Career Education – A person’s career is considered their “journey” through life, and the Career Education curriculum offers students the opportunity to pursue this journey in personally meaningful and goal-oriented ways. All courses introduce students to career exploration, education planning and personal development as students work to build digital portfolio’s that document their growth in  each of the respective areas.

CAREER EDUCATION 8   

Career Education 8 is delivered through a series of assignments related to the grade 8 applied skills and fine arts courses. The big ideas of the course focus on the themes of personal development, connections to the community as well as life and career planning.

CAREER EDUCATION 9  

Career Education 9 is delivered through a series of assignments integrated into the subject areas of English, Social Studies, Science and Math. The big ideas of the course focus on the themes of personal development, connections to the community as well as life and career planning.

CAREER LIFE EDUCATION 10

This course assists students to become self-directed individuals capable of setting goals and making appropriate decisions. The course is required for graduation. In this course students will:

• Consider the impact of career choices on themselves and others
• Recognize the need for a healthy balance between school and other life activities for physical and    mental well-being
• Explore diverse perspectives on how work contributes to community and society
• Be exposed to social and economic trends along with labour market information to create awareness about potential career paths and life decisions
• Research career and education pathways considering success will require planning, evaluation and adapting.
• Create an initial career and education plan considering financial implications

CAREER LIFE CONNECTIONS 11

This course is a 2 credit course required for graduation. CLC 11 takes place during Flexible Instructional Time with an assigned teacher. The big ideas of the course focus on applying personal career-life management knowledge, skills, and strategies to one’s own personal life journey. This course is designed to complement the Career Life Connections 12 course as students continue to explore their futures and start to envision a plan for success beyond high school.

CAREER LIFE CONNECTIONS 12 (Capstone)

CLC 12 / Capstone is a 2 credit course required for graduation. CLC 12 builds on the concepts learned through Career Life Connections 11 and culminates in a project, presentation or performance that allows students the opportunity to consolidate and showcase their learning from their school and life experience into a meaningful and relevant product.  The capstone includes, but is not limited to, two stages. Through the preparation process – students reflect on experiences in school and out of school, assess development of the Core Competencies, and share highlights of their learning journey. This process culminates with the  capstone product, whereby students design, assemble, and present a capstone. The purpose is for students to demonstrate the knowledge, competencies, and motivations that they can offer the world, as they integrate personal interests and strengths with preferred future possibilities.

WORK EXPERIENCE 12A AND 12B 

Work Experience allows students the opportunity to connect what they learn in school with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed in the workplace. Students will be expected to complete 100 – 120 hours of work experience, which includes in-school time spent on specific workplace orientation and workplace safety instruction, as well as curriculum and hours worked / volunteered at a particular placement. The Work Experience teacher will prepare the student for the placement by covering the following areas:

• Workplace safety
• Employability skills
• Resume writing and interview skills
• Interpersonal communication skills

Following the classroom sessions, students are expected to complete the remaining hours at an appropriate work placement.

YOUTH WORK IN TRADES (formerly Secondary School Apprenticeship)

This program allows for dual credit for graduation and with the ITA (Industry Training Authority). This series of courses is intended for students who are interested in starting an apprenticeship in a recognized trade or field.  Students can receive 4 credits for each 120 hours of paid work. Students may receive up to 16 credits while attending secondary school. Some students in this program may find that they are in the workplace for half of their school schedule but this is not required to participate in the program. While enrolled in the program students will attend some classes with the assigned teacher and be responsible for maintaining contact throughout the year. Students must secure a paid job with a certified employer and then register. The assigned teacher can assist with this process, but it is recommended that parents or guardian are involved in the initial steps of this program enrolment. More information about this option can also be found at www.itabc.ca

YOUTH TRAIN IN TRADES – CARPENTRY (formerly ACE-IT Carpentry)

This is a dual-credit program which means students receive 16 credits (4 courses) towards high school graduation in addition to ITA (Industry Training Authority) approved Level 1 Carpentry training. This technical training is typically done at a post-secondary institution with associated tuition and materials costs but this program is offered to high school students for significantly reduced costs because it is part of their Graduation Program. Each student is registered as a trainee with the ITA. This program is for students who are keenly interested in acquiring industry recognized skills and certification in carpentry and construction. This intensive program would allow students to focus on learning carpentry skills by undertaking the first level of technical training required to pursue a Carpentry Apprenticeship.

The Youth Train in Trades and subsequent Youth Work in Trades program is a desirable career path that enables students to pursue opportunities in carpentry and related trades. It also provides a beneficial path toward further technical training, advanced post-secondary programs and university degrees. The program will be offered at West Vancouver Secondary School every second day by a teacher who is a Red Seal Carpenter, during the regular school day. Students will receive credit towards 4 courses.

Students will also write the industry recognized certification exam. Dedicated students will have the opportunity to receive valuable work experience.

This program is available to Grade 11 and 12 students who have displayed an interest in carpentry. There is an application process that must be completed by all candidates to be considered for this special program. The application is available from Stewart Baker, who can be contacted at sbaker@wvschools.ca. The application will also be available in all West Vancouver School Careers Centres. A passionate grade 10 student may be considered for this program under certain circumstances.

For more information visit Youth Train in Trades