Work Experience Course - WEX 12A, WEX 12BYouth Work in Trades - WRK 11, WRK 12
Youth Train in Trades
What is the Work Experience Course?
The Seycove Work Experience (WEX) course is a four-credit elective available to Grade 10, 11, and 12 students (ages 14+). It offers a hands-on opportunity to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and develop essential workplace skills.
WEX helps students experience different industries firsthand—whether through participation, observation, or direct involvement—while preparing them for the transition from high school to employment, further education, or other post-graduation pathways.
Each student receives personalized support from the WEX teacher and facilitator, who help secure tailored work placements that align with the student’s career interests and goals.
Take the first step toward your future—discover new possibilities with WEX!
How does the course work?
The course is scheduled outside of the timetable so coursework is completed outside of school hours or, depending on the student's schedule, can be done within a free block. Some students choose to do their hours after school, on weekends, on Pro-D days or over Spring Break. There are many ways for the students to obtain their hours. The placements are not paid; however, there are some cases where students can use their paid jobs towards their program hours.
There are three components to the course:
- Pre-placement Assignments – these help determine the students' career focus and set them up with the tools to apply or interview for a job
- Placement Activities – the student spends 90 hours on the job (or split between multiple jobs). The WEX facilitator checks in with both the employer and student throughout.
- Post-Placement Work – the student evaluates their experience and their new skills. Employers also provide valuable feedback.
What kind of placements are available?
Here are some of our recent placements:
| Student Career Focus | Work Experience Opportunity |
| Trades | Cove Power Electrician Apprentice, Paris Mechanical, Twin Lions Construction
|
| Accounting | Supra Distribution Accounting Assistant
|
| Business | The Strongman Group Office Intern, Jastram Engineering
|
| Healthcare | Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy Assistant, Lynn Valley Dental
|
Animal Sciences
| Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic
|
| Ski Instructor | Mount Seymour Ski Program Apprentice
|
| Bike Builder | Norco North Shore Bike Builder Apprentice |
| Children / Education | Elementary School TA, Preschool Assistant |
| Government | Susie Chant MLA Office Intern
|
| Arts | Seymour Art Gallery Intern, North Van Arts, MONOVA, Polygon Gallery
|
| Environmental Sciences | YouthToSea Oceanwise Leadership Participant, DNV Ecology Centre
|
| Physio / Kinesics | North Shore Sports Medicine Assistant, Jump Gymnastics
|
| Fire / Emergency | DNV Fire Services New Recruit Shadow, BC Ambulance Services
|
What are some of the benefits of taking the course?
The benefits from the course are numerous. Students finish with relevant new skills, useful technical experience and valuable references. These new skills and references can be helpful for obtaining new jobs or university and trade school applications.
What does the course count towards for credits?
The two courses, WEX 12A and WEX 12B, are each worth four credits. Completion of a four-credit WEX course meets the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies graduation requirement. Completion of the course also fulfills the 30-hour work experience requirement that is part of the CLC12 course. *For more information on graduation requirements, please visit BC Graduation Requirements.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any questions or would like to add WEX to your schedule this year or next year, please e-mail Mrs. Yeo or Mrs. Knapp and they will contact your grade counsellor.
Please also feel free to drop in to Mrs. Knapp's office (between the DL Centre and the Main Office) to chat about what job or career opportunities interest you and what possible placements might be available.
How can I get Work Experience students at my business?
Our Work Experience program is looking for local businesses to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students eager to explore careers in law, accounting, physiotherapy, animal sciences, trades, art, media, and more!
By hosting a student, you're not just offering valuable experience—you're investing in the future workforce. Our students come fully insured through the Province of BC and complete their WorkSafe BC certification before beginning their placements.
Employers consistently share positive feedback about the program, highlighting the benefits of mentorship, community involvement, and even the potential to discover a future employee.
Join us in making a difference! If you're interested in hosting a student or learning more, contact our Work Experience Facilitator, Janice Knapp, today. For additional career development resources, visit our district careers website, Career Pathways 44
YOUTH WORK IN TRADES (WRK)
The Youth Work in Trades program is
designed for those students who are currently working part time in a trade, under a certified Journey Person, or who know of someone who might hire them to work in a trade. Coordinated in conjunction with
Skilled Trades BC, students enrolled in these courses go to work and attend high school at the same time. That means they have found an employer who is willing to take them on (and pay them) as an apprentice. It is possible for students to earn up to 16 credits while in school. Four credits are assigned for every 120 hours of work completed. These hours are also counted towards the total number of hours needed to become a journeyman in their chosen trade. Message Mrs. Knapp for more information or visit the
District website HERE.
YOUTH TRAIN IN TRADES
Intended to let students “GET A HEAD START ON YOUR TECHNICAL TRADES TRAINING,” Youth Train in Trades (coordinated through
Skilled Trades BC) is a dual-credit program that
allows students to earn credits that count towards a high school diploma and Level 1 of a technical trades training program. Students in this program attend a recognized trades training program at a local high school, a partner post-secondary institution, or a Skilled Trades BC-certified training facility. Tuition is covered by the North Vancouver School Board. Students learn from skilled instructors in a hands-on approach to training. Courses combine workshop and theoretical components with a focus on safety. Youth Train in Trades programs are run through District partnerships with BCIT and VCC, and other post-secondary institutions. Available high school seats are limited. Message Mrs. Knapp for more information or visit the
District website HERE.
Janice Knapp | Work Experience Facilitator |604-903-3666
Andrea Yeo | Work Experience Teacher
More information about Career Education can be found on the NVSD website
