When your child enters high school, you expect that he/she will gain and retain knowledge and skills to assist in preparing them for the world of adulthood.
At Princeton Secondary School, teachers are committed to providing students with as many opportunities as they can to enable the students to become prepared.
One such opportunity is the Secondary School Apprenticeship Program. (SSA)
With the high demand of trade’s people and a prediction that this demand will grow, Career Development Programs are being used to connect school based learning with work place experiences.
While completing secondary school requirements, students 15 years or older can be registered as an apprentice in any apprenticeable occupation. The SSA programs are designed to prepare students to attain their educational and occupational objectives, as well as assist them in developing effective work habits and flexibility to deal with the change in school and workplace.
Besides giving students hands on experience, the SSA programs offer direct education in a field the student is interested in, advanced standing in many colleges; they can by-pass entry level courses and move directly into their first year and students are eligible to receive a $1000 Scholarship. (Based on continuation of apprenticeship training and a C+ or higher standing on all grade 12 courses.)
Colton Callihoo is a grade 12 student at Princeton Secondary who is taking advantage of the SSA program.
Callihoo had been taking cooking class with teacher, Shane O’Malley for quite some time. He realized that he absolutely enjoyed cooking. “I have learned a lot from Mr. O’Malley,” said Callihoo. Cooking in class eventually lead to cooking at home. “I find cooking exciting, interesting and it’s something that keeps me calm,” he said.
The realization of what cooking brought to his life made Callihoo aware of what he wanted for his future. This year he made the decision to further his education in the Culinary Arts and went to speak with Mr. John Kitts, work experience teacher.
Mr. Kitts approached Thomasina and Jerome of Thomasina’s, the local shoppe famous for it’s artisan breads, healthy lunches, teas and a varieties of cream scones, welsh cakes and more.
Thomasina is a certified Professional Cook 3. (the highest level) She and husband Jerome are pleased to take part in the SSA program. “It’s a way to give back to Princeton,” Thomasina said, “a new move in education to help kids develop—it’s great.”
After two interviews and an apprenticeship outline meeting, Colton began at Thomasina’s and has been working for them for almost six months.
As well as learning cooking skills, Callihoo has been experiencing everything to do with the restaurant including taking orders, serving and cleaning.
Thomasina said that he is doing good. He does what is asked of him, he enjoys the work and he has a great sense of humour— “it’s a gift,” she said. They have dubbed Callihoo as “The King of Welsh Cakes,” as the cakes have become his specialty. “We don’t have to worry about it,” said Thomasina, “he just gets them done.”
Callihoo said that he is having a good experience at Thomasina’s. He is learning a great deal about how a restaurant is run. He is enjoying learning different techniques for preparing and cooking foods and how to prepare various meals.
“I am learning a lot from Thomasina and Jerome,” said Callihoo, “and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”