WORK EXPERIENCE
Work Experience is intended to assist in preparing students for the transition from secondary school to the world of work or further education and training . The community becomes the classroom where students gain knowledge and experience about the workplace and are provided with a frame of reference to review their career development goals . By extending education beyond the school , students will be able to use their experiences to reflect upon possible career directions . By accessing a wide and varied scope of work experience opportunities in the community , students :
• Develop a better understanding of effective work habits and the importance of flexibility in dealing with change and challenge in the workplace .
• Gain an understanding and appreciation of work .
• Begin to understand the transferable skills and general attributes that all career sector employers desire in their employees .
• Appreciate the need to develop the selfreliance , self-direction , and confidence necessary for effective teamwork , lifelong learning , and workplace success .
• Develop employability and job readiness skills required to access and meet the standards of the workplace .
Students may complete the optional work experience placements in their grade 11 or 12 years . These placements are facilitated through the Work Experience Facilitator and require a current resume , an intake and exit interview , and commitment of time during school hours and vacation periods . Successful candidates are granted a certificate for the hours committed to the experience , and a reference letter from their employer or the Work Experience Facilitator . Information applying to the work experience program is sent individually to students via MySchool announcements in early fall for applications for all intakes - Winter , Spring , and Summer . Additional information is provided through assemblies , morning announcements , Career Education classes , and is also available through the Work Placement Facilitator directly .
If you are a community member who is interested in supporting the Work Experience Program by hosting a student intern , please contact the Work Experience Program Facilitator for more information .
Career placement opportunities are available for students within a wide variety of career sectors . This allows students to combine an interest in a career sector with an enriched and optional work experience component . These placements can count towards the required 30-hour component for graduation , but more importantly , are an excellent venue to explore the realities of a given workplace and to gain relevant work experience in an area of interest . Students may apply on a first-come first-served basis for placements as there are a limited number of placements available during each school vacation period .
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