Grade 9 students at the Estevan Comprehensive School were absent from the classroom on Nov. 7 while they took part in Take Our Kids to Work Day.
Last Wednesday, Jack Tuttle spent the day as his dad's shadow. The Grade 9 student is the son of Ward Tuttle, an investment adviser at RBC Dominion Securities.
He ran his son Jack through his typical morning, preparing for clients. But because of the confidentiality of client information, Jack wasn't able to see all aspects of the job.
"I think he's seeing a pretty good example of what a normal day in our office is like," said Ward.
Jack knew what his father did, but the day has helped him grasp the finer points of how his dad spends his weekdays.
"I knew a bit about it, but it was really confusing, really complex. I know so much more about it (now)," said Jack.
Moira Grayson, a teacher at ECS who oversaw the day ensuring each student had their placement, noted the majority of Grade 9 students have long participated in a workday with a parent or other guardian. The day at the workplace is part of the school's career education course that all Grade 9 students are enrolled in.
The students probably receive more life experience and potential career planning than work experience, said Grayson.
"It's to give them an idea of what a real workday is like. If they go with their parents, they often get a bit of an eye-opener as to what their parent's day is like and how hard they work. Quite often kids don't really know what their parents do. It gives them an opportunity to meet different people and find out what kind of education they have, what kind of skills they use that they might have learned in school."
"I think it's kind of neat to be able to show him what my job involves, and the more enjoyable things I get to do with my business, which is the client contact," added Ward. "I don't know if I can say he'll want to pursue the same career path. That's the nice thing about bringing your child to (work), is that they get to see what the workforce is like no matter what their parents may do. I think it's a great opportunity."
"I think it would be a lot of fun to work here," Jack added.
Grayson noted that some students do end up pursuing the occupation that they interned at for a day.
"It really piqued their interest, I guess," she said.
Tuttle deals with third-party investment firms, and Jack was able to sit in on a meeting because there was no client information. Jack was able to talk with someone at the other company as well.
"We had a chance to visit with him, and he talked a little bit to Jack about what his job is and what he does, so it was a good opportunity to see another layer of the business that I do," noted Ward.
Jack ditched the blue jeans for some very office-friendly attire, complete with a dress shirt and a smooth, grey jacket.
"I was pretty impressed," said his dad. "I didn't know what to expect for that, but he's done well so far."
The students do complete a small assignment afterward that they submit to Grayson, and many other teachers will have some discussion about the day as well.
She said they hope it can be an informative but fun day for both the students and their parents.
"That's the intention. For some of them, they get a taste of what a full day is really like. That kind of surprises them. They're tired at the end of the day."
She added the schools are very appreciative of the parents and businesses who take the students in for the day.
"It is an interruption to the regular work schedule, but it's important for the kids."
