A student’s educational plan, or pathway, should be an organized and purpose filled selection of courses and experiences designed to prepare them for the next stage of their career. Some students may decide to go directly into the work force after high school. Other students may choose to get some form of training either through an apprenticeship or maybe college or university to prepare them for the career of their choice. The career path that a student takes really depends upon the career they choose to pursue. Beginning with the end in mind, a student can develop a pathway that provides them with the education and training to make those career goals achievable.

Many students find it difficult to decide where that destination might be. With so many options available, how can a student possibly decide on a specific career? A student’s interests and goals in grade 8 might be very different than they are in grade 11. A student’s pathway is directed toward a general destination in grades 9 and 10 and allows for more specific specialization in grades 11 and 12. As students gain more experience and learn more about themselves, their pathway can also be changed.

An effective pathway takes into consideration the skills, abilities, interests and aptitudes that the student has. It is directed toward reaching a destination, and takes into consideration the fact that plans may have to be altered or changed completely as the student’s interests and goals change. The educational pathway that a student constructs should prepare him or her for that next step. Regardless of where that destination is, one thing is true: there is life after high school.

This website is designed to assist students in their search for a destination and the high school courses and experiences that will help them to get to that destination. In order to develop a pathway, students should:

1.Take stock of their assets. Identify their skills, abilities, aptitudes, interests and achievements.

2.Conduct career research. Identify career fields that value the assets that the student possesses and offer a challenging and rewarding future.

3.Consult with teachers, guidance counsellors and parents to discuss careers options they are considering. Course selections can then be made based upon the advise and information they have collected.

4.Get experience. Look for opportunities to live the job to find out if it is the right fit; often times a career sounds great until you’ve had the opportunity to experience it first hand. High school provides students with a variety of structured opportunities to get first hand experience in a variety of career fields.