Courses You Need for College Trades Programs in Ontario
Planning a career in skilled trades or technology? Discover the high school English, math and science courses Ontario colleges may require, plus online upgrading and OSSD pathways for mature students.
What high school courses do you need to get into a college trades or technology program in Ontario?
Most Ontario college trades and technology programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an accepted equivalent, along with specific prerequisite courses. Grade 12 English at the college or university preparation level is a common requirement, and many technician and technology programs also require Grade 11 or Grade 12 mathematics. Some programs have additional science requirements. If you are an adult returning to school, you may have options for applying as a mature student or completing the high school credits you still need. Aubrey Academy, a Ministry-inspected online private high school in Ontario, helps students earn OSSD credits, upgrade marks and plan their next steps with Ontario Certified Teachers. Built Around Your Life.
Why Ontario Is Adding College Seats in Trades and Technology
Ontario is investing in post-secondary education to help more students prepare for careers in skilled trades, technology, health care and other in-demand fields.
In an October 16, 2026 announcement, the Ontario government announced $15 million to support 1,312 additional post-secondary seats at Lakehead University and Confederation College in Thunder Bay. The announcement included expanded capacity in trades and STEM programs and forms part of a broader $1.7 billion investment supporting more than 70,000 additional college and university seats.
For students considering a hands-on career, this investment highlights the importance of planning for post-secondary education and understanding admission requirements before applying.
You might be interested in electrical work, aviation, construction, industrial maintenance, manufacturing or a technology-related career. Whatever direction you choose, knowing which high school courses you need can help you prepare for the right program.
You do not necessarily need to complete every course before beginning your research. However, identifying your prerequisites early gives you time to earn missing credits, improve your marks and prepare a stronger application.
Common Prerequisites: Grade 12 English and Grade 11 or 12 Math
One of the first steps in researching an Ontario college trades or technology program is checking its academic admission requirements.
Many programs require Grade 12 English, while mathematics requirements vary according to the program and the type of work students will be preparing to do.
English requirements
Grade 12 English is a common prerequisite for college programs. The required course may be at the college or university preparation level, depending on the program.
Aubrey Academy offers the following Grade 11 and Grade 12 English courses online:
Grade 11 English
Grade 12 English
These courses do not automatically substitute for one another. If a college program specifies ENG4C, for example, confirm whether it accepts any alternative English course before registering.
Mathematics requirements
Mathematics can be particularly important for students entering electrical, mechanical, engineering technology, aviation maintenance and other technical programs.
Depending on the program, a college may require Grade 11 college preparation mathematics, Grade 11 university/college preparation mathematics, Grade 12 college mathematics or a more advanced university preparation course.
Aubrey Academy offers the following Grade 11 and Grade 12 mathematics courses online:
Grade 11 Mathematics
Grade 12 Mathematics
MAP4C — Foundations for College Mathematics, College Preparation
MDM4U — Mathematics of Data Management, University Preparation
The correct course depends on the program you want to enter. Do not assume that every Grade 11 or Grade 12 math credit meets the same admission requirement.
Some Programs Also Require Science
English and mathematics are common prerequisites, but some trades and technology programs require additional courses.
Depending on the program, these may include Grade 11 or Grade 12 physics, chemistry or another science credit.
For example, technical programs involving electrical systems, mechanical systems or applied engineering may place greater emphasis on mathematics and physics than other programs. Requirements differ by institution and program, so these examples are a starting point for your research, not a universal admission rule.
Before registering for a course, follow these steps:
Find the exact college program you want to enter.
Open its official admission requirements page.
Record every required course, including the grade level and preparation type.
Check whether minimum grades apply to individual prerequisites or the overall admission average.
Note any additional requirements, such as testing, assessments or supplementary documentation.
Contact the college if you are unsure whether a course you have already completed will be accepted.
Your next step: Make a list of your target programs before choosing courses. This helps ensure that the credits you complete support your actual career goals.
Mature Students: Finishing Your OSSD as an Adult
Returning to high school as an adult can feel like a major undertaking, especially if you have been away from school for years or have work and family responsibilities.
However, you may be closer to earning your Ontario Secondary School Diploma than you think.
