A Day in the Life: Take Our Kids to Work Day Inspires Career Exploration

Take Our Kids to Work Day on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, is an incredible opportunity for educators, parents, and companies to inspire future leaders by giving Grade 9 students a glimpse into the professional world. This program allows students to experience different careers firsthand, helping them begin to map out their educational and career paths for a successful future.

Why Take Our Kids to Work Day Matters

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, early exposure to diverse careers is essential. Take Our Kids to Work Day provides students with hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world skills. By observing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in action, students gain valuable insights to help them make informed decisions about their future and identify career paths aligned with their strengths.

For parents, it’s a chance to foster meaningful career conversations, reflecting on the day’s experiences and discussing potential paths and long-term goals. Companies also benefit by showcasing their industries, inspiring interest in skilled trades and STEM fields, and building local connections. This event broadens career possibilities for students, introducing them to high-demand fields and encouraging pathways like apprenticeships, ultimately preparing Ontario’s youth to thrive in tomorrow's workforce.

Take Our Kids to Work Day: Resources for Educators, Parents, and Companies

In Ontario, several programs and organizations support Take Our Kids to Work Day, enhancing the experience for students and promoting career exploration. Some key programs include:

• Edge Factor: For schools, workplaces, and homeschools hosting their own Take Our Kids to Work Day, Edge Factor’s toolkit provides FREE virtual field trips for students to go behind closed doors and discover workplaces.

• Ontario Ministry of Education and School Boards: The Ministry supports Take Our Kids to Work Day as part of Ontario’s career and life planning framework, encouraging participation across publicly funded schools. Many school boards also actively promote the day, providing resources and fostering partnerships with local businesses to enhance students' career development.

• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Skilled Trades Focus: OYAP uses Take Our Kids to Work Day to introduce students to apprenticeship and skilled trades careers. Schools offering OYAP often integrate this event as a foundational step for students exploring skilled trades pathways.

• Employer-Led Programs and Career Events: Many employers and schools organize career fairs, workshops, and tours around Take Our Kids to Work Day, with employer-led programs providing presentations and hands-on activities to immerse students in diverse career options.

These programs together provide a well-rounded experience for students, promoting early career exploration and helping students connect what they learn in school with real-world job skills.

Edge Factor: Expanding Career Exploration Beyond the Workplace

While in-person job shadowing provides valuable hands-on experience, it isn’t always feasible for every student or company. That’s where Edge Factor comes in. Our virtual workplace tours offer a solution by allowing students to explore careers across various industries without needing to be physically present.

With Edge Factor’s Virtual Workplace Experiences, students can:

• Take a virtual field trip to explore careers in Construction, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and more.

• Access behind-the-scenes tours of companies across North America, learning about roles like Automotive Service Technician, Manufacturing Engineer, and Chef.

• Gain insight into education pathways, skills, and processes used on the job, all from the comfort of the classroom or home.

• These resources are perfect for students who can’t attend an in-person job shadow or educators working with younger learners who are preparing for future career exploration opportunities.

Get Involved: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow

Take Our Kids to Work Day is more than just a single day—it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation and equip them with the tools they need to build their future. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a company leader, your involvement can make a lasting impact on a young person’s career journey.

Edge Factor is here to support you with free resources to help students explore careers and make informed decisions about their futures. Learn more about the tools and resources we’ve made available to inspire career exploration.