Friday, February 13 was a professional development (Pro-D) day across VSB. While there was no expectation for students to be at school, more than 200 spent the day engaging in leadership training opportunities at David Thompson Secondary. 

Organized by the Community Connections department at VSB, the Empower Youth session drew students together across VSB to gain valuable training and certifications in several areas such as FOODSAFE, standard first aid and CPR. The goal was to help students feel prepared as they enter the job market, many for the first time, supporting them with qualifications that employers often look for on a resume. 

“We like to utilize the Pro-D days so students are able to come in, try new things and get certified in things employers are often looking for,” says Diane Peters, Community Schools Coordinator. “Today we have almost 80 students completing standard first aid and close to 70 completing a FOODSAFE course.” 

During lunch, students also participated in a job fair. 

“Students had the opportunity to meet community service providers that might offer opportunities for them to volunteer, or gain employment,” says Vive Wong, Community Schools Coordinator. “They were also able to learn more about the service providers available in their community and put a face to the name of some of them as well.” 

This event marks the third Pro-D youth engagement session this school year, and there’s an appetite for more. Peters and Wong explain that each session always comes with a student waitlist, especially when it comes to certification opportunities. 

“We hear a lot from youth that the job market is tough for them right now. By equipping them with first aid or FOODSAFE, they have something to add to their resume that can help their application stand out. It’s also a good opportunity for students to build their confidence a little bit,” shares Peters. 

In addition to supporting secondary students, the day utilized sport to prepare some Grade 7 students for the big transition to Grade 8. Bustling in the gymnasium of David Thompson was an elementary volleyball clinic. The clinic provided students on the cusp of entering secondary school an opportunity to gain confidence in a new skill, make friends and familiarize themselves with the halls of a secondary school. The clinic supported skill acquisition and new connections for roughly 60 Grade 7 students in a fun, supportive environment. 

The dedicated Community Connections team continues to organize youth Pro-D sessions. They also often incorporate what they hear from youth into session offerings, making sure students get the most value out of the experience. 

“We try to move around the District every Pro-D day so that we can offer accessible workshops for everyone,” adds Wong. 

To further remove barriers, sessions are free for students, providing many with the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills and further their growth and development. Interested in learning more or joining a future youth Pro-D session? Speak to your school’s community school coordinator!