SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A new work experience program offered at Sir John Franklin High School allows students to work to obtain credits while getting paid.

Travis Fowler, a Grade 12 student at Sir John Franklin High School, works at Staples as part of the work experience program. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

"Some students struggle with the academics and structure of the school, and they seem to have more success in the work world," said Greg Skauge, head of Career and Technology Studies at the school.

"This program allows them an alternate way for them to attain credits towards graduation, while focusing on the required course in the school setting."

The program, launched in December, allows students to obtain up to 15 credits toward the 100 credits needed to graduate high school. For every 25 hours that students work on the job, they can earn one credit.

Skauge said the program is similar to those that have been in use in Alberta for years.

Morgan Ranseth, a Grade 12 student of Sir John who has a placement at Bootlegger, a clothing retailer, said she wouldn't have been able to graduate without the program.

"This is a great way to offer the students a chance to graduate high school," said Ranseth.

Travis Fowler started the work experience program at Staples this semester, where he is now working full-time.

"The program is great," the Grade 12 student said. "It's a way to gain credits while I'm working."

Fowler plans to enrol for studies at Grande Prairie Regional College next August for small engine repair.

He said the program not only helps him gain credits for graduation but allows him to save up money for his tuition.

The credits appear on the students transcripts as "off campus education credits," which maybe accepted at colleges or universities depending on the program or course they choose to enrol in said Skauge.

Some 50 students are now signed up for the work experience program. Other businesses involved in the program include Wal-Mart, Jade Garden, and Yk Motors' gas station.

Students must already have a job when they register for the program, and must then co-ordinate with parents, their work supervisor and career counsellor to identify learning outcomes they hope to achieve from the program.

Students must hand their time sheets every week, documenting their hours worked and the learning outcomes they have worked on.

A final mark is given based on employer evaluation, journal assignments, job maintenance assignment, and time sheet documentation.

"It gets kids interested in a field that they might partake later on in life and consider as a career," said Metro Huculak, superintendent of education for Yk1.