YOUTH EMPLOYMENT EXPOSURE
where schools will come and see and connect directly with industry and with companies that are looking to hire.” The division includes two vocational schools — R.B. Russell and Tec-Voc — that offer programming in the skilled trades. Students enrolled in a certified vocational program receive a post-sec- ondary quality education and can earn their Level 1 accreditation, participate in workplaces practicums and go directly into employment. McAlpine says there has been a noticeable shift in giving students more agency when it comes to forging their path and presenting all opportunities, not just those that require a university degree. That can start with choosing which high school to attend.
opportunities that become more hands-on as students enter middle and high school years. “In elementary, we’re focused on the exposure piece, where you might have different people with different jobs coming in to talk to kids or to support kids in experiencing different things,” explains Garth McAlpine, assistant superintendent of innovation, engage- ment and STEAM with the Winnipeg School Division. “For our middle years group, we offer applied technology, which we previously called shops and home economics classes, where kids are get- ting a little bit of hands-on experience. We run career fairs twice a year within the division, in the fall and in the spring,
Career Trek programming gives expo- sure to both emerging and traditional career paths. “We try not to just focus on what's new and glittery but also remember that those traditional careers that have been out there are still there and offer great jobs right here in Manitoba. Kids can get their education right here and then go on and live a full and produc- tive life, without having to ever leave Manitoba,” Swanson says. “It gives them something to aspire to.” Winnipeg School Division is also committed to early exposure of students to different careers, with
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Wonder of Work introduces children in grades 5 and 6 to jobs they might want to try later in life.
Supplied photo Students attend a Wonder of Work program nursing lesson.
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SUMMER 2026
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