In Thunder Bay, the response to this school-work opportunity has been overwhelming. Since 1998, all six high schools in Thunder Bay participated in this school-work partnership. This year, so many new students are interested that we just don't have the space. We're currently training an additional 12 teachers just to help teach the first two parts of the program. There are many students who are not interested in going to university but unaware of all of the opportunities available to them.
Work experience can help students to get decent jobs.
It exposes them to concrete examples of work life, which will help them to make a more fluid transition into the work world upon graduation. In its second year, the program has been highly successful, with more than 25 businesses and industries currently participating. Both schools and local businesses benefit from the partnership. Schools enrich their academic programs by drawing on the human resources and technology side of the business world while businesses gain access to a pool of skilled labour who graduate from schools in their own community. Participating students study a variety of topics, including ecology, forestry and fishery practices, recreation services, community leadership, horticulture and wildlife management.