Students across Canada are taking a break from classes today and joining the workforce for a lesson on what the future may hold for them. More than 40 students from schools across the Island joined government employees at their work sites today as part of Take Our Kids to Work Day.
"Take Our Kids to Work Day is a great way for parents, students and employers to educate youth about career choices and the world of work," said Education Minister Mildred Dover. "Well educated and skilled workers are in greater demand than ever before. We are pleased to help Island students explore career opportunities through this job shadowing program, and other school-based career promotion initiatives," she said.
Provincial Treasurer Mitch Murphy said the day is also a great opportunity to promote career opportunities in the provincial civil service. "Government has immediate needs in several areas such as health care. Over the next ten years, as many people retire, there will be even more opportunities for young people to work in government. Take Our Kids to Work Day is an excellent opportunity to help students understand how government works, and to encourage them to consider a rewarding career in the provincial public service," said Minister Murphy.
Take Our Kids to Work was introduced in 1994 by The Learning Partnership to help grade 9 and 10 students connect school, the world of work and their own futures. Since then, more than one million students and 75,000 workplaces have participated in the program in every province and territory. Students have said that the experience helps them realize how many choices they have in the future, while workplaces feel the program is a great opportunity to become involved in their community while providing students with an important insight into the world of work.
The Learning Partnership is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing together business, education, government, labour, policy makers and the community to develop partnerships that strengthen public education in Canada.