Work Experience 12A and 12B – Program Rationale Summary

The Work Experience (WEX) 12A and 12B courses offer students valuable opportunities to explore and engage with real-world occupations and careers. These Ministry-authorized programs are designed to complement Career-Life Education and Career-Life Connections, helping students transition from secondary school to employment, further education, or other post-graduation pathways.

Through WEX, students gain firsthand experience in the workplace, allowing them to:

• Apply classroom learning in practical, real-world settings.
• Develop and refine career-life development goals.
• Acquire employability skills and occupation-specific competencies.
• Gain insights that inform future career and educational decisions.

Each WEX course provides four credits and fulfills the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies graduation requirement. Additionally, work experience hours may count toward the 30-hour experiential learning requirement in Career-Life Connections, provided the placement aligns with the student’s post-secondary plans.

Goals of WEX

The primary goal is to personalize student learning and prepare them for life after graduation. Specific objectives include:

• Observing and practicing workplace skills.
• Exploring career interests.
• Building confidence and competence in professional environments.

Work Experience Ministry Guide: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/teach/pdfs/curriculum/appliedskills/wex-guide.pdf