GUELPH – 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 careers 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,” said dual credit resource teacher Sarah Gammie.
“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.”
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 the following courses are offered:
– Canadian criminal justice and security guard licensing;
– photoshop and photography;
– design fundamentals;
– psychology today and crime scene investigation;
– personal support worker and manicures;
– early childhood educator;
– fitness leadership and positive psychology; and
– Indigenous creation stories pathways.
In reference to trades, students can explore:
– electrical and HRAC;
– plumbing and welding;
– heavy equipment and welding;
– automotive service technician;
– interior and exterior finishing (carpentry);
– CNC and machining;
– robotics and mechatronics; and
– 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 as well as supplies for their class, such as work boots, safety glasses, and textbooks
“This program removes all barriers and makes this learning experience accessible to all students, no matter where they live or their financial situation,” Gammie added.
To learn more about Dual Credit, please visit or contact Sarah Gammie at sarah.gammie@wellingtoncdsb.ca.
