The province has announced it will soon take a more modern approach when it comes to preparing high school students for jobs of the future.
On Monday, Education Minister Stephen Lecce outlined plans to update Ontario's high school courses relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Those plans include changes to Computer Studies and the Technological Education curriculum to ensure students have digital literacy and modern technological skills for critical life and job skills.
The updated course, dubbed Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World, will replace the current Grade 10 Introduction to Computer Studies course, which was last updated in 2008.
"This change will provide students with hands-on experience with technology, expose them to real-life problem solving, and enhance learning that focuses on giving young people the skills to think critically, dream boldly and chart new pathways forward for our economy," said Lecce. "Our focus is to ensure our students have the most up-to-date curriculum that strengthens life and job skills leading to rewarding careers in technology and innovation, including in the skilled trades."
The new Grade 10 computer studies curriculum will be implemented in September 2023, followed by updates to the technological education curriculum with revised Grade 9 and 10 courses in September 2024.
The government said the changes position Ontario as a leading jurisdiction in STEM education by providing students with the tools needed to learn about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging digital technologies, as well as automation advancements across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
"Every year, more than 65,000 students graduate from STEM-related programs. By modernizing STEM and skilled trade-related courses, we're ensuring our talent pool continues to grow and that Ontario businesses continue to innovate and thrive," said Finance Minister Vic Fedeli.
According to the province, there were nearly 18,000 job vacancies for computer and information systems professionals in Ontario during the second quarter of 2022. The government also estimates that by 2026, as many as one in five job openings will be in the skilled trades. Additionally, Ontario is expected to face a shortage of as many as 100,000 construction workers over the current decade.
