + Photography, Design Fundamentals, Psychology Today + Crime Scene Investigation, Personal Support Worker + Manicures, Early Childhood Educator, Fitness Leadership + Positive Psychology and Indigenous Creation Stories pathways are available. In reference to trades available, students can explore Electrical + HRAC, Plumbing + Welding, Heavy Equipment + Welding', Automotive Service Technician, Interior + Exterior Finishing (Carpentry), CNC + Machining, Robotics + Mechatronics, Culinary Techniques and Baking Techniques.
“Students who take Dual Credit respond positively to the experience. They explain that doing the program allows them to try something different, outside of their home school,” said Gammie. “It supports them in deciding what to do after high school and helps them to feel ready for that next step on their post-secondary pathway.”
And the program is accessible to all!
“All transportation is provided to students. If they need any supplies for their class (work boots, safety glasses, textbooks) they are all covered under SCWI and Dual Credit. This program removes all barriers and makes this learning experience accessible to all students, no matter where they live or their financial situation.”
To learn more about Dual Credit, please contact Sarah Gammie, our Dual Credit Lead Resource Teacher, at [email protected].