.

Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

BAKER LAKE - Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school continues to build upon the Take Our Kids to Work Program it began in late 2008.

The Canada-wide program helps students make connections between school, the workplace and their future.

Molly Parker spent a day working at the Northern store recently as part of the Take Our Kids to Work Program at Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school in Baker Lake. - photo courtesy of Rebecca O'Keefe

They also gain hands-on experience and complete authentic career exploration during their time on the job.

Rod Forsey and Rebecca O'Keefe co-ordinate the program at the school. O'Keefe said prior to being placed, students complete surveys to rank where they are most interested in visiting. She said the Baker students were lucky to have a wide selection of careers available for them to sample.

"Their choices included heavy-duty equipment mechanics, large equipment operation, government services, retail services, community services, education, child care and transportation services," said O'Keefe. "The majority of our students were placed in their first or second choice.

"This was also a great opportunity for employers to promote student interest in their field of expertise."

The program saw 46 Grade 9 students spend one day on the job, and 18 Grade 10 students visit local businesses for two days. The students reflected upon their experiences after they returned, and O'Keefe said most wished it could have been longer.

Local employers also had a chance to provide feedback and had many positive things to say, O'Keefe said.

"They were impressed with the level of co-operation, work ethic and helpfulness displayed by the students. We held a luncheon for the employers, during which we presented them with a certificate of appreciation and discussed new ideas and extensions for the program in the coming months.

"The employers shared valuable insights and suggestions for the developing program, and felt a longer experience would be beneficial. A prior orientation would give them a chance to share background information on the purpose of the business, why it would be a good career choice and its educational requirements."

O'Keefe said a follow-up meeting was also discussed, which would allow students to communicate to the business what knowledge, skills and attitudes they learned during their placement.

She said the Grade 10 employers felt an extended work placement would provide an even better opportunity for students to fully understand the world of work and the possible career options available in it.

"We had 25 local businesses agree to participate in this endeavour.

"Aside from the work placement they provided, many also provided transportation to and from the workplace, prepared student lunches and gave souvenirs to the participants.

"Baker's entire business community rallied to show strong support for the youth, who are our future employers and employees."