Career Exploration
Helping Gr. 9 to 12 Student Explore Their Career Options
Canadian Rockies Public Schools’ (CRPS) career exploration opportunities empower students to take ownership of their future and set realistic goals for their educational and career journeys. By providing them with valuable insights and experiences into various career options, industries, and job roles, these learning opportunities help students transition into adulthood with more confidence and purpose.
The career exploration programs, activities, and resources offered by CRPS include:
Career Guidance Counsellors
Both high schools maintain career guidance counsellors who work closely with students to provide information about various career options, education pathways, and the job market. Through one-on-one meetings and group sessions, they help students assess their interests, skills, and aspirations and identify potential career paths and requirements.
Career Fairs
CRPS organizes career fairs that gather representatives from colleges, universities, vocational schools, and various industries under one roof. These events provide students with access to professionals from the workplace and post-secondary institutes who share their experiences, educational requirements, and the day-to-day realities of jobs, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making.
Hiring Fairs
CRPS’ hiring fair facilitates connections between students and employers in the Bow Valley. It offers valuable career learning opportunities for students while enabling local businesses to connect with students interested in part-time employment, Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, and work experience. Students prepare by updating their resumes and attending the fair with a list of questions to facilitate conversations with prospective employers.
Career Exploration Program
Each winter, Grade 9 students participate in a week-long immersive career exploration program where they experience the roles of physiotherapists, veterinarians, journalists, ski patrols, park wardens, tourism, and hospitality workers to explore potential careers. Over 100 placements are typically identified through the support of more than 50 local employers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
RAP allows high school students who have entered into an apprenticeship contract in one of the trades to earn their Alberta High School Diploma while working toward completing their first-year apprenticeship hours. RAP students divide their time between an approved work site and high school, fulfilling academic requirements for the diploma.
Work Experience
Students may engage in CRPS’ work experience program, spending 25 hours gaining practical experience in a realistic work setting. Besides exploring potential career choices, students develop new skills, learn how to demonstrate good work habits, ease the transition from school to work or post-secondary education, obtain references, and develop a positive attitude toward off-campus work opportunities.
Online Resources
High schools provide students with access to online resources offering information about various careers, educational requirements, job outlooks, and salary expectations, allowing them to explore different paths at their own pace.
Overall, CRPS' career exploration initiatives foster a well-rounded approach to preparing students for their future careers, equipping them with the knowledge and experiences necessary to make informed decisions and succeed in their chosen paths.