The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, Mohawk College (Fennell Campus) and local school boards have partnered to offer this opportunity for students who want to pursue a career as a Child and Youth Worker.

This program combines instruction in high school and at Mohawk College and provides a Co-operative Education placement working with children. Students can take Part 2 from September to January and Part 1 from February to June (Students do not need to take Part 2, first they may start in September and then take Part 1 in February). Upon completion, students will obtain Level 1 of their Apprenticeship in CYW.

 Career as a Child and Youth Worker 

As a Child and Youth Worker, you encourage change in children and youth who are experiencing a range of learning, social, emotional, or behavioural challenges in their
lives. As a Child and Youth Worker, you work in schools and hospitals or in residential, institutional, or community-based settings. In this program, students complete three (4) credits towards a Child and Youth Worker Certificate of Apprenticeship by attending classes at Mohawk College every Tuesday and Thursday. Upon graduation, students are encouraged to continue their apprenticeship training at Mohawk College.

To qualify, YOU must:

• Be at least 16 years of age and in your graduating
• Have a minimum of 20 credits
• Have an interest in working with children with social and emotional challenges
• Be in good academic standing, including completion of all compulsory courses
• required for your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
• Be willing to attend Mohawk College and a Co-operative Education placement

A limited number of spaces are available.

Program components include:

Pre-employment orientation and integration sessions at the home school
A Co-operative Education placement in an educational setting where students assist children with special needs in the classroom and support children with daily living activities
Two days per week at Mohawk College to continue their apprenticeship
in-school training (Part 1 is one day a week)

Program Credits/Certification:

• Earn 4 high school credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma
• Earn college credits toward a Child and Youth Worker Certificate of Apprenticeship

A Guidance Counsellor or Co-operative Education teacher must help you to complete an application form for the Accelerated Program and submit all required documents.