The document highlights 9 local employers who provide exceptional experiential learning opportunities for students. It describes how each employer engages students through co-op placements, classroom talks, and tours. The employers represent a variety of industries including food service, law, conservation, power generation, healthcare, and automotive repair. They discuss the benefits for students, including opportunities to explore careers firsthand and gain mentorship, as well as the personal rewards for the employers.

3. This slideshow has been put together to highlight 9 employers in Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk who have exceptional leaders in experiential learning in the past year. Experiential learning just means giving students a chance to learn by doing or seeing first hand. It means giving them contact with real-world employers and mentors who can impart their first-hand knowledge of their business. Having someone come into a class and speak, or taking a class on a workplace tour gives our local students the opportunity to experience some aspect of the working world before they leave high school. On behalf of students, teachers, future employers and the local workforce, I thank every employer in our area who has taken the time to work with students.

4. Jeromie Mason is the chef at Al Dente Fresh Pasta in Brantford. Al Dente Fresh Pasta takes on co-op students, OYAP students, is eligible to help students taking the new Specialist High Skills Major program. They are also willing to do classroom talks.

6. By coming to work at Al Dente’s, co-op students get a good perspective on what they would experience if they went into this field. Jeremy points out that they experience both the positives and the negatives, which is important. They do some prep, they help at the salad station, and sometimes they work the line. Since prep work is such an important part of a chef’s job, Jeromie stresses this aspect in the co-op placement. If they do decide to pursue a career as a chef, he says it makes him feel good that “they’ll go somewhere knowing a little more than everyone else!”

7. He obviously makes a good impression on his students, as Jeromie’s first co-op student was recently hired on at Al Dente’s to help him out in the kitchen. After high school, she wants to go on to chef school herself. Jeromie’s current student also wants to go into cooking. However, the students learn more than just the ins and outs of the restaurant world while working here. Jeromie acts as a mentor to his students and tries to teach them life lessons. He says, “I feel good about [doing] that. It’s not stuff they’ll learn in a book. It’s stuff I never got taught.”

8. “ It’s not stuff they’ll learn in a book. It’s stuff I never got taught.”

9. In an attempt to impart some life knowledge on his students, he takes it on himself to talk to the kids if he finds out they’re not going to class, or not doing as well in school. When asked what’s in it for him, Jeromie said of the students: “They’re fun to work with! I get to teach them a lot. It’s fun because it’s a challenge. To see them leave happy is a good thing.”

11. The Long Point Region Conservation Authority in Simcoe has been involved in experiential learning for close to 10 years. They take co-op students, do workplace tours, and give class talks to students of every age.

12. When a student comes to do a co-op placement with LPRCA, they get to plant trees and prairie grasses, assist with erosion control projects, take water quality samples, learn about forest management, and other small projects. While interviewing three workers from the Long Point Region Conservation Authority – Martha, Heather and Paul – Martha spoke about how she really tries to get to know the kids and understand what it is they want to get out of the placement. She said, “I think it’s important to like your job, so I make sure they are placed somewhere they like.”

14. Heather added that “passion is important, too!” This passion for caring for the environment is exactly what they try to pass on to their co-op students, and many times they do! They have had several students who went on to pursue a career in a related field. Others have not, but that’s OK according to Martha. She simply tries to build awareness of environmental issues and provide the students with information on why caring for our environment is so important.

15. “ I think it’s important to like your job, so I make sure they are placed somewhere they like.”

16. So what do they get out of it? Heather says, “It’s nice to mentor and pass on things you’ve gained from your experiences. There’s a teacher in all of us.” Like a proud mother, one of the women noted how when the students come in, they don’t know a lot, but they catch on so quickly! She says, “It’s rewarding to see them try. And it’s fun!”

18. Albert Smelko owns a Law Office in downtown Simcoe and has been taking co-op students for over 16 years. He has also done classrooms talks and workplace tours. In his class talks, Mr Smelko discusses criminal work, various aspects of the law, the criminal code and general legal info. His co-op students start off slow in his office, doing some banking, filing and deliveries. Mr Smelko believes that the co-op program he offers gives them an excellent opportunity to learn the business. “Every profession has its language and culture. [Working here] gives them an insight into what goes into this job.”

19. Students learn to type and read documents, write letters, and are shown how to keep a proper file – a very important thing to learn when working in law. He also encourages basic research on the computer about any cases that come in. While interviewing Albert he was very pleased that he can often see a student grow through this process of learning. One thing Albert tries to impart on his students and staff is that, “There is no stupid question. The stupid thing is not to ask the question.” Ask once, and look it up after.

20. “ There is no stupid question. The stupid thing is not to ask the question.”

21. Of his co-op student he expects punctuality, appropriate dress, some initiative, a willingness to learn and a focus on being prepared. Mr Smelko tries to get the students to go away with an understanding that law is 2/3 preparation and only 1/3 being with the client. Preparation is therefore a very important aspect to law. He says, “If they can pick that up, I’m pleased.”

