October 23, 2012 Ottawa, ON – What do you want to be when you grow up? The options available to students today are so different from when their parents were asked that same question a few decades ago.

Just over 4,500 OCDSB Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to look at a wide array of possible career paths on Tuesday, October 30, at the CE Centre located at 4899 Uplands Drive, -as part of the annual World of Work exhibit.

The yearly career exploration is "Designed to increase awareness, in conjunction with Canada Career Week and give grade 8 students an appreciation of the scope of the world of work and pathways" said Sue Hemstreet, OYAP / Pathways Instructional Coach, Curriculum Services.

World of Work is a unique opportunity for employers to encourage interest and promote job opportunities in their specific field of work. The event is open to 7,500 grade eight students from both the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two days have been scheduled for the career showcase – OCDSB students will attend on Tuesday, October 30, while OCSB students will attend on Wednesday, October 31.

Booths will feature community and business organizations, post secondary education providers, as well as Specialist High Skills major programs that are offered in OCDSB schools. Parents, grandparents, and guardians are encouraged to attend the World of Work event. The media is also encouraged to attend the two day affair.

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For more information please contact: Sue Hemstreet, OYAP / Pathways Instructional Coach Curriculum Services, Ottawa Carleton District School Board at 613-596-8211 extension 8697 or Sharlene Hunter, OCDSB Communications Officer at 596-8264.