Spotlight64 | Exploring Career Pathways at Pender School

What shoes will you wear when you step into the future?

Over the past two months, students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 at Pender Islands Elementary Secondary have been exploring this question through active engagement in Career Education, and discovering the many pathways that shape the world of work.

The school was fortunate to welcome 12 working professionals into classrooms, to share their career journeys, the skills they use each day, and the training that helped them reach their goals. Students learned about a wide range of professions connected to caring, community service, and skilled trades.

Guest speakers included a doctor and nurse practitioner, as well as First Responders from Pender Fire, the RCMP, and BC Ambulance. Students also heard from a carpenter, heavy‑duty machine operator, electrician, teacher, early childhood educator, studio and touring musician, and a salmon scientist.

Through hands‑on demonstrations and real‑world stories, students were able to see the tools and equipment used in each profession, helping them develop a clearer understanding of what these careers look like beyond the classroom. Many students left inspired, with new ideas and dreams about what they may want to be when they grow up.

The school community extends sincere thanks to the parents and family members who generously volunteered their time and expertise to make this learning experience possible.

This spring, the K/1 class will continue their career education journey as the first class in the district to explore the Honour the Work career education kits—further deepening students’ understanding of work, community, and possibilities for the future.

Thank you to Liis Graham for sharing this story and helping spotlight the inspiring learning taking place in Gulf Islands School District.