Work Experience Programs

Work Experience is a program that integrates classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace.  The program links the resources of secondary schools, business, industry, and the community to provide young people with a highly motivating educational experience.

During Grades 11 and 12, students enrolled in Work Experience courses are recommended to take a selection of 4 courses (16 credits) numbered 11 or 12.   Students take either one or two related Focus Area courses (depending on the program), one or two support courses, and the Work Experience 12 course, which gives credit for work experience totaling 100-120 hours.  This  allows students to put to practical use some of the skills, techniques, and knowledge learned in their chosen Career Preparation area

In addition to providing work experience, the program can help students to make decisions about their future careers and to gain confidence in making the transition from secondary school to the world of work or post-secondary education. 

One should not confuse the Work Experience Programs with any “Pre-Employment” programs that one may be familiar with.  Work Experience leads to academic graduation with a “Dogwood” certificate and students can combine career prep with university entrance requirements.  Work Experience 12 is designed to promote closer associations between students and working adults who are willing to share their knowledge.  Experienced employees can help students to gain a practical orientation to employment and to career development within their chosen career field.

For 2025-2026, McMath is offering Work Experience Programs in the following areas:

• Health Sciences & Biotechnology                  
• Law & Law Enforcement                               
• Information Technology                                 
• Computer Applications & Technology in Business
• Business Management                                   
• Financial Management (Accounting)
• Marketing                                                               

For more information about Work Experience, please see the specific teacher attached to the program or talk to your counsellor.

Work Experience: BUSINESS EDUCATION (Four Strands)

There is expected to be nearly 1.5 million jobs created in the areas of Business Communication, Information Management and Information Technology.  Therefore, you may want to think about increasing your computer and communication skills.  Are you looking at a job option or career in Business Education or Information Technology?  If you are interested in pursuing this area then you may want to consider the Work Experience program in Business Education or Information Technology.

The Business Education Work Experience program offers an opportunity for students interested in the business field to practice school-based learning in a business environment.  Students specialize in a specific area of Business and then go to work for a company in our community to gain experience and to help students prepare for further post secondary education, and to make informed career choices.  The areas available will be in Computer Applications & Computer Technology in Business, Financial Management (Accounting), Business Management, and Marketing.

What is Work Experience?

Work Experiences are school-sponsored work experience courses that provide students the opportunity to engage in career exploration through community-based work and volunteer opportunities.  Students participate in a variety of work-based activities related to an occupation or career focus area of interest.  Each course comprises 90 hours minimum of work/volunteer experience and 20-30 hours in-class learning activities totalling 100-120 hours.

Rationale for Work Experience:

Work experience is intended to help prepare students for the transition from secondary school to the world of work or further education and training.  The community becomes the classroom where students gain knowledge and experience about the workplace and are provided with a frame of reference to review or revise their career goals.  Work experience provides students with an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a context outside of school and to bring back to the classroom new perspectives to further develop their personal career transition plans.

Goals of each Work Experience course include to:

• observe and practice employability skills required in the workplace as well as technical and applied skills related to specific occupations.
• connect classroom learning to the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed in the workplace.
• develop job-readiness skills for specific occupations and/or career areas.
• learn about employment expectations, regulations and practices.

Prior to Starting a Work Placement: (this is a part of the program)

• students must be able to demonstrate job-seeking skills, including resume writing, cover letter preparation, and job interview skills.
• students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of workplace risk reduction and injury prevention.
• learning outcomes related to job seeking, job keeping, employment standards and workplace safety, must be successfully completed.
• students must complete the WorkSafe Rights and Responsibilities program.

WEX Application forms are available in the Counselling Centre or download here.