Grade 9 students trade books for work on Take Our Kids to Work Day
Over 1,200 Grade 9 students from across Hastings and Prince Edward counties are heading off to work today. They are participating in the annual Take Our Kids to Work Day, a one-day job shadow experience. All schools in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board are participating.

“Take Our Kids to Work Day is a valuable opportunity for youth. For many, it is the first time they can be part of a real working environment,” remarks Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board. “Whether the destination after high school is university, college, or the workforce, this program gives students a chance to see the work world first hand,” she adds.

The program began in the Toronto area in 1994. Through the support of The Learning Partnership and its various corporate sponsors the program was expanded to schools across the nation. Over one million students and 75,000 employers have taken part since 1994.

Students will have diverse experiences in a variety of settings. Examples are local agencies, institutions, manufacturing facilities, retail outlets, private businesses and clinics. They will observe people working as tradespersons, entrepreneurs and professionals.

“Most students will visit a parent’s workplace. Where this is not possible, schools have encouraged students and their parents to arrange alternative placements with relatives, neighbours or family friends. With the number of career options increasing, it is very important for students to begin to examine the range of workplace opportunities at an early age,” says Carolyn Ketcheson, Careers Coordinator.

The Ontario Curriculum includes a compulsory career education half credit in the Grade 10 year. This course exposes students to career information in a variety of job sectors. The course information is designed to assist students in planning for a post secondary destination. They are encouraged to select a pathway which matches their interests, skills and abilities.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving 18,900 students and employing 1,083 teachers. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

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For information contact :
• Carolyn Ketcheson, Careers Coordinator, 966-1170 x2352