New Video Promotes Options and Opportunities for Students

NOTE: A social-media version of this release with downloadable, hi-res photos, video and audio is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-08-26-student/ .

Teachers gathered in Dartmouth today, Aug. 26, for an Options and Opportunities (O2) workshop and to launch a new promotional video.

The video, produced by the Department of Education's Learning Resources and Technology Division, shows how the O2 program connects high school students with employers and offers them meaningful hands-on learning in schools and in the community.

"The great thing about Options and Opportunities is that students can see the paths that lead to a range of careers," said acting Education Minister John MacDonell. "This program helps government further its commitment to help prepare young Nova Scotians for good jobs that grow the economy.

"The O2 program would not be possible without the great work of our dedicated teachers."

O2 gives students opportunities to gain experience in a workplace and focus on career development. The program is ideal for students interested in building a career in arts, culture, recreation, business, health, human services, hospitality and tourism, information technology, trades and technologies.

High school students who participate in the program get hands-on experience in a career academy and increased opportunities for community-based learning such as co-op credits and short-term work placements.

In addition to learning in high school, O2 graduates are secured admission to the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), if that is the post-secondary option they choose.

"O2 has helped me in many ways. Not only has being in the program helped me find the right career path, it has also taught me valuable life skills," said Jessica Albert, an O2 graduate who is entering the culinary arts program at NSCC this fall. "By being part of O2 I was able to learn about my career choice and have different experiences that would help me in my future.

"The teachers were always there to encourage me to take another step forward."

Enrolment to the O2 program has quadrupled since the program was introduced in 2006–07. Forty-six schools offered the O2 program to 1,620 students across the province in 2009-2010, and enrolment is expected to increase in the new school year. The Department of Education provides support for O2 teachers and administrators, including professional learning opportunities, resources, and mentor services.

The new Options and Opportunities video is available at www.ednet.ns.ca/O2 .