LAC LA BICHE - High school is about hitting the books and studying, but it’s also a time for young people to decide what paths they will be taking with regards to their future careers.
On Nov. 6, around 120 Grade 9 students from JA Williams (JAWS) High School in Lac La Biche will be out of the classroom spending the day with parents and caretakers at their places of employment as part of the ‘Take Our Kids to Work Day’ program. The campaign is nationwide and provides teens with experience in a real-life work setting.
JAWS Principal Sam Abougouche said the program is very important for youngsters as it provides them with an opportunity to explore careers. Grade 9, he continued, is the year before students start studying for their senior classes in grades 10, 11, and 12, and is also a time for them to prepare for life after high school.
“It just gives them a glimpse into what an actual workday looks like outside of school,” he told Lakeland This Week, adding that JAWS students participate in the program annually. He said the program is provided with support from the province of Alberta.
Prior to the annual event school officials send information home and ask parents to make arrangements with their employers to have their kids come into work that day.
For everyone
Students who don’t have a work placement, Abougouche explained, will still be able to learn about careers and jobs through virtual experiences.
“The province provides different online activities to give them a glimpse into what that work world will look like,” he said.
Students in the participating classes have had permission forms an information sent home with them.