Ottawa Students Explore Career Paths on Take Our Kids to Work Day

Take Our Kids to Work Day provided Grade 9 students across Ottawa with an opportunity to explore various career paths on November 1, 2023. This annual event allows students to shadow their parents and gain insights into their professional lives. At locations such as the Ottawa Fire Services training facility, students engaged in hands-on activities that showcased the daily responsibilities of first responders.

At the fire training facility, Assistant Division Chief Jimmy D. Fata noted that this marks the tenth year of the program, emphasizing its ongoing importance. Students expressed their excitement at witnessing the realities of firefighting. “I always hear the stories he tells me, but I never really get to experience what he actually does for a living,” said Rylan Luker. He added, “It’s just something completely different that I never could have imagined.” For firefighter Bryce Luker, the event not only allowed students to see his work but also to handle the tools he uses daily.

The day unfolded with a variety of engaging activities, which students found particularly appealing. “I like the variety of different things that you do. It just makes it really interesting,” stated Gabby Bellinger, highlighting how the experience broadens their understanding of potential careers.

Discovering Local Government and Media Careers

At City Hall, students learned about the inner workings of local government and the significance of civic engagement. Corbin Fisher expressed his interest in the historical aspects of the institution, while Avery O’Connel remarked, “It’s a very good experience for us to see what the different services they offer.” Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe underscored the value of bridging the gap between home discussions and real-world experiences, stating, “It’s a great opportunity to show students the impact of the decisions we make on our community.”

Other students visited Bell Media Ottawa, where they gained insights into the operations behind local news broadcasting. “It’s a cool place. It’s good to know what goes on behind the scenes,” commented Aidan Hull. RJ Daly echoed similar sentiments, stating, “You get to miss school, and you get to see behind the scenes.”

For Tristan Force, spending the day with his father, Kevin Force, who works in IT at CTV, was particularly meaningful. “He’s pretty good with computers… So, I think it’s pretty cool,” he remarked, illustrating the personal connections made during the event.

Take Our Kids to Work Day continues to play a vital role in helping students envision their futures, connecting them to diverse career options. As students interact with professionals, they gain valuable insights that may shape their career aspirations and understanding of the workplace.