Manitoba's school boards have one purpose: to provide our students with the best schools possible.
School boards provide students with increased access to learning resources such as computers, and ensure that students and teachers have the training they need to unleash the potential of these resources.
Students need more than specific skills and abilities to succeed in their future careers; they also require positive habits and attitudes. The Career Preparation and Exploration Program in The Rolling River School Division provides just such a wide focus in its efforts to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
The program began more than ten years ago as a school initiated course coordinated by school principals. Since then, the program has grown, and is now overseen by two permanent coordinators. It includes work placements for grades 11 and 12 students, and the participation of grade 9 students in the annual “Take Our Kids to Work Day.” At present, a pilot project is extending work placements to grade 10 students.
The program has proven to benefit not only students, but also the school as a whole, participating employers, and the general community. Students are better able to relate their education to career interests, and tend to think more about the choices they will have to make to meet their career and life goals. Students also gain valuable work experience, and are more likely to remain in school, while at the same time developing confidence, leadership abilities, and social skills. The program helps schools stay current with trends in business, which means it is better able to meet the training needs of the community. Employers are given an opportunity to play an active role in the school program, while at the same time exposing their business or industry to potential future employees. The community benefits through closer cooperation with the school, and as students grow to understand their roles and responsibilities as contributing community members.
For further information about the Career Preparation and Exploration Program in The Rolling River School Division, contact Assistant Superintendent Marg Janssen at 204.867.2754, or via e-mail at mjanssen@rrsd.mb.ca.