23. Since 1991, Ontario Power Generation has run a unique co-op program. It has an on-site classroom that allows students to earn secondary school credits through a variety of occupations at the OPG plant. Paul McFarlane, current teacher in this classroom, says that OPG literally becomes the students’ campus.

25. The program has been such a success that Paul has had past students call him to thank him for the exceptional experiences they have had at OPG. Paul notes that most students go into the field they work in, and all of them are able to find work after. Paul believes this program is beneficial for the students because it is a large company and there are many options in terms of what to do and where to focus their work. The experience is made even more special by the student’s sponsors (or mentors) who treat them like family. Paul says, “The sponsors love it! They like teaching the kids” He believes that the sponsors are who keep the program running.

26. The feeling of family was reiterated through every department I spoke to. Krista is a grade 12 student doing her co-op in the finance department at OPG right now. When asked what she likes about working there she says, “I like the people. They’re all really friendly and easy to get along with.” One employee said, “These students aren’t seen as students, they’re just a part of the team.”

28. In addition to feeling like a part of the family, students are able to get real hands-on experience. One student working in the electrical maintenance crew said with a laugh, “Standing watching is not what we do.”

30. The young girl in the accounting department has been accepted to University in the fall in that field. Her sponsor, Melissa says that she will be miles ahead of her classmates because of the learning opportunities she has had with this co-op placement. Melissa has been able to give her tips that you only learn once you’ve been working in the business for a long time. The students like the experience because they’re able to take the knowledge they learn here and apply it anywhere in their future, regardless of where and what they’re doing.

31. Ontario Power Generation was recently recognized provincially for their exceptional contribution to teaching our students at a ceremony in Toronto. OPG was awarded with a Provincial Passport to Prosperity Merit Award.

34. The Haldimand War Memorial Hospital has been involved in co-op for more than 20 years. Sherry Gifford & Kim Brooks have a stack of files dating back to 1987 of all the students that have done co-op placements for them. This stack is a foot high, and between Sherry and Kim, they know the stories of almost every single student that is in the pile. They have a list as long as the stack of files was high, of the different professions their co-op students have gone into. The Haldimand War Memorial Hospital has shaped the lives of ER clerks, lab technicians, doctors, Registered Nurses, PSW’s, RPN’s, paramedics, and even teachers who are now bringing their own students back to learn from this wonderful environment.

35. Many students choose a career in health after doing their placement with HWMH. The hospital does an excellent job of making lasting connections with the students, and a number of them who do their co-op placements with the hospital return there to work. Sherry says, “I just like to offer the opportunity. We foster the relationship with these kids and they come back.”

36. “ We foster a relationship with these kids …” - Sherry Gifford, HWMH

37. It is no wonder this experience makes such an impact on these students. During their time at the hospital, co-op students are able to get involved in any department they are interested in. They can work in the ER, physiotherapy, lab, and even get up close and personal in the OR.

39. Kim Brooks says, “I’m more interested in who they are when they come to me” than putting them somewhere she thinks they should go. Completing their placement lets the students learn whether they can handle the job, and gives them confidence to be able to do what they want. There was one girl recently who started her co-op as a Personal Support Worker and had, by the end of her placement, decided to go after a career in nursing.

40. At the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, the staff is who engages the students so successfully. They encourage them to ask lots of questions, take initiative to learn, and get involved themselves. “When [the staff] knows the student is keen, they get more out of it.”

43. Candice Vanderlubbe was a student herself at Hagersville Secondary School not too long ago. Since graduating, she has attended hairdressing school and has opened up her own salon called The Cut Above, located in downtown Hagersville. From the very beginning, Candice has been taking on co-op students. Now five years into the co-op program, she recently posted a job in her salon. Lo and behold, who should apply (and be hired) but Candice’s first ever co-op student who had gone on to hairdressing school herself and was now back in Hagersville!

44. Candice with her first ever co-op student – now an employee in Candice’s salon!

45. Students seem to really enjoy their experience in her shop. This may be because Candice allows the girls to experience as much as they can. Even on the first day, she has her students answering phones and making appointments. She runs a busy store, so they get a taste of what it’s really like. Candice also believes that the students should get a chance to experience the actual hair aspect of being in a salon. She says, “If you want to do hair, you want to really be doing it!” so she lets her kids try it out… on their willing and brave friends and family, of course.

46. The girls having fun in the shop. Candice believes she creates a fun and welcoming environment for her students.

47. In addition to taking on co-op students, Candice also visits the Hagersville Cosmo class, and acts as chaperone for their trip to the annual hair show in Toronto, something she really looks forward to. What does Candice get out of it? She loves being able to show people what she knows. She is a true teacher at heart. In fact, Candice has just been accepted to Brock University for their teaching program, and wants to become a high school comso teacher. She says she wants to be able to teach more than just one or two kids a year.

49. Bryan Slaney has been doing classroom talks preparing students for interviews and the world of work for 7 years. He owns 2 businesses – an HR consulting firm and a mortgage business and is therefore able to provide students with a first-hand perspective on what an employer might be looking for in an employee.

