Fast Forward is a unique diploma granting program (OSSD) focusing on preparing students for the workplace. The program is designed to develop students’ literacy and numeracy skills in addition to their learning skills and employability skills necessary to be successful in a work environment.  Students’ preparation for employment includes a variety of opportunities for work-related learning experiences.

The Fast Forward Program meets the needs of a student who:

  • Has experienced challenges with literacy and/or numeracy for a significant period of time;
  • Is academically 2-4 years out of phase;
  • Has had significant accommodations or modifications to their elementary school program;
  • Has an Individual Education Plan (IEP)

Students in the Fast Forward program benefit from the opportunity to:

  • Earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Improve their reading, writing and mathematical skills and gain greater confidence as a learner
  • Develop their learning skills and employability skills
  • Build an Employment Portfolio
  • Participate in work-related learning experiences (e.g. Co-op, Career Days, Employment Fair, team-building activities, etc.)
  • Earn certificates recognized by local employers (e.g. Safe Food Handling, WHMIS, WRDSB Sector Certificates, etc.)

Fast Forward provides a variety of programs, each one connecting the secondary school experience to a specific industry or sector.  The Fast Forward Program and associated sectors are available at the following Waterloo Region District School Board secondary schools.

Cambridge

Glenview Park Secondary School
(519) 621-9510
Sectors: Construction Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, Landscape & Horticulture, Personal Care Services, Retail & Business Support Services, Transportation Technology
Jacob Hespeler Secondary School
(519) 658-4910
Sectors: Construction Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, Retail & Business Support Services, Transportation Technology

Kitchener

Grand River Collegiate Institute
(519) 576-5100
Sectors: Construction Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, Transportation
Technology
Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School
(519) 745-6851
Sectors: Construction Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, Landscape & Horticulture, Manufacturing, Personal Care Services, Transportation Technology

Waterloo/Woolwich/Wilmot

Laurel Heights Secondary School
(519) 880-9979
Sectors: Construction Technology, Hospitality & Tourism, Retail & Business Support Services, Transportation Technology