Today's students need learning that goes beyond the classroom. School-work programs expand students' learning by helping them:
Giving students the chance to explore different career options and build their skills will help them prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
Students can learn about the world of work by exploring different careers and industries through:
Providing high school students with learning opportunities in their workplace gives employers an affordable way to recruit, train and retain young workers.
Employers can offer short, medium and long-term work experience opportunities to high school students. This helps generate awareness about their organization and career opportunities. Employers who are thinking about school-work programs should think about what works best for their organization, e.g., how many students they can accept, how much time and training they can offer, etc.
A short-term work experience works well for employers who want to reach students but do not have a student-friendly work environment.
A medium-term work experience can give students hands-on learning. It works well for employers who have a student-friendly environment but can't involve them in actual job functions.
A long-term work experience can help students learn a specific skill set or trade so they have the training/work experience to pursue a job in the organization or industry. It works well for employers who can place students in actual jobs. Student placements are done in September or February.
Learn about the different types of School-Work Opportunities
The School-Work Opportunities Chart explains more about short, medium and long-term work experiences.
School-Work Opportunities Chart (PDF, 227 KB)
Employers who want to learn more school work programs can contact SSL18.email@example.com.
Read how school-work programs can give students essential workplace skills in Advantage Ontario, the report from Ontario's Jobs and Prosperity Council.
Consultations: The Future of Experiential Learning in Ontario (Winter 2016)