Careers Office
The Sutherland Career Centre is located in the main hallway on the first floor (C103) across from the counselling department. Here you will find information about, work experience programs, volunteer opportunities, career choices, and career preparation.
The Career Centre is a resource for students interested in career planning and work experience opportunities.
- Volunteer work experience
- Career board
- Career exploration
- Cover letters
- Resume prep
Work Experience (WEX12A or WEX12B - 4 credits each)
*Historically an x-block outside of timetable
Students are placed with local employers in positions that align with their interest and future career goals. The community becomes the classroom where students gain experience in the workplace and are provided with a frame of reference to review or revise their career goals. Through employer assessment, students receive valuable feedback about their employability skills and technical skills related to specific occupations.
Work Experience is comprised of pre-placement classroom assignments, placement activities including successful completion of 90-100 hours at community worksite(s), and post-placement assignments. The Work Experience teacher and Facilitator will work with students individually and in small groups to assist students with choosing and obtaining relevant and meaningful placements.
Youth Work in Trades (WRK11A, WRK11B, WRK12A, WRK12B - 4 credits each)
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 the Industry Training Association of British Columbia (SKILLEDTRADESBC 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.
When can I start?
- Must be 15 years of age or older / As early as the summer between Grade 10 & 11
What are the benefits?
- Start your apprenticeship while still in school
- Participate in up to 480 hours of paid work
- Earn work-based training hours credited to apprenticeship completion requirements
- Complete up to 16 graduation credits
- Be eligible for $1,000 scholarship
- Earn qualifications as a journey person that are recognized provincially, nationally, and internationally
- Student registered with SkilledTradesBC
When will work be scheduled?
- Hours of work are built around each student’s particular schedule
- Work can take place during the school year and during vacation periods, and during evenings and/or weekends
- Most trades work between 7:30-4:00, Monday-Friday.
After high school, how long will it take to complete an apprenticeship?
- All apprenticeships require 3-4 levels of technical and work-based training
- Most apprenticeships take a minimum of 3-4 years
Youth Train in Trades (credits depend on training program)
Intended to let students “GET A HEAD START ON YOUR TECHNICAL TRADES TRAINING,” Youth Train in Trades (coordinated through SKILLEDTRADES 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 an SKILLEDTRADES 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.
For more information on any work experience opportunities, please see or contact:
Ms. Yolanda Nieken-Spence,
Work Experience Facilitator
