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POLICY STATEMENT

Work experience as a component of the 1995 Graduation Program supports students in their career development, which is one of the three major goals of the BC education system. It increases the relevance of school by helping students connect what they learn in the classroom with the skills and knowledge needed in the workplace, and it helps prepare students for their transition from secondary school.

RATIONALE

Work experience as a graduation requirement recognizes the importance of experiential learning and the importance of extending education beyond the classroom into the community. The term "work" is used in the broadest sense, and includes work experience at standard workplaces and volunteer work at community service agencies or other non-profit organizations.

LEGISLATION/ REGULATIONS

See Ministerial Order 282/04, the Work Experience Order

POLICY

All students must complete a 30-hour work experience component in order to successfully complete Career and Personal Planning (CAPP) 11 and 12.

Students must participate in a work experience activity that supports their career, educational and personal goals as described in their Student Learning Plan.

For school-arranged unpaid work placements, there must be a signed Work Experience Agreement form that includes all information stipulated in the Work Experience Order. A sample Work Experience Agreement Form is included as Appendix B in the Program Guide for Ministry-Authorized Work Experience Courses ( 315 KB PDF).

For school-arranged work placements, boards of education or independent school authorities must establish guidelines respecting the conduct, supervision, evaluation and participation of students in work experience placements.

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage is provided by the Provincial Government only to students who are 14 years of age or older and on a school-arranged and unpaid work placement. Students who apply to use paid employment to satisfy the CAPP work experience requirement must show that they are, or were, working at a site where WCB coverage is, or was, provided. They must also show that the employment matches the goals as described in their Student Learning Plan.

All students must meet the safety and injury prevention learning outcomes detailed in the CAPP 8-12 Integrated Resource Package (IRP).

All work experience must have an evaluation component. Students should write an evaluation report that focuses on the career area, task descriptions and skills required, employment prospects, and their future plans.

PROCEDURES

Schools may use a variety of placement activities for students to complete the 30 hour CAPP work experience requirement, including a Ministry-authorized work experience course, a school-arranged 30-hour work placement, 30 hours of volunteer service, or 30 hours of paid student employment.

For school-arranged placements, Work Experience Agreement forms must be completed and signed before the work activity begins. Each form must set out the terms of the work experience placement consistent with the board of education guidelines, and must also include: Name of employer, location of the work site, and the period (by date and time) during which the student will be participating in the work placement.

For school-arranged unpaid work placements, all accidents must be reported as soon as possible. A WCB injury report (Form 7) must be completed by the school district or independent school/authority/board and submitted within three days to WCB. A copy of this report and the Work Experience Agreement form must also be sent to the Ministry of Education.