Career Preparation Programs
(Grade 10-12 students)
'"Career Preparation Program" means an educational program that includes work experience and is designed to help prepare a student in relation to a specific career sector, entry into the workforce, continued studies, or training at a post secondary institution: (Ministerial Order 282/04)
What is a Career Prep Program?
Career Preparation Programs are two year programs that provide you with the opportunity to combine career studies with secondary school graduation requirements. The benefits of taking a Career Preparation program include
- the opportunity to acquire work experience in your target career field;
- specialized training in your interest area;
- certification specifically chosen to prepare Career Prep students for success on the work site;
- establishing a network of contacts in your field of interest;
- ‘Preferred Entry’ or ‘Advanced Placement’ opportunities where agreements have been negotiated with related post-secondary programs.
A Career Preparation program consists of four designated in-school courses; two at grade 11 and two at grade12, and one four-credit work experience course for a total of 20 credits.
Career/Life Transitions 12 is highly recommended for all Career Prep students.
 Work Experience 12A (WE12A)
The focused work experience component required for all Career Preparation Programs is a great opportunity. It offers the chance to
- Get a closer look at the jobs related to the career path you’re thinking about;
- Apply some of the skills that you have learned in the classroom in a work environment;
- Develop entry-level skills for employment;
- Learn about employment expectations, regulations and practices;
- Get a sense of what being in a job requires from you at a personal level;
- Understand the basics of getting along with others in the workplace;
- Practice “employability” skills that employers will be looking for – positive outlook, sense of initiative, willingness to listen and learn, communicate.
What Career Prep Programs are available in SD#23?
Eight Career Preparation Programs are available to grade 11 & 12 students in secondary schools in SD#23.
Focus Area |
Grade 12 Graduation |
Some Post Secondary |
More Post Secondary & Work Experience |
Business & Applied Business |
Salesperson Office Assistant Bank Teller Accounting Clerk
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Sales Representative Executive Assistant Loans Officer Bookkeeper
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Sales Manager Manager Investment Analyst Certified Accountant
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Fine Arts, Design, Media
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Music Store Sales Artist/Craftsperson Silkscreen Artist Film/Video Entry Level Position
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Music Teacher Art/Crafts Instructor Illustrator Video/Film Camera Operator
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Composer/Conductor Visual Arts Teacher Interior Designer Film Editor
|
Fitness & Recreation |
Recreation Attendant Ski Lift Operator Forestry Firefighter Life Guard
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Recreation Leader Ski Instructor Firefighter Swim Instructor
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Facilities Manager Ski Resort Manager Firefighter Officer Pool Manager
|
Health & Human Services
|
Nurse’s Aide Security Guard Group Home Worker Youth Group Leader
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Paramedic Police Officer Youth Care Worker Teacher Assistant
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Registered Nurse Probation Officer Social Worker Teacher
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Liberal Arts & Humanities
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Library Assistant Tour Guide Copy Writer Museum Attendant
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Library Technician Publicist Journalist Museum Guide
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Librarian Events Coordinator Editor Museum Curator
|
Sciences & Applied Sciences
|
Animal Care Worker Landscape Worker Forestry Worker Nursery Worker
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Veterinary Technician Landscape Technician Forestry Technician Horticulture Technician
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Veterinarian Landscape Architect Professional Forester Plant Biologist
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Tourism, Hospitality, & Foods
|
Kitchen Helper Food Server Front Desk Clerk Tour Guide
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Cook Hospitality Supervisor Reservations Sales Agent Travel Counselor
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Chef Operations Manager Hotel Manager Travel Agency Manager
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Trades & Technology |
Construction Labourer Skilled Trades Helper Equipment Operator Computer Tech Support Worker
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Carpenter Apprentice Trades Apprentice Equipment Technician Certified Computer Technician
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Carpenter Trades Journeyperson Mechanic Computer Systems Programmer
|
 How do Business and Education work together?
School-Based Learning
- Career advisement - students select a program of four courses relating to their studies, interests, and skills to a career sector.
- Career Preparation specialty teachers for each program. These teachers also visit students on the worksite.
- Specific training for the work environment - communication skills for the workplace, safety instruction and job-seeking skills.
Work-Based Learning
- Job interviews with potential hosts preceding placement.
- Extensive on-the-job training experience (70 to 100 hours) provides students with opportunities to try out specific skills.
- Employers' evaluation provides feedback to students regarding their work skills and attitudes.
Connecting Activities
- Advisory Committees of teachers and employers.
- Articulation between secondary and post-secondary institutions.
- Partnerships with business, labour and the community.
What do students say about Career Prep?
"You learn something from the workplace that you can't learn in school"
"Job placements provide priceless experiences which will help you decide if the career is for you or not."
"The program has helped me get my foot in the door and has made me eager to move on. What's better than getting out of school to go learn something you love to do?"
What are the positive benefits for participating?
- More Career Prep students enrol in post-secondary programs than non-CP students.
- Increased satisfaction with the high school experience.
- Better prepared for subsequent employment.
- Career Prep students have higher graduation rates than non-Career Prep students.
Career Interest Surveys:
Where can I get further information about School District No. Career Life Programs?
For further information, students should contact their school's Career Centre or contact School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) Career Life Programs at Hollywood Road Education Services located at 1040 Hollywood Road, Kelowna.
Chris Ovelson
Career Life Programs Consultant
Tel: 250-860-9729 Ext: 6265
Fax: 250-878-0170
Patti Ostrikoff
Career Life Programs Consultant
Tel: 250-860-9729 Ext: 6133
Fax: 250-878-0170
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