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Post-Secondary Pathways

​​​​​​​It is never too early to start planning for a student's post-secondary destination (that is, what the student wants to do after high school). No one destination is better than any other. The key for students is to find the option that will meet their strengths, skills, abilities, and future aspirations.

Effective post-secondary planning is primarily the responsibility of students and their parents/guardians with the assistance of the Guidance Counsellors. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent/guardian to ensure that the student has the credits necessary for graduation; ensure the student researches the requirements of his/her post-secondary destination; ensure the student attends all appropriate information sessions, group workshops, presentations, assemblies and guidance appointments; ensure the student applies for post-secondary programs and financial assistance by the deadlines; and ensures all research into the many facets of post-secondary life is completed.

If a student needs some assistance in choosing a suitable career, he/she should visit the Career Cruising website at: http://www.careercruising.com/default.asp. Please note that the username name is "rmc" and the password is "ldcsb".

The four possible post-secondary pathways/destinations are:​

1. Workplace

Between 15 - 32% of the graduates in the London District Catholic School Board system directly enter the workforce after high school. Some may only seek employment for a short period of time, ranging from one semester to a full year, while others may be looking for full-time, meaningful employment. Whatever the reason, this pathway serves as an excellent vehicle to increase personal savings and gain knowledge of the world of work.

Resources are available through the Guidance Office and through various agencies in the London area to assist youth with resumes, cover letters, and interview strategies. Two London agencies that provide a full range of services to youth seeking assistance with finding and keeping employment are:

  • Youth Opportunities Unlimited - Visit their website at www.you.ca.
  • Youth Employment Fund (YEF) 

Students with physical, mental, developmental and learning disabilities can obtain assistance from Leads Employment Services Inc. Visit their website at www.leadsservices.com.

For more information: 

 

2. Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary educational option that combines in-school learning with on-the-job training. Apprenticeship has been described as "learning by doing". There is no application centre for apprenticeship programs. A student interested in this post-secondary pathway would need to find an employer willing to commit to sponsoring him/her. Apprenticeship opportunities are often difficult to find and can be highly competitive.

Students in grade 11 or 12 can enter the apprenticeship program through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (known as O.Y.A.P.). This program helps students who want to get a head start in a skilled trade career. R.M.C. has an excellent record with regard to assisting students in becoming signed as apprentices through our cooperative program.

For more information:

 

3. College

The RMC Guidance Department will set up visits for Ontario college representatives in the fall. Students can sign up to attend any of these visits through the Guidance Office. Fanshawe College in London also holds a College Information Program (CIP) each fall. This will be advertised through the Guidance Office as well. Students should listen carefully during morning announcements to obtain the required information.

Students apply to the Ontario College Application Service (www.ontariocolleges.ca) and pay a fee for this on-line service. Please note that your application will only be forwarded after your payment has been received. All future correspondence is sent directly to the student.

Many colleges now grant both diplomas and degrees. In addition, most colleges have transfer agreements with universities.

The best way for students to investigate this post-secondary pathway in more detail is to visit the Ontario Colleges website (www.ontariocolleges.ca) or individual college websites to learn about the programs offered, the admission requirements and other applicable information. Students (and parents) should also take the time to visit college campuses by contacting the colleges' admission departments.

Private colleges and colleges of applied arts and technology are not the same as community colleges. Private vocational schools are often referred to as career colleges. They offer specialized training in a specific area, are privately owned, and are often, though not always, approved and regulated by the provincial government. Typically the tuition at private colleges is higher, but students often graduate in a shorter amount of time than they do from community college programs. A comprehensive list of Ontario private colleges can be found at: www.oacc.on.ca.

For more information:

 

4. University

The RMC Guidance Department will set up visits for Ontario university representatives in the fall. Students can sign up to attend any of these visits through the Guidance Office. Please note that many presentations are held at 2:10 p.m.

Students can apply online to universities using the Ontario Universities' Online Application Process found at www.ouac.on.ca and pay a fee for this on-line service. Please note that your application will only be forwarded after your payment has been received. All future correspondence is sent directly to the student.

Students applying to universities outside of Ontario are responsible for obtaining applications directly from those institutions and returning them on their own. Many universities now offer this service on-line.

The best way for students to investigate this post-secondary pathway in more detail is to visit the electronic information website (www.electronicinfo.ca) or individual university websites to learn more about the programs offered, the admission requirements and other applicable information. Students (and parents) should also take the time to visit university campuses by contacting the universities admission departments.

Most universities have transfer agreements with colleges.

For more information:

Students should always feel free to make an appointment with their Guidance Counsellor to help them plan for their post-secondary destination.