More than 6,700 students explore careers as Surrey Schools marks Take Our Kids to Work Day

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, more than 6,700 Grade 9 students will leave the classroom to see how people in very different jobs work toward shared goals, as Surrey Schools takes part in Take Our Kids to Work Day.

Surrey Schools has taken part in the annual career exploration event for more than 20 years, giving students a look at the working world through parents, relatives, friends and volunteers. Take Our Kids to Work Day is often a first glimpse at careers ranging from office roles and skilled trades to healthcare and beyond.

"The purpose is to support and encourage young people and allow them to explore their interests and careers and whatever they're looking into," said Tanya Clift, Career Education Coordinator at Surrey Schools, noting this year's theme is Different Perspectives, Shared Direction.

With more than 13,000 employees, the district is home to an incredible variety of jobs beyond classrooms and school walls:

• Facilities staff handle building maintenance, groundskeeping, electrical work, transportation and much more;
• Information technology manages cyber security, tech support and the IT needs for more than 130+ school sites;
• Research & Evaluation conducts qualitative and quantitative research projects that support numerous district developments; and
• Electronic Student Information Systems keeps track of every single student in the district and ensures changes in registration are maintained accurately across multiple programs.

These job shadow experiences serve as a stellar introduction to a whole host of job opportunities that students may not have thought of, said Clift.

“Every workplace looks at the world a little differently, and that's the idea behind this year's theme. When students spend a day alongside someone in a different role, they see how all those perspectives come together to move an organization in the same direction, and they start to picture where they might fit, said Clift.”

While there are some limits to what types of jobs students can shadow in terms of safety and logistics, the district makes an effort to provide opportunities through presentations and research assignments, both in-class and at district sites for students to learn about career options.

Ultimately, Clift said she hopes Grade 9 students who attend come away with some new ideas for what types of jobs they may like to pursue, and the knowledge that there are more options and opportunities than they thought for life after graduation.

"They might have an interest in one thing, but then they see something on the day that catches their eye, and that's why we bring them along," said Clift. "It's one big journey."

For more information on Take Our Kids to Work Day, click here.