PDCI Hosts Co-operative Education Appreciation Breakfast
(Pictured above: Perth and District Collegiate Institute grade 12 student Ethan Hogue stands between Julie Dashkevich (left) and Mindy Brown, both of graphic design and printing business Images Inter Alia. Hogue spent September 2011 to January 2012 at the company learning about the graphic design industry.)
(Perth) – Students and teachers at Perth and District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) had the opportunity to thank local employers Wednesday who have welcomed students into their businesses or organizations over the last semester for a co-operative education placement, at the Co-operative Education Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by the school.
From 7:45 – 9:00 a.m., more than 30 local employers visited the school library to enjoy a pancake breakfast with co-op students and staff, provided by the food services class.
Guests also enjoyed music by student Scott Cosens, remarks by co-op teacher Paul Chapman, and co-op anecdotes from student Jamie Truelove.
“I just finished my second placement,” said Truelove. “Last year, I was placed full-time at McVeety Electric, and this year I was at Big A’s Automotive. [My co-op experience has helped me] realize exactly what I want to do. I’m going to follow through to be an electrician.”
Afterward, Upper Canada District School Board program resource teacher of student destinations Jennifer MacLachlan spent some time talking to guests – specifically employers – about what Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) are all about.
MacLachlan explained that a SHSM is a type of specialized Ministry of Education-approved program. A SHSM allows students to focus their knowledge and skills toward a certain economic sector. Students obtain certification recognized in those sectors, as they work towards meeting the requirements of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
She said students who graduate with a SHSM designation on their diploma are prepared for success in a particular sector and in the postsecondary designation of their choice, whether it is apprenticeship training, college programs, university programs, or the workplace.
PDCI currently offers SHSM programs in Arts and Culture, Transportation, and Business.
Grade 12 student Ethan Hogue will complete his last day of co-op at Images Inter Alia, a local graphic design studio and print shop, early next week.
Throughout his placement, Hogue has gained valuable hands-on experience at a busy graphic design business.
“I’ve taken this placement as part of the Arts and Culture SHSM,” he said. “I’ve gotten some experience. I may study graphic design or interface design after high school.”
Julie Dashkevich and Mindy Brown, both of Images Inter Alia, said they’ve enjoyed Hogue’s help over the last few months.
“It’s nice to have someone new around,” said Brown.
“We get fresh ideas and extra help,” said Dashkevich. “Students learn lots of design skills, as well as how to make customers happy.”
Posted: February 2, 2012