City staff kids get insider look at Sarnia operations for Take Our Kids to Work Day

Grade 9 students of Sarnia City staff explored city facilities on November 6 as part of Take Our Kids to Work Day, gaining insight into their parents’ roles and learning about municipal operations firsthand.

Grade 9 children of Sarnia city staff were welcomed at city facilities on November 6 for Take Our Kids to Work Day. A total of twenty-eight students had a chance to see what their parents do to keep the city moving. 

The City of Sarnia participates every year in this national event which takes place annually on the first Wednesday of November. Take Our Kids to Work Day started in Toronto in 1994 and has since spread across the province and country, with participation from more than 250,000 students, 18,000 teachers and 75,000 organizations. On this day, students spend the day at the workplace of a parent, relative, friend or volunteer host and get to see first-hand the world of work. It enables students to have an informed insight into their future goals, possible career choices, and learn about the relevant skills required in today’s workplace.

In Sarnia, students were provided a glimpse of various city operations. Highlights included:

• an up-close encounter with the public works vehicles that keep our streets maintained,
• an extrication demonstration from Sarnia Fire Rescue,
• a greeting with the Chief Administrative Officer and mock Council meeting
• a Police HQ tour with Sarnia Police Service
• transportation with Sarnia Transit
• a somewhat odorous overview of water treatment

In Wyoming, Lambton County Council also hosted twelve students to learn about the many ways municipal staff provide services to the residents of the county. According to Melissa Donovan, Executive Assistant in the office of the CAO, Take our Kids to Work Day is “a fantastic annual opportunity for students to get a firsthand look at the workforce and understand the unique responsibilities within municipal government.”