Ontario has processes that allow eligible mature students to receive recognition for previous schooling and learning through equivalency and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Depending on your circumstances, these processes may reduce the number of credits you need to complete.
At Aubrey Academy, we help mature students review their educational history and determine a pathway toward graduation.
Your next steps may include:
Reviewing previous high school transcripts and report cards.
Assessing eligibility for mature-student equivalency and PLAR.
Identifying compulsory credits and outstanding OSSD graduation requirements.
Determining which courses must still be completed.
Planning the English, mathematics or other prerequisites needed for your intended college program.
It is important to understand that earning an OSSD and qualifying for a particular college program are two separate goals. You may complete your diploma but still need a specific prerequisite or a higher course mark for admission.
That is why planning for graduation and your intended college program together can save time and help you avoid completing credits that do not support your next step.
Learn more about finishing your OSSD as a mature student.
Missing a Course or Need a Higher Mark? How Online Upgrading Works
You do not necessarily need to return to a traditional classroom to complete a missing high school prerequisite.
Online high school courses can give students more flexibility to work toward their goals while balancing employment, family responsibilities, apprenticeship preparation or other commitments.
Aubrey Academy offers online OSSD credits for students in Grades 9 to 12, with Ontario Certified Teachers supporting their coursework.
There are two common situations where upgrading may help.
You have your OSSD but are missing a prerequisite
Perhaps you graduated several years ago but now want to enter a college technology program that requires a particular Grade 12 math course.
You can review the program requirements and determine which additional credit you need. Completing that prerequisite online may help you meet the academic requirements for your intended program.
You have the prerequisite but need a higher mark
Some college programs are competitive or specify minimum grades for particular courses. If your existing mark does not meet the requirement, upgrading may be an option.
Before enrolling, confirm the required course, minimum grade and application deadline with the college. Also check whether the program considers repeated courses differently when assessing applicants.
Once you know what you need, Aubrey Academy can help you identify the appropriate course or upgrade and plan your next steps.
For students already working in the trades or preparing to enter an apprenticeship, online study can provide a way to complete academic requirements without putting every other responsibility on hold.
Explore Aubrey Academy's online courses to see which credits are currently available.
Applying Through OCAS: Dates and Academic Advising
Most applicants to Ontario colleges apply through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS). The application process allows students to research programs, select their choices and submit applications.
For fall 2027 applicants, applications are open now. The February 1, 2027 equal consideration date is an important planning milestone: applications received and paid for by this date receive equal consideration, subject to the applicable admissions process. Applications may still be accepted afterward, but competitive programs can fill.
Always check the official Ontario Colleges website for current dates, program availability and admission requirements.
Before you apply
Use this checklist to prepare:
Identify the college programs that interest you.
Confirm each program's OSSD or mature-student admission requirements.
Check the required English, mathematics and science course codes.
Review your transcript to identify missing credits or marks that need upgrading.
Arrange a transcript review if you are an adult returning to school or have attended multiple schools.
Check application deadlines and any additional program requirements.
Prepare your application information and supporting documents.
If you are considering both college and university, you may also need to understand the difference between OCAS and the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Read our existing guide, OUAC vs. OCAS: Applying in Ontario, for an overview of the two application systems.
Get help planning your pathway
You do not have to figure out your next steps alone.
Aubrey Academy offers academic advising to help students understand prerequisites, plan their remaining OSSD credits, explore upgrading options and prepare for post-secondary applications.
For mature students, that may mean starting with a transcript review to see which graduation requirements remain. For students heading into the trades, it may mean identifying the right English and mathematics courses before applying to college.
A clear plan can help you focus on the credits that matter for your goals.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are finishing high school, returning to education as an adult or preparing for a career in skilled trades or technology, the right courses can help you move forward.
You may need only one missing prerequisite, a higher mark in an important course or a more complete plan for earning your OSSD. The first step is understanding where you are now and what your intended college program requires.
Book a free transcript review or academic advising call with Aubrey Academy to discuss your goals and map out your next steps.
Visit Aubrey Academy to get started.
Aubrey Academy — Built Around Your Life.