WHAT IS THE WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM ABOUT?
Work experience provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of workplace situations to help prepare them for the transition to a work environment. Work experience also provides students with opportunities to explore their career path as well as working in areas they might not otherwise have access to. This 2-year pre-employment work experience program is a locally developed educational program specifically for students in grades 11 and 12. Students enroll in credit courses that are community-based work placements done with local businesses. There is a focus on jobs in trades and technology, but each student is encouraged to pursue their particular area of interest. These community-based courses allow students:
- An opportunity to gain training and experience while exploring a variety of career options
- To gain school credit in an alternative learning environment
- To develop employable skills valued in the workplace
- To build confidence and increase knowledge about expectations on the job
- To increase awareness of their specific interests, skills and values
- To clarify educational goals and develop a career focus
- An easier transition from school to post-secondary training or direct entry into the work environment
- To experience first hand the process of preparing for a job, including telephone and interview skills, writing business letters and developing resume.
HOW DOES THE WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM WORK?
Students are placed with an employer for about 20 days (100 hours) twice in grade 11 (fall term and spring term) and then twice in grade 12. These jobs are usually with different employers each time and may be incompletely different career directions. Upon successful completion of the 100 hour placement, and the necessary follow up activities in class, students will earn 4 credits toward their graduation. As well, there is an ongoing school-based component where students are involved in discussions, activities and assignments intended to support them as they explore various work environments. Students enrolled in these Work Experience Program Courses may earn a total of 16 credits required for graduation.
