The primary goal of work experience is to help students prepare for the transition from secondary school to the world of work. Through work experience, students have the opportunity to observe and practice generic employability skills required in the workplace, as well as technical and applied skills relating to specific occupations or industries.
Other goals include helping students to:
- Connect what they learn in the classroom with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed in the workplace
- Gain the 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 behavior standards between the workplace and school
The types of activities that are eligible for work experience courses include:
- Hands-on work experience at a standard work site (business, government, self-employed, non-profit, or volunteer organization)
- Job shadowing a worker at a standard work site
- Career mentoring with a worker at a standard work site