Grade ten students at North Nova Education Centre spend the morning out of class and in discussions with men and women of the workplace.
“We’d usually be in math class,” said Kassidi Wong who with Miah Burrows, both of grade ten had just spent the last ten minutes speaking with retired engineer, Bob Funke.
“Everything is better than math class,” said Burrows.
Engineering was one of many different professions highlighted on Wednesday’s Mentoring Plus event in which former teachers, pharmacists, lawyers, journalists and more spoke with students
“We’re trying to promote discussion,” said Michael Vienneau at the trades table. “At this age when they’re just starting to think about the future hopefully we can spark some interest and maybe open a door.”
Mentoring Plus is a partnership through Dalhousie University, the Town of New Glasgow and North Nova.
“I think it’s helpful for the students,” said North Nova principal Ann Findlay. “They get to ask questions and be exposed to careers that they may not have been aware of.”
Bill Skinner retired as a pharmacist last year after a 40-year career, and was happy to share what he knows with the students.
“Usually they ask about how long it takes to become a pharmacist, what kind of salary you earn and what the job opportunities are like,” said Skinner.
“I want to do stuff with kinesiology in the future and sports medicine,” said grade ten student Taylor Hazzard. “So, I liked the health table the most.”
