February 10, 2022- After successfully piloting the JA World of Choices (WOC) multi-class program virtually in January 2021, the WOC special live program series was developed and launched in September 2021 for students in Grade 6-12 classes. This interactive 80-minute live program features a different industry theme each month and allows students to hear from guest speakers and discover occupations in B.C. and beyond that are expected to offer the best opportunities over the next ten years.
“It was informing and inclusive. There were lots of different diversities and backgrounds, which provided deep lessons that taught me that there is equal opportunity for everyone.”
-Hailey, Gr. 11 student from Cranbrook, B.C. after attending the High-Tech themed event
The WOC program was created to support students in their journey to explore and refine their career goals by reflecting on their personal interests and strengths and discovering where these might intersect with emerging career-life opportunities. Each monthly live program features a panel of guest speakers who talk about their own career path. Following each speaker is a Q&A session and a fun online multiple choice quiz game for students.
“I was very appreciative of all of the ‘LIFE ADVICE’ that came from the descriptions of the different jobs and experiences of the speakers. That is invaluable to students to hear someone say ‘take care of your mental health’ or ‘have experiences and try new things to add to your resume.’ So good!”.
-B.C. educator, after enrolling their class in the Public Safety themed event
Other monthly WOC themes for the 2021-2022 school year include Financial Services, Healthcare and more. See a short highlight video from the January live program featuring mentors from the Construction industry. In this first session of 2022, 849 students from 46 classes across B.C. joined to hear about each speaker’s unique career journey.
2021-2022 program supporters are Amazon Web Services, Central Okanagan Foundation, CPABC, CNA Insurance, Prospera Credit Union, RBC Foundation, Sage, TELUS Thompson Okanagan Community Board, and WorkSafeBC.
Registration is open for educators anywhere in B.C. For more details on WOC and to view the full WOC special event calendar until June 2022, please visit jabc.org/woc.