Aim Higher 2004 Western Quebec School Board

Transcription

1 Aim Higher 2004 Western Quebec School Board Student Document Creating Workplace Learning Opportunities for Students September 2004 The Western Quebec School Board Kelly Butler 1

2 Contacts Kelly Butler Career Education Consultant Western Quebec Career Centre 100 Frank Robinson, Aylmer, Quebec, J9H 4A6 Tel: ext. 13, Fax: The Western Quebec School Board Kelly Butler 2

3 Aim-Higher Our Mission statement: Introduction The Aim Higher initiative has been developed to raise educational standards by building alliances of mutual benefit between education, business and the wider community. The program aims to equip students with the information and employability skills needed to make successful transitions from High School to Post-secondary education and/or the workforce. The Aim Higher work place learning initiative will provide all students with opportunities to participate in a variety of workplace situations. These experiences will help prepare you the student for the transition to a work/post-secondary education environment as you leave high school. Workplace learning experiences also provide you with opportunities to: Achieve Competencies in Personal and Career Planning. Apply the competencies learned in school with the skills and knowledge needed in the workplace and society in general. Experience both theoretical and applied learning. Explore a number of career directions that you have identified in your Personal Education Plan (PEP) so that you are better prepared for your post-secondary decisions. The purpose of this initiative is to enable you to gain experience through a variety of workplace learning opportunities. The type of experience will be negotiated between your school, the school community animator and business involved. The Aim Higher initiative will make career development an ongoing process throughout your school life. You will integrate personal, family, school, work and community experiences to facilitate your career and lifestyle choices. The school community animator, teachers or students will establish connections with local businesses. In turn the Aim Higher Initiative encourages businesses to: Present their business to you in the classroom/school. Offer field trip opportunities. Offer job shadow opportunities. Offer Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) programs. Offer work experience. Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) or Work Experience Two of the Aim Higher workplace learning components include Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) and work experience. Through SWL you will be expected to spend designated hours per week (to be negotiated between the business, community animator and yourself) working with a company building knowledge, competencies and key skills (see below). Work experience however, gives you the chance to observe The Western Quebec School Board Kelly Butler 3

4 employees in the workplace so you are able to get a general taste of the world of work through a brief period (one or two days). Competencies/Key Skills Developed through SWL While on work placement, you will build up a portfolio of work and develop competencies needed in everyday day life to help you to become successful in the future. These will include: Individual Competencies Communication and literacy Organizing and analyzing information Problem solving Using technology Completing activities Team Competencies Professionalism Interacting with others Understanding all aspects of the industry Personal and Professional Development Taking responsibility for career and life choices Participation Other key skills that will be addressed through the Aim Higher initiative include; critical thinking skills, information processing skills, enquiry skills and self-evaluation skills. The workplace supervisor (that will be identified by the business) will be responsible for evaluating the competencies/key skills you achieve. A simple check mark evaluation sheet will be provided by the community animator, for your workplace supervisor to use. As a participant in Aim Higher you will also be asked to identify what field of work you would like your experience to be in. Career clusters include: Career Clusters: Agriculture & Forestry Construction Manufacturing, Retail & Trade Transportation & Warehousing Information & Cultural Industries Financing & Insurance Real Estate Professional Scientific & Technical Services Management Companies & Enterprises Administrative & Support Educational Services Health Care & Social Care Arts Entertainment & Recreation Hotel & Food Services What Makes this Program Special The activities are real and not hypothetical. You will learn by doing. It will be hard work but very enjoyable and educational. The Western Quebec School Board Kelly Butler 4

5 You will learn more quickly and remember longer, because the work is based on practical learning experiences. School/Business Responsibilities Interviews will be given by the business and community animator to identify whether you are eligible for a work placement. There will be a signed contract between you, the school and the employer. This contract will state hours, expectations, areas of competence to be achieved, how the competencies/key skills will be achieved and assessment requirements for the Aim Higher initiative. The school coordinator (to be identified by the school) of Aim Higher will have ownership and a vision for each student. Coordinators will provide guidance/purpose/support for you to achieve success. A portfolio of work will be given to you by the community animator for you to complete. What is Expected of the Students/Business? You will be required to plan, structure and make the framework for your own placement. You will need to be able to justify why workplace learning will benefit you. You will be responsible for applying for and obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You will provide the community animator with a placement of interest. You will be interviewed by the community animator in order for you to be accepted for the Aim Higher initiative. You and the community animator will then attend an initial interview with the employer. You will provide a résumé to the potential employer prior to the interview. When you are accepted for the work placement the community animator and the employer will negotiate a contract for you. You will then be asked to participate in a formal workshop prior to the commencement of the work placement in preparation. The community animator will set the evaluation standards for the employer, student and the school. You must complete all requirements in your contract to achieve credits and/or recognition for the Aim Higher initiative. Support Structure A school coordinator and a workplace supervisor will be appointed to you. A formal workshop will be given before the beginning of the placement to prepare you for the workplace learning experience. You, the community animator, school coordinator, workplace supervisor and principal need to know and work towards the same goals. A support system will be in place throughout the work placement for you. You will be well informed of the program s expectations and how you can achieve success. The Western Quebec School Board Kelly Butler 5

6 Benefits for students You will have the opportunity to develop competencies relevant to the workplace, and that are required at entry level to the work force. You will gain knowledge and understanding of an employer s expectations in relation to recruits. You will be provided with the opportunity to test career choices before leaving or completing school. You will be better prepared to make appropriate and realistic decisions for your future. You will be given the opportunity to examine and confirm your personal values and areas of interest. You will be exposed to the real world. You will gain confidence, and enhance communication skills through learning in an adult environment. You may experience increased enthusiasm and motivation for other studies in school. You will develop an understanding of the role of work and leisure relationships. It will increase opportunities to gain full/part-time work in the future. Assessment There will be no written exam on completing a work experience or SWL experience. Assessment will be identified through specific coursework (a portfolio of work). The community animator and/or school coordinator will be responsible for assessment of each portfolio. The portfolio will show competencies achieved and examples of experiences from the work placement. The employer will also externally evaluate your work whilst on placement. Conclusion The Aim Higher initiative will raise educational standards. It will build on excellence through developing new approaches to teaching and learning supported by professionalism and development in the workforce. The Western Quebec School Board Kelly Butler 6