Students in grades 6-9 across the province are participating in a survey that will help government and industry better understand their views, perceptions and ideas around careers in the marine industry, and other fields such as trades and technology and engineering.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is teaming up with the Institute for Ocean Research Enterprise to gain valuable insight into whether or not students are aware of emerging industries and the job opportunities available in those industries.
“The marine industry is growing and thriving in Nova Scotia, that includes careers in shipbuilding, commercial fishing, marine engineering and aquaculture,” said project lead, Sherry Sully, who is working with Irving Shipbuilding on human resources needs in the marine industry as part of its Value Proposition Agreement under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
“We want to find out if students are aware of the job opportunities, and if they are making the linkages between these jobs and the growing and successful marine industry in Nova Scotia.”
The results of this survey will be used to help develop awareness and exposure programs, and career literacy programs that target students at a much younger age and where interventions can have more impact.
The questionnaire consists of 17 questions and will involve 3,700 students across Nova Scotia.
“As part of building a modern education system, we need to provide students with the tools and skills they need to be successful in the workforce,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey.
“With their input, we will help to ensure today’s students are better prepared to lead productive lives and seize the opportunities that exist in our province.”
The data generated by this study will help to inform:
— career literacy programs and coaching
— curriculum links with career opportunities
— awareness and exposure building programs in grades 6-9
— discussions and decisions regarding dual-credit and co-op programs in P-12
— decisions about a common digital career literacy platform
— recruitment and retention strategies for post-secondary institutions
The information will be shared with the Education Transition Task Force that is looking at what programs, supports and resources are needed to ensure students receive the programs and skills needed to be successful in the workforce and post-secondary education.
The survey is part of Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for Education work around career readiness. The findings are expected to be released in the spring.
Source: Release