News

Holy Cross students gain hands-on experience for future careers

June 19, 2010

Nate Levac checks the battery of a Chevy SSR at his placement at Vic s Automotive where he hopes to obtain his mechanic license through the OYAP program. Miranda Oostrom for Kingston This Week

Co-operative Education at Holy Cross is a great opportunity for students in Grades 11 and 12 to get a hands-on experience in their future career choice.

There are many different placements available to students, ranging from dentistry to journalism. Co-op is an exciting way for students to learn, and for them to get the chance to explore a career that they may eventually choose. Co-op is also great for students that may not do so well in the classroom, to accomplish goals, and gain self confidence that they might not find elsewhere at school. It also gives students the chance to learn more about themselves and how well they work with others.

Ashley Roddy is in Grade 11 and has been taking her co-op in the Communications Office of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. She has helped produce newsletters, photographs, in house posters, and brochures. Ashley has been working on a video to help celebrate the sisters' 150th celebration being held next year. She has had to interview some of the sisters, and has been working on the soundtrack for the video.

"This has been a great experience," says Roddy. "I have gained a lot of knowledge about my career choice."

Roddy plans to take more Communications Technology courses next year at Holy Cross, and hopes to go to Ryerson for broadcasting.

Cole Kaiser, also in Grade 11, has been at Cataraqui Cabinets where he helps to measure out materials, put together cabinets and sometimes builds doors. Through his co-op, Kaiser was able to gain a summer job working for the company.

"My favourite thing about co-op is the hands-on work," says Kaiser. "Because I like to say 'I built that'."

Next year Kaiser has signed up for the Ontario Youth Apprentice Program (OYAP), and will be going to St. Lawrence College for a semester to take a class in carpentry.

The Ontario Youth Apprentice Program (OYAP) opens the door for senior students who want to work in apprenticeship jobs. The benefit of the OYAP program is that students will be able to train as a certified apprentice and go to school at the same time.

Grade 11 student Miranda Nadeau has been taking her co-op at Main Obsession hair salon. Nadeau has gained a lot of experience and plans to take the OYAP program next year. She also plans to continue her work at the salon next year as part of OYAP.

"I would recommend this program to any student who has a goal for their career," says Nadeau. "It is preparing you for the future."

Nate Levac is a Holy Cross graduate who is involved in the OYAP program. Levac works as a mechanic at Vic's Automotive, where he hopes become a fully licensed mechanic. To get his license Levac must complete three levels of which he has to acquire a set amount of hours to move up. He is working towards the third level.

"This has been a very positive experience," says Levac. "I actually enjoy learning."

Co-op and OYAP are both great programs for students that want a head start on their future career choice. It gives students the experience and knowledge that they need to succeed.