With the help of parent volunteers, Trafalgar Castle School has developed a framework to build workplace readiness and real-world skill development into every grade. This framework’s called Traf First, aptly named because the desired outcome is that we, as a greater community, put Trafalgar students first for:
- Short-term assignments and internships;
- Gaining on-the-job experiences and skills they need;
- Networking with Trafalgar alumni and community;
- Applying for jobs and getting interviews from jobs posted by Trafalgar alumni; and
- Being ready to make important decisions and take on new challenges.
One priority of Traf First is the creation of internship opportunities to give Upper School students a chance to experience working in a field that interests them.
This past March Break, three companies created internships for five Trafalgar students from Grades 10 to 12 in the fields of media, insurance and the arts.*
After working closely with the internship hosts, our Traf First team at the Castle posted job descriptions and asked Grade 10 to 12 students to apply. Interested students wrote a resume and letter of intent then went through an interview process to demonstrate their interest and abilities. Just the application and interview process alone was an exceptional experience for the girls – they learned how to prepare, what kinds of questions get asked and the importance of being on time and professional.
Five successful candidates were selected to venture out beyond the Castle and use their March Break vacation to learn more about what a career in their desired field could look like. This experience, they hoped, would help sharpen their post-secondary focus and shape their future dreams.
Thanks to our parent volunteers who created these internship opportunities for the girls. Each experience was a little bit different but every student came away with more knowledge about the real world and how to make informed decisions about post-secondary studies and career preparation.
Stay tuned next week for more details on both internships and what the girls took away from their experiences.
If you’re interested in hosting an intern in the future, please contact Sheila Street, Director of Advancement.
* Sadly, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and timing of our arts internship, that one was not able to go forward.