Sector profile
According to the Ontario Construction Secretariat, the construction industry is one of Ontario’s largest employers. The construction industry is diverse and offers the opportunity to participate in all kinds of projects such as office buildings, plants, schools, roads, hydroelectric dams, hospitals, churches, houses and tunnels. Large or small, the projects are managed, budgeted for, planned and built carefully and capably by people with the ingenuity, skill and education to create.
Program requirements
In the Construction major, students will take 10 credits in grade 11 and 12:
- 4 Construction major credits
- 2 Math credits (Grade 11 and 12)
- 1 English credit (Grade 11 or 12)
- 1 Business Studies or Science credits (Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 co-operative education credits to gain workplace experience that helps you refine, extend and practice your construction knowledge and skills
Additionally, students will have opportunities for
- Experiential learning, career exploration and reach-ahead activities in construction
- Certifications and training programs in arts and culture, including:
- 5 compulsory certifications: Standard First Aid, WHMIS (generic), CPR (Level C) with AED, basic health and safety, Working at Heights
- 2 additional certifications and/or training courses as specified in the sector-specific guide
- Engaging with a sector partner to explore sector-related content, skills, and knowledge involving either ICE (innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship), coding, or mathematical literacy.

Future career paths
For construction majors, possible career paths include:
- Apprenticeship – carpenter, electrician, plumber
- College – architectural design technologist, construction technologist, home inspector, interior designer
- University – architect, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, structural engineer
- Entry level workplace – concrete finisher, construction labourer, demolition worker, drywall installer
Get more information
Call the guidance department at the following schools that offer the Construction SHSM program:
- St. Francis Xavier High School – 613-822-7900
- St. Mark High School – 613-692-2551
- St. Peter High School – 613-837-9377