Page 37 - Pathways eMag AMDSB Fall 2019 Dec11

Leigh Klassen, Grade 12
Stratford Secondary and Elementary School
Leigh has taken full advantage of all experiential learning opportunities through her highschool career! In grade 10 she participated in a 1 day job shadow at Schaeffler Canada while taking Careers. In grade 11 she successfully completed a 2 credit co-op placement at Strawbridge Machine and Tool, and participated in a week long work experience program partnership between Stratford Northwestern and Schaeffler Canada.
Now she has taken her pursuit of a career in manufacturing a step further by landing a 4 credit co-op placement at Wilkare Tooling Inc. in Stratford. Leigh’s positivity and excitement for working in the manufacturing industry is infectious. She is an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program participant as both a General Machinist and Tool and Die Maker. Furthermore, she is in a Manufacturing Specialist High Skills Major which has exposed her to additional industry tours and sector specific certifications.
Leigh is now working with a Stratford Northwestern Alumni at Wilkare, Austin Preiss. Austin signed his apprenticeship with Wilkare as an OYAP participant years ago. He has just completed his 3rd and final level of schooling and is a licenced Tool and Die Maker.
Having former co-op and OYAP students now mentoring and teaching current co-op and OYAP students on the job demonstrates the benefits and effectiveness of both programs in linking motivated students with excellent career opportunities!
AMDSB Pathways e-magazine | Fall 2019 Issue
37