Career Programs provide an opportunity for students, teachers, employers, parents and community organizations to co-operate in achieving one very important goal: preparing youth for their future.
EMPLOYERS
Please contact a career advisor at one of our three secondary schools to learn more about opportunities to partner with students seeking work experience opportunities.
What are Career Programs?
These programs provide students with opportunities to enhance their understanding of various career options. Students will:
- Build closer associations with working adults who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise;
- Develop job skills and gain important practical experience;
- Explore a variety of potential career options by assessing their abilities and interests in a specific field;
- Acquire confidence and self-reliance in preparation for further education or future employment;
- Enhance in-school curriculum by relating the classroom instruction to the relevant work environments.
How can students participate?
The level of involvement is up to you!
Preparation and Selection:
Students should contact their home school Career Programs office to schedule an appointment with a Career Program Advisor.
Rockridge Secondary School: 604.981.1300
Sentinel Secondary School: 604.981.1130
West Vancouver Secondary School: 604.981.1100
Students will meet with an Advisor to determine which of the many types of programs and work experience options might be a good fit for their interests and post-secondary plans.
The Career Program Advisor will then work with the student to determine the best fit between the school and our various community employer partners.
Supervision of Work:
- Students are supervised by an employer or employee who is responsible for their on-the-job training
- The type of work the students do is determined by the employer/supervisor, the teacher and the student’s initiative
- Student progress is monitored by Career Program Advisor through contact with the supervisor at the placement site
How are the students prepared for placement?
- Students are interviewed by school staff to assess their interests/aptitudes
- Students complete pre-employment orientation consisting of interview skills, resume writing, site-safety awareness, various employment skill requirements, appropriate dress, etc.
- Students may be required to attend an interview with the employer prior to placement
Why get involved?
Strong, continuing partnerships are built between schools and community/employers so that students gain the knowledge and experience to make sound educational career decisions. Career development benefits employers and the community.
Employer Benefits
- Employers receive public recognition for their community service;
- They develop sources of potential employees who have relevant employment skills and on-the-job training;
- They provide a leadership role in our community by teaching a student skills that can be resourced in the future;
- They develop thier own employee supervisory and evaluation skills;
- They provide students with the opportunity to understand the link between their classroom-based learning and the world of employment;
- They can positively influence young people’s attitudes towards work.
Student Benefits
- Explore a variety of career choices to help make informed decisions about their future;
- Gain experience in a variety of work place situations;
- Develop awareness of personal qualities essential for success in post-secondary education and in the future workplace;
- Increase confidence and self-reliance, while improving employability skills
- Obtain references and contacts that may assist in further education and future career opportunities.
Community Benefits
- Enhance greater understanding between students and community employers;
- Promote awareness of job opportunities within our schools;
- Expand local partnerships with the education system.
