WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
The Work Experience Program ( WEP ) provides students with the opportunity to transition from secondary school to the world of work or further education through real-world , unpaid placements in the community . These placements are designed to give students a minimum of 20 hours of workplace experience , which may include a mix of job shadowing and hands-on tasks . Placements may be in-person , virtual , or hybrid , allowing students to gain insights into workplace expectations , explore career interests , and develop transferable skills essential for success in any field .
Students in grades 11 and 12 have two options for securing a placement :
• CHS-Provided Employers : Students can select from a list of pre-arranged employers who have partnered with CHS to support student development .
• Customized Placement : Students may tailor their placement by identifying their own area of interest and working with the Manager of Work Integrated Learning to utilize their network , leverage connections , and practice cold calls to secure a suitable opportunity .
While placements provide an invaluable opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom , they are not guaranteed due to limited availability , employer capacity , alignment with student interests , and unforeseen circumstances . Students and families are encouraged to approach this incredible opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the challenges and rewards of reallife internship experiences .
Applications open in early fall , and space is limited . If the number of applicants exceeds capacity , a lottery system will be used to select participants . The program requires students to submit a resume , complete an in-house WorkSafeBC Assessment , and commit time during school hours and / or vacation periods . Successful participants will receive a certificate for their completed hours and , if their placement is successful , a reference letter from the Manager of Work Integrated Learning .
Through the program , students will :
• Gain first hand exposure to workplace environments , responsibilities , and career pathways .
• Build essential workplace habits , including professionalism , flexibility , and adaptability to change .
• Develop employability skills such as communication , teamwork , and problemsolving .
• Explore the realities of different industries and potential career sectors .
• Strengthen confidence , self-direction , and independence .
• Placements can also fulfill the 30-hour graduation requirement and provide a foundation for further career exploration .
CAREER EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE : FAQ
Is Career Education mandatory ?
Yes , this is a BC Ministry of Education mandated course from K-12 , across all schools in BC , and the completion of these courses is a requirement for graduation .
How is Career Education delivered at Crofton House School ?
Career Education is delivered during Extend Advisory Thursdays ( EATh ) over one semester in Grades 8 and 9 . In Grade 10 , Career-Life Education is a term course , paired with an elective in the opposite term . In Grade 11 , the second half of Career-Life Education is delivered in a year-long course interspersed with study blocks ; the same format follows for Career-Life Connections in Grade 12 , with ample time in study blocks devoted to PSI applications .
78