How do I figure out which school to go to?

Once you’ve figured out what you’re interested in learning and the kind of career you want, it’ll be easier to find the right kind of school or training for you.

Apprenticeships

The idea of apprenticeships is hundreds and hundreds of years old – find somebody whose job you want, hang out with them and learn their craft.

These jobs are always in demand and are perfect for people who like to learn while on the job. You can even start while you’re still in high school through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. The easiest way for you to get more info is to call or visit the apprenticeship office nearest you.

Other resources:

• The Independent Learning Centre’s info on skilled trades and apprenticeships
• Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' apprenticeship page
• Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' resources for getting an apprenticeship, scholarships, tax credits and other stuff you should know
• Learn more about the government’s loans for buying tools program
• Check out apprenticeship opportunities in your community
• More information on careers in skilled trades

Colleges

There are 24 colleges in Ontario so chances are there’s one close to you. College courses are aimed at getting you a job and range from agriculture to x-ray technician.

• There are a lot of stereotypes about college. Find out what's true and what's not.
• Visit each college's website
• How to apply to college
• Plan a college campus visit
• Type in a program and this site will search for colleges that offer it
• Learn more about college life

Private career colleges

There are thousands of private career colleges across Ontario where you can get specific training in everything from hair dressing, media arts, business, computers and health care.

Remember these aren’t publicly funded colleges so do your research and make sure the college is on the up-and-up. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities registers schools that meet their standards so be aware that if you go to a school that hasn’t been registered, you won’t be covered by the government’s protections.

• Search for private career colleges registered by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
• More information on private career colleges
• Frequently asked questions and answers about private career colleges

Universities

Universities serve a couple purposes - they can lead you to a specific professional career like law or medicine or they can give you a broad-range of knowledge that help you figure out who you want to be, maybe go to grad school or enter a certificate program at a college. Most university degrees take four years of school.

• Ontario University Application Centre’s website for high school students applying to university
• List of Ontario universities and links to each
• Find out what marks are universities looking for.
• Try this out – type in a program you want to study and it’ll tell you which schools offer it.
• Searchable university scholarships
• Search campus tours and visits to make your decision easier
• Read Macleans and the Globe and Mail’s annual university rankings

When you want to go to university, you don’t actually apply directly to the university. Instead, you apply electronically through a place called the Ontario University Application Centre.