Which Academic Upgrading Courses Open Doors to Health, Trades, and Tech Programs? Posted on October 20, 2025 at 12:21 pm. Which Academic Upgrading Courses Open Doors to Health, Trades, and Tech Programs? Map ACE courses to your college goals Think you can’t go to college because you’re missing high school credits? You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. Durham College’s Academic Upgrading is here to help you bridge the gap for free. You’ll take only the courses you need to qualify for the post-secondary program you want. Let’s explore which upgrading courses (ACE) open the door to health, skilled trades, and technology programs, then show you how to get started today. ACE Pathways to Health Careers Best ACE courses to take: ACE Communications (Grade 12 equivalent – ENG4C) ACE Apprenticeship Math (Grade 12 equivalent – MAP4C) ACE Biology (Grade 11 equivalent – SBI3C) ACE Chemistry (Grade 12 equivalent – SCH4C) Example college programs: Practical Nursing, Dental Hygiene Why these courses matter: College health sciences programs often ask for science prerequisites and strong communication skills. Biology and Chemistry build your science foundation. Communications courses help you read charts, write reports, and talk with patients and your team. Together, they help you meet the admission requirements and feel confident on day one. Student Success Spotlight: Asma Azizi Asma moved to Canada after finishing high school abroad. English was new, and the path ahead looked long: two years of ESL plus two more years of adult high school. She almost gave up on her dream. Then she learned about the Academic Upgrading Program at Durham College. She booked an online appointment, met with the team, and started the right ACE courses for her goal. Asma found supportive teachers who explained everything clearly. She rebuilt her skills step by step—in ACE Communications, Math, Chemistry, and Biology—and her confidence grew. Her hard work paid off. With the help of caring staff and teachers, Asma met the program requirements and earned an offer to the Dental Hygiene program. “When I was lost in the middle of my journey, they lit the way and walked with me. I’m forever grateful to Meagan, my teachers, and the entire Upgrading team.” Asma’s journey shows what’s possible when you get the right plan and the right support. ACE Pathways to Skilled Trades Best ACE courses to take: ACE Apprenticeship Math (Grade 12 equivalent – MAP4C) ACE Communications (Grade 12 equivalent – ENG4C) ACE Self-Management Example college programs: Plumbing, Welding, Automotive, Electrical Techniques. Why these courses matter: Trades use technical math every day for reading measurements, figuring out angles, calculating materials, and passing apprenticeship entrance tests. Communications helps with safety docs and job site instructions. Self-Management builds positive habits, time management, and teamwork, all key skills for success on the job and in trade exams. Bottom line: Upgrading gives you the math confidence to start strong and keep going. ACE Pathways to Technology Programs Best ACE courses to take: ACE Computer Foundations ACE Apprenticeship Math (MAP4C) ACE Communications (Grade 12 equivalent – ENG4C) Example college programs: Computer Systems Technician, IT Support, Engineering Technician, Business Technology. Why these courses matter: Tech programs want problem-solving, comfort with digital tools, and clear written communication. Computer Foundations gets you ready for software used in class. Apprenticeship Math helps with logic, formulas, and data. ACE Communications helps you write clear emails, tickets, and reports: universally applicable skills that employers notice. How to Know Which Courses You Need Pick your goal. Choose the post-secondary program you want (health, trades, or tech). Check the admission requirements. Look at what your target post-secondary institution asks for in terms of pre-requisite courses. Compare the courses Durham College offers with the high school equivalency credits you are required to have.. Complete the placement test. When you’re ready to fill out the application to the Academic Upgrading program, the placement test helps us place you in the right ACE courses. Get your course plan. Once you’re enrolled, we can help to map the exact courses you need, in the right order, on a realistic timeline. Why Choose Academic Upgrading Instead of Adult High School? Shorter path to your goal Adult high school often means taking a full set of credits. With Durham College’s Academic Upgrading program, you take only the upgrading courses you need to meet admission requirements for your post-secondary program. That saves time and keeps you focused. Grade 12 equivalency without the full diploma You don’t need to redo high school to move forward. ACE (Academic and Career Entrance) C-level courses provide Grade 12 equivalency credits accepted by many post-secondary institutions in Ontario for career entrance programs. Take the specific academic upgrading course (like Communications, Biology, Chemistry, or Apprenticeship Math) that your target program asks for. Tuition-free (funded by Employment Ontario) Academic Upgrading is tuition-free for eligible learners through Employment Ontario. That means you can upgrade your academic skills without worrying about course fees. Bonus: Limited Training and Support Allowance Funds may help with childcare or transportation if you qualify. In-person, supportive learning at the Oshawa campus All classes are in-person at Durham College’s Oshawa campus—no online option—so you get face-to-face teaching, hands-on help, and a real campus community. Many mature students find that learning is easier when they can ask questions in the room. Built for adult learners Small, friendly classes. Qualified professors who understand that many students are returning to school after time away. You’ll practice real tasks—reading, writing, math, computer skills—that connect directly to college and work. Tutors and extra help are available. Flexible, part-time structure Academic Upgrading is considered part-time, even if you take up to four courses per semester. That makes it easier to balance all your responsibilities with work, family, and school. Personal course plan based on a placement test You’ll complete a placement test so we can place you in the right level. After you enroll, Academic Upgrading Student Advisors help you choose the exact ACE courses to meet your goal and map out a clear timeline. (Not enrolled yet? Email the AU office at academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca with questions. Advisors connect with you once you’re enrolled.) Direct line to college programs Because you’re already on a college campus, you’ll hear about program offers, deadlines, and supports right away. Your ACE results can help you register for the post-secondary program you want—health, apprenticeship/trades, or tech—without taking unneeded classes. Quick Program Planner Health goal (e.g., Practical Nursing, Dental Hygiene): Start with ACE Communications, ACE Biology, ACE Chemistry. Skilled Trades goal (e.g., Electrical Techniques, Welding, Plumbing, Automotive): Start with ACE Apprenticeship Math, ACE Communications, ACE Self-Management. Technology goal (e.g., IT Support, Engineering Technician, Business Tech): Start with ACE Computer Foundations, ACE Apprenticeship Math, ACE Communications. Note: Exact admission requirements vary by program and school. Your plan may include other ACE courses based on your placement test and goals. Whether your path is health, trades, or tech, ACE courses give you the missing credits and academic skills to qualify for college and thrive. Remember Asma’s story. She started unsure and finished with an offer to the Dental Hygiene program. If she can do it, you can too! Ready to start? Fill out the Academic Upgrading Application Form today. Take the first step. Your future is closer than you think. SHARE:
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