Work Experience Program
The Work Experience (WEX) Program in the BC Ministry of Education curriculum provides students with supervised, practical learning experiences in real-world workplaces. It is designed to help students explore career options, develop employability skills, and connect classroom learning to workplace applications. The program is typically offered to students in Grades 10-12, with a minimum of 90 hours of work experience required to earn course credit. WEX is aligned with individualized career and education plans, emphasizing safety, personal responsibility, and skill development while fostering connections between students, schools, and the local community.
Work Experience in SD8 Kootenay Lake is offered through the secondary school programs where available. Please contact your local school principal or counsellor for more information specific to work experience program at the school level.
BC MOECC Work Experience Curriculum
Work Experience Community Coordinator
The Work Experience Community Coordinator is a temporary contract position designed to bridge community employers with the school district and to expand opportunities for students in SD8 Kootenay Lake. Areas of work experience are targeted to labour market needs and include the following:
- trades training
- healthcare
- early childcare
- business and technology
The WEX Community Coordinator is responsible for developing partnerships with community employers, ensuring that students with diverse abilities and other priority populations have access to safe, culturally supportive worksites and training. The position includes database development, community partner engagement, development of work experience resources, and promotion of work experience opportunities. This position is funded through a MOECC WEX Enhancement Grant and reports to the District Principal, Innovative Learning.
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Lacroix as the Work Experience Community Coordinator until June 30, 2025. With an extensive background in career development and strong ties to the Kootenay region, Wendy will be instrumental in fostering new work experience placements and employer partnerships for SD8 students.
Wendy Lacroix brings years of expertise in career development services, having worked extensively with Kootenay Career Development Services (KCDS) and other regional employment initiatives. Her deep understanding of workforce needs, career pathways, and employer partnerships will enhance opportunities for students seeking real-world experience in diverse industries, including healthcare, trades, early childhood education, business, and more.
The SD8 Work Experience Program continues to grow as part of career pathway development, ensuring that students gain meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that align with their career goals. Wendy will be actively engaging with local businesses, non-profits, and industry partners to develop structured, safe, and inclusive work experiences for students of all backgrounds.
Employers and community organizations interested in partnering with SD8 to offer work experience placements are encouraged to reach out to Wendy at w.lacroix63@gmail.com for more information.
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