This guide is designed to help you prepare to leave school and enter the workforce. To make the most of this guide, identify your current education level and find some recommendations to help you prepare for your career.
If you are a High School Student…
Your career pathway begins here. It is never too early to begin gaining experience and developing the foundational skills that you will use in your desired career. High school is a time of discovery, growth, and preparation for your future. It’s a journey that can be made more fulfilling by trying out different jobs, focusing on volunteer opportunities, and experiencing various work environments. This period offers a unique opportunity to learn about your interests, develop important skills, and set yourself up for a successful career. Start your journey on Page 5.
If you are a High School Graduate…
As you navigate through your secondary education, embrace the opportunities of co-op and experiential learning. These experiences are more than just credits; they bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world,providing invaluable insights and practical expertise that will shape your future.Seize these chances with enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication. Start exploring on Page 15.
If you are a Post-Secondary Student…
As you transition from your post-secondary education to the professional world,remember that your journey is just beginning. Your academic achievements have laid the foundation, and now it’s time to build upon it with real-world experience. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, whether they are through your program, extracurricular activities, or networking. Your time in college or university has equipped you with knowledge and skills, and now you have the chance to apply them and shape your future. Stay focused, stay curious, and be ready to adapt, for the path to your dream career is filled with possibilities and growth. See your next steps on Page 25.
If you are a Post-Secondary Graduate…
As you graduate from your post-secondary education and step into the professional world, remember that this is the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling career. Your academic foundation is solid, but it’s your internships and experiential learning that will set you on a dynamic path to success. These real-world experiences will shape your professional growth, allowing you to apply your knowledge, learn, and adapt. Embrace the opportunities and challenges, for they are the building blocks of your future. The workforce is where you will leverage your experiential learning, and begin your career. Discover what’s next on Page 33.
View School to Work: A Transition Guide
See What Students Have to Say
Check out this video produced by Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board Catholic Central’s careers class led by Jordan Coop.
Helpful Resources
We would like to thank everyone who contributed their time, ideas, and expertise to the School to Work Guide.
Thanks are also due to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for their support.
