Ottawa Students Explore Career Options During Take Our Kids to Work Day

Take Our Kids to Work Day provided a unique opportunity for Grade 9 students in Ottawa to explore potential career paths by visiting various workplaces across the city on November 1, 2023. This initiative, now in its tenth year, allowed students to gain first-hand experience of their parents’ professions, fostering a deeper understanding of the skills and responsibilities involved.

At the Ottawa Fire Services training facility, students immersed themselves in the day-to-day life of first responders. Assistant Division Chief Jimmy D. Fata praised the event, remarking, “I believe this is our 10th year. So, we’ve got lots going on today for the kids.” Students like Rylan Luker expressed their excitement, stating, “I always hear the stories he tells me, but I never really get to experience what he actually does for a living. It’s just something completely different that I never could have imagined.”

The hands-on nature of the event proved vital for students, who were able to handle equipment and tools used by firefighters. Bryce Luker, a firefighter, noted the importance of connecting students with the reality of their work. He explained, “Yeah, it gives him a chance to see what we do and get their hands on some of the tools we get to use at work.”

Discovering Municipal Services and Media Careers

At City Hall, students discovered aspects of local governance they had not anticipated. Grade 9 student Corbin Fisher shared his enthusiasm for the historical elements of the building, stating, “I like the historical stuff. I think that’s really cool.” Fellow student Avery O’Connel reflected on the day’s educational value, emphasizing, “It’s a very good experience for us to see what the different services and stuff they offer.”

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “I think it’s a great opportunity to show students what’s going on at City Hall and the impact of the decisions that we make in the work that their parents do has on our community.” Such insights help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.

Students also visited Bell Media Ottawa, where they gained a behind-the-scenes look at local television and radio operations. Aidan Hull described the experience as “a cool place” that provided valuable insights into the media industry. Another student, RJ Daly, enjoyed the chance to miss school while exploring a professional environment, stating, “Yeah, this place is pretty cool.”

Some students, like Tristan Force, accompanied their parents at work. He spent the day with his father, Kevin, who is an I.T. specialist at CTV. Tristan expressed pride in his father’s skills, remarking, “He’s pretty good with computers… So, I think it’s pretty cool.”

The annual event continues to inspire and inform Ottawa’s youth about the wide array of careers available to them. By connecting students with professionals across various fields, Take Our Kids to Work Day plays a critical role in shaping their understanding of the workforce and the paths they may choose in the future.