Richard Froese
South Peace News

A variety of career and training opportunities were presented at the Career Showcase held Nov. 28 at E.W. Pratt High School in High Prairie.

Principal Hassan Bouakir initiated the event to reach out into the community.

“We wanted to promote career opportunities in the region,” career coach Ken Janzen says.

Held in the gym, the showcase featured 40 exhibitors from various career fields of health service, medicine, trades, energy, forestry, agriculture, environment, automotive, social services, community and economic development, financial, municipal, policing, banking, housing, education, fire services, utilities, as well as four post-secondary institutions.

“Comments from exhibitors was positive and supportive,” Janzen says.

“They were happy with the event and excited Pratt organized it.

“They also came to us with lots of ideas to further engage students both inside and outside the classroom.”

The event was held in November, which is National Career Month. During the month, Pratt students also heard a number of speakers promoting various careers.

Students from St. Andrew’s school in High Prairie and Georges P. Vanier School in Donnelly were also invited to the event.

Bouakir initiated the event to the wider community.

“My vision as the Pratt principal is to connect high school students with their education, their community and their families,” Bouakir says.

“Education does not happen in a vacuum, it is shaped by people we meet, the opportunities we are given and the support systems we build around us.”

He adds his vision aligns well with the vision of High Prairie School Division.

“Supt. Murray Marran and assistant Supt. Pam Heckbert both find it crucial that we actively foster stronger connections between schools, parents and the wider community,” Bouakir says.

“One of the most important ways to achieve this is by organizing events like career showcases, which bring together students, educators, parents and local professionals in meaningful ways.

“These events provide an invaluable opportunity to explore real-world careers, get inspired and see first-hand how education connects to future goals.”

For students, such events are more than just a chance to learn about different career paths.

“They are a moment of discovery,” Bouakir says.

Professionals and parents are key partners in the process, he says.

“By inviting professionals from various fields to speak to students, we allow them to envision a future beyond high school, helping them understand how their studies will help them build a fulfilling career,” Bouakir says.

“It’s an opportunity for them to dream big and see the many possibilities that lie ahead.”

Parents can support their children in the path to a career, he says.

“By holding career showcases and other events in the evening, we make sure parents can attend and actively participate in their child’s learning process,” Bouakir says.

“When parents engage with teachers, mentors and local professionals, it strengthens the partnership between home and school.

“Parents can offer guidance, support and encouragement, reinforcing the belief that their child’s education is something they are deeply invested in.”

Such events are a bridge to the community, he says.

“By bringing local businesses, organizations and professionals into our school setting, we create an environment where students are not just learning for the sake of tests and grades, but are engaging in a living world outside the school walls,” Bouakir says.

“This kind of connection between students, families, schools and our community helps students feel supported, understood and motivated.”

Those partnership are vital for students, he notes.

“As a community, we must recognize that the future of our young people is a shared responsibility,” Bouakir says.

“As a school, we cannot do this work alone.”

Parents, businesses and local organizations must all step in to offer guidance, mentorship and opportunities, he says.

“By hosting career showcases, and other events in the evening, we must make it possible for families to be present and involved in the lives of their children as they take their first steps into the workforce, higher education or technical studies.”

He thanks everyone who attended and participated, including school staff for their support to students and to career coach lead Monica Edwards and career coaches Katie Elwood and Janzen.