Tec Voc students explore and present career options

Grade 10 students are at a career crossroads and, for most, it’s a time when they are deciding on their future occupations. 

An automotive technician. A radiologist. A carpenter. A voice actor. Students at Tec Voc School presented these and many other career choices to special guests invited to a Career Fair on November 30, 2022.

Tec Voc Career Fair was an action-packed day that started with Grandfather Dan Vero's welcome song, prayer and teaching about humility. 

Students then visited information booths set up by community partners in the hallways. They accessed various resources to be job-ready and find out about volunteer opportunities from organizations like Youth Employment Services, Manitoba Public Insurance, Volunteer Manitoba, New Directions, Health Science Centre, Metis Employment and Training and more. 

"This Career Fair allows the students at Tec Voc to explore career paths they may be interested in pursuing after High School. Many students are unaware of what opportunities are out there for them, and this is one step toward that exploration," said Tracy Derbyshire, Tec Voc Career Education and Math Teacher. 

"The event assists students in developing skills, taking risks and sharing in a learning environment. Students have been researching myblueprint.ca, a comprehensive online education and career/life planning program and preparing their life goals." 

Students finalized their career plans based on their interests, desired knowledge and motivation factors. To prepare for the Career Fair, students presented to each other to get a peer review, while Career Trek conducted mock interviews.

Over 40 guests working in different professions were invited to Tec Voc High School to conduct interviews and evaluate students' presentations. The event organizers matched the guests working in specific industries with students based on their work interests.  

For the next three hours, students presented their goals, reasons for choosing the career, working conditions, salary information and job descriptions to the guests. Every student could meet two guests to discuss why they chose specific careers.

"I am very passionate about cooking; I have been doing it since I was a kid. My dad has worked in restaurants and inspired me to pursue the Culinary Arts program through this school. This is not a school in my catchment area, and I chose it to fulfill my dream of working in fine dining in a five star restaurant," said Ariana Papineau, a Culinary Arts student. 

Ariana's preparation for the Career Fair stood out; she was professionally dressed like a chef and had a well-decorated food presentation counter. 

Zuzu Coombs, a Performing Arts student, plans to be a professional voice actor. 

"So today, my presentation is about the skills required to be in the profession, income and career prospects. Right now, I am learning sound engineering at school; the interview section helps with voiceover and narration for different types of broadcasts. I have taken a broadcasting course, which includes audio recording and editing knowledge, and I have also chosen drama to learn about acting skills, voice and diction," said Zuzu Coombs. 

The guest interviewers also offered their recommendations and valuable input to the students. 

"It was a great experience judging students on their presentation skills, people skills and how well they would adapt to the motor vehicle industry as technicians and in administrative positions. The students have done a good amount of research," said Illyssa Dzama, Program Manager at Manitoba Motor Dealers Association.

Ms. Dzama advised students, "Always have a plan B. In the automotive industry, find out about the different roles available besides technicians. Students should also research the companies they would like to work for; they should look for companies that have the same life values and will fit into their lifestyles." 

"The information presented by the Culinary Arts students was impressive. Meeting the young chefs and listening to their love for food was exciting. It also helps us scout the talent, and some chefs could get the opportunity to work with us in future," said Mr. Richard Duncan, the Executive Chef at Canada Life Centre and Burton Cummings Theatre.

"Tec Voc is doing a great job preparing them for real-life experiences, professionally and personally. This career fair will surely help and encourage students to tap into their passions."

Chief Kyra Wilson from Long Plains and Kahla Evans from the Association of Regulated Nurses shared their career journeys with the students and told them to follow their passions and learn from their mistakes.  

The event ended with Grandfather Vern’s closing song, students receiving medals based on the guests' evaluations and loud cheers for the winners.