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Wellington Terrace honoured for programs for co-op high school students

by David Meyer
Link to originating article

ABOYNE

Happy group - High school students and county and provincial officials joined with Wellington Terrace staff on Monday to celebrate the seniors’ home winning a provincial Employer Champion award for helping students to gain hands on experience and learning for possible careers. photo by David Meyer

Over 100 people gathered at Wellington Terrace Long Term Care facility here to celebrate the seniors’ home being recognized for helping students gain hands-on learning opportunities for their careers.

The Terrace received an Employer Champion award for providing high school students with valuable work experience. The long-term care facility offers a variety of placements, including facility maintenance, recreation therapy, nursing and more.

The idea behind the co-op program is to create opportunities for students to gain the skills and experience they need for the jobs of tomorrow.

County Warden Chris White said “I’d like to congratulate the staff at Wellington Terrace for all the important work they do each day. These dedicated individuals are instrumental in helping local students gain life, work and leadership experience. This experience not only benefits the students, it also enhances communication, management and team work skills for Terrace employees.”

Wellington Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott was on hand to offer thanks to the program sponsors and the congratulate Terrace staff and the students.

“I want to thank the Provincial Partnership Council, for its Passport to Prosperity program and for recognizing outstanding efforts through the Employer Champion Award,” Arnott said. “Partnerships between educators and employers can be amongst the most vital, especially in today’s world. And as we prepare for the economic challenges of today, and indeed the economic opportunities of the next 40 to 50 years, we know that practical, applied knowledge goes hand-in-hand with the theoretical.

Minister of Education Laurel Broten said in a press release, “These kinds of meaningful learning opportunities help students gain valuable experience, which will help them reach their future career aspirations. By getting this experience today, our students will be better prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”

There are 40,000 employers across the province that provide high school students with work-related learning opportunities through numerous activities and programs, including Ontario’s Cooperative Education and Specialist High Skills Major programs.

Approximately 34,000 high school students are enrolled in specialist high skills major programs this year.

Wellington Terrace director Peter Barnes told the gathering that he has a vested interest in making sure high school students have a positive experience at the Terrace, because, some day, “I expect to use their services.

Several students from Centre Wellington District High School who had co-op placement at the Terrace said they had positive experience and were treated like staff instead of just students, and they appreciated that.

Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said she was pleased the Terrace had been honoured with the award and said the township is proud the home is located in Centre Wellington.