Vanier Collegiate teacher Christa Lapointe has taught business classes for years and knows that one program has helped students better define the career they want after graduation.
The high school offers the Career Work Exploration program for students in grades 11 and 12 during the second semester of the year. The class enables youths to acquire connections in the workforce and test areas that interest them.
The program is split into two halves, Lapointe explained, with students spending the first two months in the classroom and the last two months working.
Students focus on employment preparation during the first two months, including cover letters, resumés, mock interviews, career aptitude tests, research into labour market data and demographics, and industry trends.
“And just really trying to help the students learn more about themselves and what they enjoy. And then connecting that with opportunities into the world of work and transitioning out of high school,” said Lapointe.
Furthermore, they learn about Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices, including becoming certified in areas such as WHMIS or first aid and CPR. Students can use this training to “beef up” their resumés and gain certification the industry wants.
“So, it’s really useful that way for them to broaden their horizons to try new things,” she said.
Once the first half finishes, Lapointe works with employers to complete the necessary paperwork and workplace agreements that set out everyone’s roles, responsibilities and expectations. She also reviews job risks and the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
Once that has occurred, the student and the employer create a work schedule.
For example, Lapointe’s daughter took the program and worked with a plumbing company. During the Easter break, she worked full days several days a week, while during the school week, she worked in the afternoon.
“We want something that works for both the employer and the student … ,” said Lapointe, noting this is a non-paid work term. “The businesses I work with are always willing to help out to give these students a chance to learn more about careers and employment opportunities that are right here in our backyard.”
The class’s second half sees students spending 50 to 60 hours on the work placement. Lapointe noted that some students have acquired their first entry-level jobs during this phase, while others have used it to determine what they want to do in or after university/college.
“I definitely encourage students to take this class because it’s different than a traditional class, where you’re in the classroom all the time,” she said.
While students perform the front-end work at the beginning, the benefit comes when they start working and can network, connect, perform job interviews, acquire job experience and test whether they like an industry.
Some students thoroughly enjoy their job placements, while others appreciate the experience but realize they want to do something different, Lapointe continued. Regardless of the outcome, there is something special about being on the job site and learning from professionals or tradespeople with decades of experience.
“It’s a great two-way street because employers get a chance to share their love and passion and the students get a chance to test things out before they really make some big life decisions … ,” she said.
This program is great for students to challenge themselves, do something new and leave their comfort zones, Lapointe added. It also makes their education more relevant and meaningful since they are motivated to discover what they want in a career.
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