Take Our Kids to Work Day is a national event which introduces grade 9 and 10 students to a variety of workplaces and career choices. Through the program, students spend a day job shadowing with a parent, friend or volunteer host. When they return to school, they share their experiences with students and teachers.

Education Minister Mildred Dover advised that students in these grades are beginning to think about possible career choices and they are making course selections that impact their futures. “Take Our Kids to Work Day is a great practical opportunity to expose students to the world of work. It helps them become familiar with a variety of career options and the courses they need to pursue these options,” she said.

About half the students participating are children of provincial government

employees. The remaining students are representing schools throughout the Island. Provincial Treasurer Mitch Murphy said students will job shadow in various departments and then participate in information sessions on career options in the public service. “This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the public service. It enables many sons and daughters of our employees to experience first-hand what their parents do at work. It’s also a great opportunity for government to showcase its organization to our future workforce,” he said.

Take Our Kids to Work Day is coordinated by The Learning Partnership, a national organization dedicated to building partnerships to strengthen public education in Canada. In the past ten years, more than 1.3 million students and 75,000 workplaces have participated in Take Our Kids to Work Day.

Students say the experience helps them realize how many choices they have in the future, while employers feel the program provides students with an important insight into the world of work.