The transition from high school student to skilled tradesperson just got a lot smoother for Cole Charlebois. In a milestone moment for both the student and the local workforce, Cole officially signed his Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) papers this week, securing his future as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic.

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is proud to celebrate the recent signing of Oban Forrest, a Grade 12 student from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, who has officially become a registered Construction and Maintenance Electrician apprentice.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is all about building bridges between education and industry, and a recent signing at Holy Trinity Catholic High School represents the beginning of an exciting new partnership. Keegan Angelo, a Grade 12 student, has officially signed his Registered Training Agreement to become a Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer Apprentice.

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board OYAP team is thrilled to celebrate the recent signing of Baylee Holsgrove, a dedicated student from St. Theresa’s Catholic Secondary School. Baylee has officially signed on as an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) apprentice to pursue her certification as a Child Development Practitioner.

Big news for the Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School community! We are proud to announce that Erick​ has reached a major career milestone.

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is proud to join organizations across Canada in celebrating National Skilled Trades and Technology Week (NSTTW), running from November 3 to 9. This national initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the rewarding, high-tech, and in-demand careers found in the skilled trades sector.

Dozens of female high school students from across the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) travelled to Toronto on Wednesday to participate in Dreamer Day 2025, a premier career exploration event focused on empowering young women in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented.

Knowledge Keeper Chuck Commanda is at St. Dominic’s high school this week and next building his fifth “Algonquin-style” canoe for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.

Whether you’re a high school student planning your career path or already in the workforce and looking for a change, you should be considering the skilled trades. Here are 10 reasons why.