CPF Nova Scotia enjoyed another successful Bilingual Career Exploration Day on February 22, 2019. The Bilingual Career Exploration Day gave 250 high school students the opportunity to explore career paths where French is an asset. The Bilingual Career Exploration Day took place at Saint Mary’s University.
CPF Nova Scotia’s first Bilingual Career Exploration Day was in 2006. Since then participation has continued to grow. “It was a great success; we have reached over 5,500 students across the province since starting this event. It has a very positive impact in the schools, and we have received great feedback from participating teachers, students and exhibitors,” said Rebecca Lancaster, Executive Director for CPF Nova Scotia.
Students had the opportunity to meet with university recruiters and representatives from many business and government sectors such as Marine Atlantic, Public Service of Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Musée canadien de l’immigration du Quai 21, Explore programme, YMCA Summer Work Exchange, Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, and many more. Student volunteers from Saint Mary’s University also had the opportunity to visit with the exhibitors to learn more about career opportunities.
Students attended workshops throughout the event that emphasized the need for bilingual employees in the workforce and field questions from students. Workshops were presented on career paths, entrepreneurship, languages, student exchanges and careers in science.
Sponsors for the event were NS Labour and Advanced Education, Saint Mary’s University and Université Sainte-Anne. Students attended from Avon View High School (AVRCE), Dartmouth High School (HRCE), Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School (CCRCE), Island View High School (HRCE), Gorsebrook Junior High (HRCE) and Oxford Junior High (HRCE).