Take your grade 9 student to work day is a national event, implemented in 1994. This is the annual tradition in which sons and daughters access the opportunity to shadow their parents and experience the realities and daily routines within a workplace. Students have the chance to accompany any trusted adult whose career interests them. This gives students an opportunity to choose from a variety of jobs to explore.
This custom was established to provide students with a slight understanding of a consistent work environment to better prepare them for their future responsibilities. It offers them examples of diverse careers, and how their contributions are necessary to a business, community, and even economy. It also grants students the opportunity to learn about different or specific professions they may consider pursuing.
This year, the Students Commission of Canada (SCC) ensured that all students had the chance to participate in this nationwide program by formulating virtual and in-person experiences. If students were incapable of visiting a workplace, they could access online meetings that individually focused and discussed specific careers. Some larger facilities had dedicated staff to prepare activities for the day that consisted of tours, goal setting, interactive conversation, and complimentary company merchandise. Other students spent the day shadowing whomever they accompanied and their colleagues, learning about routines, tasks, and expectations that must be completed within their position.
What students learned
“I never considered how many people contribute to a single building and how their work is essential to a company’s production and success.”- Grade 9 student.
“It’s very fast paced with a lot of hard workers”- Grade 9 student.
“There were a lot of jobs you could join in and ask questions of” and “Each meeting was very informative”- Grade 9 student (online)
Adults within the workplace
“It did help me select courses, especially in grade 11 it helped me pick electives”
– Teacher (Hospital)
“It helped me to choose my pathway in life because I knew I would be better suited for University” and “All in all, the experience was a great one and it is something that I remember even 25 years later.” -Teacher (Construction site)
“It showed me I didn’t want to do this, and I wanted to do something else.” and “It narrowed down my options.” – Student/Optometrist Assistant
“I learned the importance of building relationships and making sure my clientele continues to grow,” and “I will emphasize taking your child to work does help”
– Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Taking your kid to work day is an important event throughout a student’s career as it offers them insight into specific understandings, subjects and professions. Adults currently in the workplace still recall their own experiences on this day and how it supported them with their career choices. It provided them with information that helped confirm whether or not they were suitable for wherever they visited, and also learned valuable lessons about the commitment a job requires, how hard-working employees need to be, and other aspects that may correlate with their current professions.
Mentorship program:
Whilst the grade nines were off in the workplace, the stfx mentorship program planned an event, hosting grade 8 students from filler catholic elementary schools. Throughout the day, select mentors were in charge of either touring the students through the school, showcasing the servery, makerspace, and theatre, or running leadership activities in the gym. With the help of Rising Star Athletics and Education the students had access to interactive leadership activities to help bring them out of their comfort, and collaborate with the others around them. The activities in question required problem solving, communication and collaboration from the grade 8 students.
The purpose of this event is to help ease the transition from middle to high school in a fun and collective way. Introducing potential students is important because while the difference between elementary and secondary is grand, it’s crucial the students associate their future school in a positive and familiar light, and the mentors put great amounts of detailed effort in ensuring all students had a memorable time. Moreover the mentors succeeded in their goal of helping the students participate in leadership roles, and introducing them to school spirit early on.
Despite scheduling and time difficulties, the mentors ensured all the students had a commendable time with their current and future classmates and became familiar with their future school environment while pursuing collaborative activities. Thanks to the mentors organization and leadership, the event was an overall success.