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Home Build Program

Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School has joined with community partners to have students building houses in Strathroy. This is a great opportunity for students to learn and develop skills on the job in a real-life situation. Students will be on site all day working with employers from across various trades with their classroom teacher on site.

Earning Credits
The Home Build Program is a full day experience and a 4 credit package. This includes 2 Technology credits and 2 Cooperative Education credits.

Timeline
February 2024 – June 2024
Students will spend the first 4 weeks of the semester in-class then move to the job site and spend the entire day on-site for the remainder of the semester. From time to time, students will be back at school for in-class sessions.

SHSM – Specialist High Skills MajorSHSM
All students enrolled in the Home Build Program will also be enrolled in the SHSM program. This program allows students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students receive an SHSM seal on their diploma when they graduate.

    • Complete a bundle of courses in a select field associated with technology/trades
    • Earn certifications including Working at Heights, First Aid and CPR.
    • Gain important skills on the job through cooperative education placements.

The SHSM is ideal for students wanting to identify, explore and refine their career goals and make informed choices about their next steps after secondary school.

Cooperative EducationHCC Co-op
In cooperative education, students learn in safe, responsive environments in the community. Students can extend their learning from the classroom and transfer their knowledge and skills to real-life settings.  Participation in this unique experience will promote the acquisition and refinement of skills and knowledge that support education and career/life planning and fosters positive attitudes towards learning. The Home Build Program will allow students to participate in a highly skilled workforce, and to be active, engaged, and compassionate citizens.
As it applies to the Home Build Program, the 2 cooperative education credits earned by students will also apply to the SHSM requirement.  Workers’ Safety Insurance coverage (WSIB) is paid for by the Ministry of Education during the cooperative education placement period.

OYAP – Ontario Youth Apprenticeship ProgramOYAP
OYAP is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or 12 through the Cooperative Education program.
Students enrolled in the Home Build Program will also have the option of registering in OYAP allowing them to acquire apprenticeship hours and competencies toward the total hours required for a particular apprenticeship, thus reducing post- secondary qualification time. Students will also be registered with the College of Trades. For students transitioning into a skilled trade from high school, there are many benefits of OYAP.

How to Apply
Students must apply to the Home Build Program. An application form is available in the Guidance Centre. Preference will be given to students who have taken previous technology courses, are entering their senior year, and interested in a career in the trades.  Students can speak to their guidance counsellor or technology teacher for more information about the program.