Career Programs Work Experience

1. Career ProgramsWork Experience 30 Hours option: A compulsory graduation requirement, students can receive credit for paid work or volunteer work. Students sometimes have difficulty finding volunteer work and can receive work experience arranged by a Career Advisor. Alpha’s Career Centre provides Work Experience opportunities for Grade 11 and Grade 12 students and links this experience to a chosen career. Students choose between 30 and 90 Hour options. The 90 Hours option is an elective course which provides students with 4 course credits. The difference between 30 and 90 Hour options are listed below.

2. 90 Hours Option: This is an elective course worth 4 credits, volunteer work only and students must choose a focus area. Students complete 90 Hours of work experience in their Grade 11 and 12 year which is split into two 45 hour placements and students complete an Employability Skills Profile assignment. The 90 hours of Work Experience Program satisfies the 30 Hours graduation requirement.

3. Career Programs – Focus Areas Business and Applied Business – XA Fine Arts, Design and Media – XB Fitness and Recreation – XC Health and Human Services – XD Liberal Arts – XE Sciences – XF Tourism – XG Trades - XH

4. Sample Occupation Options Matched to Focus Areas • Sciences & Applied Sciences – XF • Engineer, architect, physicist, chemist, biologist, environmentalist, meteorologist, geologist, mathematician, computer programmer, aviation pilot, air traffic controller, aviation mechanic • Tourism, Hospitality & Foods - XG • Tourism information counsellor, hotel manager, concierge, server, chef, baker, bartender, catering company owner/manager, flight attendant, tour guide, campground operator, hunting and fishing guide • Trades & Technology – XH • Plumber, carpenter, cabinet maker, roofer, contractor, insulator, electrician, security/alarm installer, aircraft maintenance engineer, machinist, welder, communications repair technician, heavy equipment operator/mechanic, motor vehicle mechanic, auto body repair and refinisher Business & Applied Business – XA • Accountant, secretary, banker, stockbroker, realtor, insurance agent, hairdresser, cosmetician Fine Arts, Design & Media – XB • Artist, photographer, actor, set designer, film director, musician, choreographer, interior designer, animator, game developer, web page designer, graphic artist, fashion designer Fitness & Recreation – XC • Athlete, coach, referee, trainer, community recreation coordinator Health & Human Services - XD • Doctor, nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, veterinarian, optometrist, chiropractor, dentist, dental assistant, dieticians, physiotherapists, medical/dental lab technicians, teacher, counsellor, psychologist, firefighter, lawyer, police officer, security guard Liberal Arts & Humanities – XE • Anthropologist, sociologist, archaeologist, historian, geographer, journalist, archivist, librarian, linguist, government public service

5. Semester?? • Students with a Work Experience block in the second semester MUST meet with a Career Advisor in the first week of November to complete his/her first placement. • DO NOT wait until January to complete 90 hours of Work Experience!! • The Career Centre will emphasize creating placements once or twice a week for multiple weeks in order to minimize class disruption.

6. Advantages of Work Experience Programs Work experience provides students a chance to learn about specific choices. Students make valuable career contacts that assist with planning his/her career or gaining insight entry into a chosen field of employment in the future. Work Experience supervisors provide an evaluation. Reference that can be added to a student’s resume. There is a strong possibility that the work experience site will offer a student future paid employment.

7. For more information about Career Programs, ACE – IT and SSA programs, please visit our Burnaby District’s website – http://sd41.bc.ca/programs/career/

8. ACE – IT / Industry Connect / Industry Certification / SSA ACE IT is an industry training program for high school students. Through an ACE IT program, you can take courses that will give you both high school graduation credits and a head start towards completion of an apprenticeship program. ACE IT programs are developed and offered as partnerships between school districts ad post-secondary institutions, and classes are often taught at colleges. Once you successfully complete an ACE IT program you’ll get credit for at least level one of the technical training ( in-class) component of your Industry training Program. And through work experience placements that are usually part of the program, you’ll get credit towards the on-the-job component of your training as well. Or, enrol in both ACE – IT and the Secondary School Apprenticeship program and you’ll be well on your way to completing your first year of post-secondary education by the time you graduate from high school.

9. ACE - IT Program Options: Auto Collision Repair Auto Refinishing and Preparation Auto Service Technician Cabinet Making Carpentry Construction Electrician Cook Training Hairdresser Landscape Design & Management Plumbing Steel Fabrication Warehouse person

10. Industry Connect Options: Film and Broadcasting Graphic/Media Arts

11. Industry Certification Options: Computer Support Options Fitness Leadership Hospitality Management

12. Alpha’s Apprenticeship Program The secondary School Apprentice ship Program (SSA) provides Grade 10, 11, and 12 students with a tremendous opportunity to receive a minimum of 480 hours of paid, on-the-job training. An apprenticeship involves a formal agreement between a student, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) and an employer/union whereby the student learns current skills and knowledge associated with a trade or occupation under the supervision of a qualified journey person.

13. Please check the School District’s website for the latest in Programs of Choice offerings at www.sd41.bc.ca