Niagara Catholic District School Board

Program Details

The Environment sector equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in environmental science, conservation, and sustainability through specialized courses and hands-on experiences.

A Bundle of Credits: Students must complete a bundle of nine senior credits,  which includes:

·     Four major credits in Environment, which can include courses in environmental science, ecology, and sustainability studies.  

·        One Grade 11 and one Grade 12 English credit.

• One credit in Mathematics

*Sample Grade 11 and 12 Course Selections for a University Bound Student Studying Environment 

*Contact Student Services at your school for course availability and planning support

Two Co-operative Education Credits related to the Environment Sector. Apprenticeship, College, or Workplace bound students can take FOUR or more credits in co-op while fulfilling graduation requirements.

Certifications and Training: Students must complete sector-recognized certifications and training, such as:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C
• Standard First Aid
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

 Experiential Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through co-operative education placements, job shadowing, and field trips.

• Reach Ahead Experiences: Activities that connect students with their postsecondary goals, such as visits to colleges, universities, or workplaces.
• Sector-Partnered Experiences: Activities that involve working with industry partners to gain real-world experience.

Example of Experimental Learning

A Environment SHSM program could visit a conservation area or a renewable energy facility. They would tour the site, interact with environmental professionals, and participate in activities like habitat restoration or energy audits, gaining insights into environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

Career Opportunities: 

Graduates can pursue a career as an Environmental Technician, conducting fieldwork and lab analysis to monitor environmental conditions, or a Conservation Officer, who enforces laws and regulations to protect natural resources.

 College Pathway:

Careers include Sustainability Coordinator, developing and implementing sustainability initiatives for organizations, or a Wildlife Technician, working on conservation projects and wildlife management.

University Pathway:

Post-Secondary Studies can provide an avenue to a career as an Ecologist, who studies ecosystems and the interactions between organisms and their environment, or an Environmental Policy Analyst, analyzing and developing policies to address environmental challenges.

Apprenticeship Pathway:

Examples of careers include training to become a Horticulture Technician, who manages and maintain landscapes and garden, or a Water and Wastewater Technician Apprentice, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of water treatment facilities.

Sample of Elective Certifications within Environment SHSM