June 13, 2025 – As part of a province-wide Ministry of Education initiative, Grade 9 and 10 students at seven high schools within the Upper Canada District School Board were able to get an inside look at some potential careers.
Career coaches from Halton Industry Education Council, a non-profit group that is focused on mentorship and workforce development, visited Athens District High School, Carleton Place High School, Gananoque Secondary School, Glengarry District High School, Perth & District Collegiate Institute, Tagwi Secondary School and Thousand Islands Secondary School in the end of April.
During their classroom visits, career coaches – which ranged from firefighters to real estate agents to personal support workers, IT specialists, human resources managers, and farmers to name a few – talked to students in small groups about their career experiences, local labour markets and in-demand professions.
“Our students were actively engaged in conversations with the career coaches and gave a lot positive feedback following their sessions,” said Gananoque SS Principal Christena Harrow. “We are truly grateful and appreciative of this opportunity.”
Approximately 1,500 students across the UCDSB benefitted from this experience.