Specialized Trades Exploration Program (STEP)

Through the STEP Program, the TTC partners with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to offer high school students the chance to explore careers in skilled trades. The program provides in-depth exposure to a range of trades while allowing students to earn both high school and college credits.

There are two distinct STEP streams available:

• STEP to Construction
• STEP to Transportation

Please note: this program is currently only available for TDSB-enrolled students.

STEP to Construction

Explore the skilled trades—hands on.

Open to Grade 11 and 12 TDSB students, STEP to Construction provides direct experience in trades such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywall, bricklaying, cement finishing, and more. Students also attend George Brown College one day a week, earning a dual credit in Construction Health and Safety—along with valuable safety certifications.

Program Highlights:

Try out 3 to 7 different construction trades over one semester

• Earn five high school credits and one college credit
• Receive industry-recognized safety certifications at no cost
• Participate in full-day co-op placements from Monday to Friday

How It Works:

• Stay enrolled at your home school and attend classes at Northview Heights Secondary School
• Complete four weeks of pre-placement training before beginning your co-op placement
• Gain hands-on skills at approved construction training centres

Eligibility:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must have a minimum of 14 high school credits at a TDSB school

How to Apply:

1. Pick up an application in your school’s Co-op or Student Services department
2. Discuss with a parent or guardian
3. Speak with your school’s co-op teacher
4. Have your teacher submit your application to the central co-op system

STEP to Transportation

Build your future in transportation maintenance and repair

This program gives Grade 11 and 12 TDSB students the opportunity to explore trades in the transportation and vehicle maintenance sector—such as truck and coach technician, auto body repair, welding, millwright, metal fabrication, and more. Students also attend George Brown College for a dual credit course.

Program Highlights:

• Explore 3 to 7 trades in transportation and vehicle maintenance
• Earn high school co-op credits and a college credit
• Gain real-world experience at TTC job sites
• Receive full-day co-op placements, Monday to Friday

How It Works:

• Stay enrolled at your home school and attend classes at Central Technical School
• Complete four weeks of pre-placement and attend integration classes throughout the term
• Develop practical skills through hands-on work at the TTC

Eligibility:

• Must be at least 15 years old
• Must have a minimum of 14 high school credits at a TDSB school

How to Apply:

1. Pick up an application in your school’s Co-op or Student Services department
2. Discuss with a parent or guardian
3. Speak with your school’s co-op teacher
4. Have your teacher submit your application to the central co-op system

Want to learn more? Contact your TDSB school’s Co-op Department for more details about how STEP can set you on the path to a rewarding career in the skilled trades.