In an innovative move to bridge education and future employment, the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) recently gave hundreds of local teenagers a firsthand look at their potential career paths. The initiative connected students directly with employers in a dynamic setting designed to inspire and inform.
A Day of Hoops and Career Opportunities
The unique event began with approximately 750 Grade 10 students from the public board attending a daytime Windsor Express basketball game at the WFCU Centre in Windsor on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Following the excitement of the game, the focus shifted to the students' futures at a large-scale career exploration fair.
The fair was a collaborative effort between the school board and the Windsor Express team. Its primary goal was to introduce students to the world of cooperative education (co-op) placements available to them in their upcoming Grade 11 and 12 years.
"Test Driving" a Future Career
Justin St. Pierre, the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) coordinator for GECDSB, emphasized the program's value as a practical trial run for the working world. "It’s a great opportunity to test drive a career," St. Pierre explained.
He outlined the dual benefit for students. "So, they’re going to find out one of two things. In their Grade 11 or 12 year, during that co-op placement, they’ll say ‘Yes, this is for me.’ Then they can fully commit to that pathway... At least they know that that’s what’s for them," he said. "Or, they’re going to go out in a co-op and realize, ‘No, this isn’t for me.’ Well, that saves a lot of time and energy."
St. Pierre was clear that the program's scope extends far beyond traditional trades. "It’s not just for skilled trades kids," he noted. "It’s kids that are doing any pathway, and we’re able to get them those co-op placements and really kind of test drive that career before they decide that’s what they want to do."
Direct Access to Employers and Tradespeople
The career fair provided students with direct, meaningful interactions with potential future employers and mentors. The event featured:
- 25 co-op employers who hosted informational booths.
- 40 skilled-trades professionals who engaged students in roundtable discussions.
- 75 current Grade 11 and 12 co-op students who were on-site to share their real-world experiences and insights.
Among the professionals present was Sgt. Jim Wright with the Canadian Armed Forces Windsor Reserves, who was photographed speaking with students Laura Awosanya and Kaelyn Purdy. Alana Mowbray from the Career Lab was also seen interacting with attendees, highlighting the community-wide support for the initiative.
The hands-on opportunities span a diverse range of sectors, ensuring broad student interest. Key areas include:
- Arts and Culture
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Business and Finance
- Healthcare and Wellness
- Transportation and Logistics
In addition to the Grade 10 attendees, St. Pierre mentioned that approximately 750 primary school students from GECDSB also enjoyed the Windsor Express game, making it a wide-reaching community event.
This proactive approach by the Greater Essex County District School Board represents a significant investment in preparing the youth of Windsor-Essex for the workforce. By providing early, tangible connections to local industries and trades, the program aims to help students make informed, confident decisions about their education and career trajectories long before graduation.
