The parents of the students were asked to assess the chances for these same events for their daughter or son. To a large extent, parents share the optimism. Their scores agree with those of their children about the likelihood that their sons or daughters will be unemployed. Parents are, however, considerably less optimistic about their children's chances of future purchasing power and of not having to change jobs frequently. Given that jobs with potential will increasingly require more than a high school diploma, their academic aspirations are sensible and realistic.
Applicants rate themselves as average or higher on generic job skills.
Participants also cite the acquisition of knowledge and general workforce preparation as the main advantages of the program. Participants were placed in a large variety of jobs, usually in settings requiring good work habits and generic job skills. Students consistently give high marks to all aspects of their work experience, particularly the high level of employer support. Researchers expect the students' optimism to continue to exhibit itself in results following the second and third years of the study, thus defying the portrait of hopelessness often attributed to Atlantic Canadian high schoolers by the media. It takes place in six regions of the province.