Workplaces Get Ready for Take Our Kids to Work Day

Your shadow may not be your own on Wednesday, Nov. 6, if you are one of many Nova Scotians helping Grade 9 students research career options on Take Our Kids to Work Day.

Almost 11,000 Grade 9 students from more than 109 schools will invade Nova Scotia workplaces to job-shadow a parent, friend, relative or volunteer host on this annual exploration of the world of work.

The national program gives students an opportunity to learn about work and to explore the link between school and careers.

"Grade 9 is an opportune time for students to see the practical side of what they have learned in school," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "Discovering that a real link exists between education and a career is a valuable lesson to learn at this stage in life."

Take Our Kids to Work Day targets Grade 9 students because they are on the verge of making course choices that will affect their future education and job opportunities. In Nova Scotia, the curriculum includes career education at this level.

Hannah Sarrouy, a student at Clayton Park Junior High, is excited to spend the day with a member of the Halifax Regional Police.

"I don't think I'll learn everything about being a police officer, but if I like it, I might consider it as a career," said Hannah. "I expect there will be a big difference between what the job is like in the movies and what's it's really like every day."

As the program's provincial sponsor, the Department of Education co-ordinates school participation and provides training and resources. Teachers spend considerable time in the classroom before the day, preparing the students and helping them make the most of it. The following day, students are encouraged to assess and reflect on their experiences as part of an educational unit on careers.

Take Our Kids to Work was launched in 1994, and has been a national program since 1998.