A time of firsts

High school is a time when teenagers are ready to explore new interests, meet new friends, try new activities and start to think about the future after they finish school. For many students, it is the time when they start considering different career options and thinking about a first job. But unfortunately, high school students today are having a harder time finding that first job. In a 1999 Roper Canada study, 95% of Canadian employers rated work experience during high school as valuable. Yet in the same survey, 45% of high school students reported zero current work experience. That’s a lot of students not developing work skills early enough – and everything that comes with those skills, including responsibility, teamwork and self-esteem. That’s where employers come in.

Passport to Prosperity

It is a province-wide campaign, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education, to increase employer awareness of and participation in school-to-work programs for high school students so that students can explore career options and develop workplace skills and experience while still in high school.  In the Greater Toronto area, The Learning Partnership delivers the Passport

Passport to Prosperity is a project of in participation with the Ontario Ministry of Education, designed to increase employer involvement in school-to-work programs for secondary school students. Passport to Prosperity gives students the opportunity to get work experience before they finish school.

The Learning Partnership

The Learning Partnership is a non-profit, volunteer-driven and professionally staffed organization that creates challenging learning and career opportunities for young people, thereby encouraging students to stay in school. Basically, The Learning Partnership helps prepare students for the critical transition from the classroom to the work world. But they can’t do it without your help.

You never forget
the people who helped

You undoubtedly have fond memories of the people who helped you become who you are today. And without doubt, they're proud of contributing to your success. Now you have the opportunity to be a role model in someone else's life. Teenage years are the most important. We formulate ideas of what we'd like to become. The experiences during the teen years lay the foundation for successful employment and a productive life in adulthood. When you participate in Passport to Prosperity, you're providing students with an understanding of the skills, attitudes and knowledge they need in today's workplace. This understanding helps them set goals and perform better in school and allows you the opportunity to invest your time in the development of potential future employees for your industry.

Show a student a
different side of life

When you participate in Passport to Prosperity, you provide students with a glimpse into your career, your work environment and your industry - you're giving them a window into new realities. You're making them aware of the possibility of reaching goals and dreams. Work experience and career advice provide young people with a strong sense of direction and help them decide on their own future with practical experience and knowledge to complement their academic preparation.

How to Get Involved

Your company can get involved by offering one or more school-to-work opportunities, such as workplace tours, career talks, job shadowing, work experience, mentoring, co-operative education placements and apprenticeships. To add an opportunity, click here.

For answers to some frequently asked questions, please click here.