50. When he does his talks in the classrooms, Bryan runs them through how to prepare (which he says is 90% of the interview), how to anticipate questions and deliver answers and how you should present yourself through your clothing and image. Bryan however goes beyond just providing them with some information on how to complete an interview. He gives the students confidence by relating their work situation to their high school experience. He calls it “training at school”.

51. “ Training at school … There’s a real tie-in between school and the work world.” - Bryan Slaney, Slaney Management

52. Bryan says, “There’s a real tie-in between school and the work world.” Instead of pointing out that many students have never been through the interview process, and have never had experience in the working world, he reassures them that everyone has had some experience through their time in high school. What does Bryan get out of doing these talks? Well, after pondering this question intensely he said it keeps him in tune with the young people. Bryan said that going into the classroom reassures him that the future is going to be OK.

53. “ I skip out of the school!”

54. The students he engages with make a very good impression on Bryan, and he truly believes our future is in good and capable hands with these young people. Bryan also concluded that he actually gets more out of the talks than the students do. “ I skip out of the school. The interaction of human beings is everything to me,” he says. In the end, Bryan admits “It’s just fun to be around and to impart a few words [on the students].”

56. Sally Bennett has been involved in Passport to Prosperity for somewhere between 15 and 20 years. Sally takes on co-op students, as well as doing classroom talks. Some key messages that Sally likes to get across to the students is that learning is constant; even after 26 years in the business, Sally herself is still learning. She also tries to tell her students to keep an open mind, and do their research about where they want to work. I think everyone who has ever taken on a co-op student will agree with Sally when she says the thing she has learned the most is patience.

57. Because the job can be very intimidating, Sally starts her students off slow – she gets them to watch for the first day and let’s them take it all in. Slowly she adds responsibility. She lets the student decide how much they want to get involved in. Whether it means they sweep and answer phones, shampoo clients’ hair, or bring in mannequins to practice on, Sally lets the students set the pace. She always keeps them busy with small projects around the store – cleaning, stocking shelves, or updating their hairstyle collage.

59. Sally believes that doing “Co-op is such a great opportunity, whether you end up doing hair or mechanics or whatever…” And there are many students who come in who don’t know what they want to do. Doing a placement with Sally gives them an all-round experience that can be applied to any job. They learn customer service, dealing with challenges, teamwork, and more! A true teacher, Sally says, “My favourite thing is watching them grow” and believes that EVERYONE deserves a chance.

60. “ My favourite thing is watching them grow.”

61. Sally Bennett was also recognized provincially for her exceptional contribution to teaching our students at the same ceremony in Toronto as OGP. Sally, too, was awarded with a Provincial Passport to Prosperity Merit Award.

64. John Edelman and his team at Haldimand Motors are very enthusiastic about co-op and experiential learning! They have goals of expanding their co-op program, just as they are expanding their business. Haldimand Motors does more than just take on co-op students, they also give classroom talks and workplace tours. A particular joy for them is when they have the local Developmentally Delayed class come in for a day to tour the facility. Haldimand Motors has taken on many co-op students over the years, several of which have been hired on by the company after they complete high school.

65. Ryan Reynolds is a 19 year old mechanics helper at Haldimand Motors. He is a former co-op student and took the placement to help him figure out what he wanted to do. It definitely helped, because when most students do a 1 semester co-op placement, Ryan decided to stay the whole year, from September 2007 until June 2008. He says he really liked working at Haldimand Motors, and accepted a job working there right after graduation. He says he just, “stayed on” – and the way he says it makes me believe it was a natural progression for both himself and the company.

66. “ I just stayed on!”

67. IWhen asked how teaching students makes a difference in the lives of his staff, John said, “You don’t get anything until you start giving”. When you put a student with a new hire, both people learn. Paul, the general manager at Haldimand Motors says, “I want to make a difference in their life.” He says it’s very meaningful when he hears from a school that he has made a difference. This making a difference is actually part of their company motto: “Make a difference in the lives of our employees, the lives of our customers, and the lives of our community. Doing that it will make a difference in the automotive industry.”

68. “ Make a difference in the lives of our employees, the lives of our customers, and the lives of our community. “

69. Creating a sense on family and community among their staff is also important. To help with this, Haldimand Motors has an on-site training facility where their staff (and co-op students) attend mandatory training that focuses on building and maintaining healthy staff relationships. It is clear by speaking to the staff and students that Haldimand Motors really has been making a difference.

71. In addition to taking on co-op students, Candice also visits the Hagersville Cosmo class, and acts as chaperone for their trip to the annual hair show in Toronto, something she really looks forward to. What does Candice get out of it? She loves being able to show people what she knows. She is a true teacher at heart. In fact, Candice has just been accepted to Brock University for their teaching program, and wants to become a high school comso teacher. She says she wants to be able to teach more than just one or two kids a year.

72. “ There is a teacher in all of us.” - Heather, Long Point Region Conservation Authority