Career Explorations

Handsworth is excited to offer Career Explorations to Grade 11 -12 students.

The new Handsworth timetable and assigned teaching staff will make it easier than ever to gain credit
for 100 hours of work experience.

By virtue of the new Handsworth timetable, students will be able to participate in Career Explorations
in the afternoon blocks of Period 4 and/or 8. Career Exploration students will also be supported by a
teacher who will have an assigned teaching block to assist Career Explorations students with their
work experience.

Credit for the 30 hours required for Graduation Transitions will also granted from the 100 hours of
work experience.

The Career Explorations program provides students in grade 11 and 12 with the opportunity to “test
drive” their occupation of choice in the real world. It contributes significantly to the student’s
understanding of the connection between school and work. Handsworth Career Explorations program
provides students considering various careers with meaningful and relevant work experiences.

Students enrolled in the Career Explorations program are expected to participate in 100 hours of Work
Experience over the course of grade 11 and 12. Work experience may take place during school hours,
during spring break, summer break or after school and weekends.

Up to 30 hours of the 100 hours of work experience can also be used to cover the Grad Transitions work
experience hours requirement.

To register for Career Explorations, current grade 10 or 11 students should select ‘Career Explorations”
(WEX12A) on their course selection sheet.

Grade 11 students will be expected to enroll in 7 courses plus Career Explorations.
However students enrolled in Career Explorations do not lose an elective space nor do
they lose a study block. Grade 12 students will be required to be enrolled in 6.5 classes
plus Career Explorations.

More information on the Career Explorations program is available from the grade level counsellor in
Student Services or Ms. Pat Nicols in the Career Center. You may email Pat Nichols directly
at pnichols@nvsd44.bc.ca or phone 604-903-3615.

Career Explorations Students will be expected to attend once a month meetings to
prepare for their Career Explorations placements. Safety training and dissemination of
information related to their Career Explorations placement will be discussed.

Career Explorations Credit/Equivalency may be provided to students who are, or who have actively
participated in a work or volunteer experience where learning outcomes relate to their career focus.
Career Explorations Credit/Equivalency is by application through the Career Centre.

Main reasons to be enrolled in Career Explorations:

• Connect what they learn in the classroom with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed in the
workplace
• Gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to be successful in the world of work
• Develop job readiness skills for specific occupations and careers
• Understand the similarities and differences in behaviour standards between the workplace and
school
• A great addition for a resume
Some examples of work experience placements include:

• RCMP Youth Academy
• Film Production
• Art Institute SWEAT Program
• Canadian Coast Guard
• Trades Experiences (e.g. Electrician, Carpenter, Automotive Technician)
• Teaching
• Canadian Forces
• Legal
• Hotel and Tourism
• Politics

Click here to see Highlights of Handsworth Placements since 2000.