Grade 9 students will take part in the national Take Our Kids to Work program Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Students spend the day at the workplace of a parent, relative, friend or volunteer host, witnessing first-hand the world of work, prompting early career planning, and enabling students to make informed decisions about their future goals and endeavours.
The event also gives parents the opportunity to discuss career prospects with their children, and allows businesses to share knowledge, experience and advice around education, career choices and relevant skills required in today’s workplace.
“Grade 9 students will experience the world of work and the variety of career opportunities that await them,” said Rainbow District School Board chair Doreen Dewar, in a press release.
“We thank area businesses for opening their doors and welcoming our students into their places of work.”
Take Our Kids to Work benefits students in many ways.
“When students make the connection between the classroom and the world of work, they understand the importance of staying in school and getting a secondary school diploma,” said Norm Blaseg, the Rainbow board's director of education. “They learn first-hand about the skills required in today’s workplace and get to explore career options alongside a parent or friend.
“Local employers have an important role to play in preparing their future workforce. It’s a role they take seriously, evident by strong community support for Co-operative Education, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, the Specialist High Skills Majors and other experiential learning opportunities such as the Take Our Kids to Work program.
“The day will serve as a catalyst to engage students in career discussions with adults in a variety of fields.”
The Learning Partnership, a national not-for-profit organization, sponsors Take Our Kids to Work. Now in its 24th year, the program provides Grade 9 students with the opportunity to experience and learn about the world of work as they begin to explore possible career paths.
More than 250,000 Grade 9 students and at least 75,000 businesses and organizations nationwide participate in Take Our Kids to Work day annually.
The Learning Partnership began running this program in 1994 in Ontario and it has since grown into a national program that reaches students in all provinces and territories across the country.
Students can obtain more information about Take Our Kids to Work at area Rainbow secondary schools. Parents of participating students will be required to complete and sign a consent form.
Parents should check with employers about any age restrictions for placement. Employers are encouraged to identify any specific cautions or information that students will need to know about ahead of time to ensure a safe workplace visit.
All Grade 9 students will receive Workplace Health and Safety awareness training in preparation for their day out in the world of work.
