Local high school students enjoyed a successful Bilingual Career Exploration Day at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on November 20, 2019. The Bilingual Career Exploration Day gave high school students the opportunity to explore career paths where French is an asset.
CPF Nova Scotia’s first Bilingual Career Exploration Day was in 2006. Since then participation has continued to grow to over 5,500 students from across the province. Students from the Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre, East Antigonish Education Centre and North Nova Education Centre attended the event in Port Hawkesbury.
At the opening ceremony, Kiley Burke, a B.Ed student from St. Francais Xavier University spoke to the students about choosing teaching as a career. Bailey Ross, a student from Université Sainte-Anne presented the concept of linguistic security to the students. “Bailey made me more comfortable with my French accent and was super fun to talk to!” wrote one student.
Students had the opportunity to meet with university recruiters and representatives from business and government sectors such as Marine Atlantic, YMCA Summer Work Exchange, Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ), Gaelic Affairs and the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages – Atlantic Region. Students attended workshops offered by the exhibitors on career paths, entrepreneurship, and official languages.
Student feedback on the event was very positive. “Overall I found this event was tremendous! I feel much more informed on French-speaking career options and progress in Nova Scotia! Thank you very much!”