Programs and Resources

Programs

OECT offers a variety of different programs and initiatives for crown ward youth. Check out these programs that are available for YOU.

More content coming soon…

Pathways

There are many different pathways to choose from. You can consider:

  • Career and Skill Development
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Trades and apprenticeship
  • Employment

Deciding which pathway is best for you can be tricky. Here are some resources to help you make your decisions and to get you started.

Career and Skill Development

Don’t know what to do career wise but want to learn various skills to further your career. Visit Launch Pad in Hanover to learn skills like Welding, Automotive, Woodshop, Culinary, Audio and coding, and many more.

Post-Secondary Education

Deciding on your future career can be an exciting process. If you are thinking about College or University, there are a lot of resources available to help you make this plunge and submit your application.

“What if I haven’t finished High School yet?”

Not Yet Finished High School and Under 21

Talk to your guidance counsellor and get them to call the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

You Do Not Have Your High School Diploma Completed And You Are Over The Age Of 21

  • Adult Education – Call the Adult Education at either school board to learn how your life skills can count towards finishing your high school diploma. Click here for the program directory
  • Huron and Perth – Center for Employment and Learning
  • Adult Learning Centre in Owen Sound at 519-376-6628
  • Adult Learning Centre in Port Elgin at 519-389-2302
  • Bluewater District School Board 1-800-288-4403 ext. 2169
  • Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board 519-364-5820 bgcdsb.org

Trades and Apprenticeships

If you are thinking about trades or apprenticeships, there are lots of options available for you.

Visit the “Apprenticeships in Ontario” page.

Or if you want to learn more details about apprenticeships, check out “Skills Trade Ontario”

You Have Your High School Diploma But Not Yet Working

You Can Start Your Apprenticeship Via:

  1. Getting hired at an Independent Trades business
  2. Getting hired through a Union
  3. Joining the Military

To Get Started

  • Call VPI WORKING SOLUTIONS if you live in Bruce County 519-881-4900
  • Call YMCA EMPLOYMENT SERVICES if you live in Grey County 519-379-7016

You Have Your High School Diploma And You Are Already Employed

Call the Grey-Bruce Regional Rep at the Ministry of Trades, Colleges, and Universities to start counting your hours: 1450 1st Ave. W, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 6W2 at 519-376-5620.

Connect with an Employment Ontario office near you if you want assistance with finding an apprenticeship.

Employment

For more resources, visit the “Finding a job” page.

Resources

Initiatives

Smart Serve–Safe Food Handling

Smart Serve is industry recognized training for people who are working in restaurants and bars that serve alcohol. This training is FREE for (current and former) youth in extended society care and looks GREAT on a Resume. If you are interested in working in a licensed restaurant or bar, talk to your worker.

Safe Food Handling is also industry recognized training for people working in the service industry where they handle food. This training is also FREE for (current and former) youth in extended society care. If you are interested in this, contact your Worker.

Youth Advisory Board

What is the Youth Advisory Board (YAB)?

The Youth Advisory Board or YAB is a group composed of enthusiastic youth who are in care. The YAB is unique because they have a direct influence and input on the planning, initiatives, events and advocacy for youth living in care. The YAB is also involved in a direct call to action for both local and provincial governments.

Why Join?

In being a member of the YAB, you will have the opportunity to provide your opinion on several topics that impact both yourself and the agencies that support you. The opinions of the YAB are then recorded and passed onto decision making individuals within the agency. You also get the opportunity to attend some great events such as Toronto Youth Hearings and WE Day.

Financial Literacy Program

The Financial Literacy Program is available to all youth 16 and older who have been in care for one full year. Youth will learn some basic financial skills related to independence. This course will assist them in meeting one of the four requirements to access their OCBe (Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent) Savings. If you have not yet completed financial literacy, please speak with your worker.

Transportation

Contact your worker to see if you can get paid transportation for your programming

Budget Support

Visit the Getting money for school page.

Counselling Support

Visit the Resources page.

Health

Mental Health Resources

Visit the Resources page.

Crisis Support, After-hours, Suicide Safety Plans

Visit the Resources page.