Frequently Asked Questions
For Teachers booking a "Classroom Connection"
What is the Ocean Careers Immersion Program?
The Oceans Career Immersion Program (OCIP) connects high school students from across the province with mentors working in the ocean industry.
If you are a Career Education teacher take part in our "Classroom Connections" sessions with your class. Facilitated 45min virtual class discussions with ocean mentors and your Career Education class.
Teachers registering for a "Classroom Connections" session can look forward to:
An OceansAdvance facilitated virtual discussion with mentors and their class. Mentors will discuss influences and decisions that have played a significant part in determining their career path, specific projects they are working on, how their jobs have changed over time, skills that are of benefit to develop as a worker, and the effect that technology and innovation have on jobs of the future.
How does the program align with the goals and outcomes of Career Education 2202/2232?
Classroom Connections
Aligns and supports numerous curriculum outcomes for Career Education 2202/2232: Units 1, 3, & 4
Teachers are able to provide for their students an opportunity to :
Engage in a deep learning experience, connecting learning to real world applications and life experiences;
Get an industry perspective on current labour market information and how it can be used to make life and work decisions;
Develop a better understanding of the dynamic nature of the workplace and how it changes over time and the evolving nature of one’s career path.
Why is connecting your high-school students to the ocean sector important?
It is projected that globally the ocean economy will more than double in size by 2030, reaching over $3 trillion (USD) and employing approximately 40 million full-time equivalent jobs. Newfoundland and Labrador has the largest ocean economy in Canada having over 53% of the nation’s ocean economy, employing 40,000 people and contributes $16+ billion annually to NL and Canada (40% of provincial GDP)
Newfoundland and Labrador are world-leading experts in ocean enterprise and marine operations, having 450 companies in oceans-sector, exporting to about 50 countries worldwide, and home to a network of companies, institutions and R&D facilities that are creating some of the world’s most innovative ocean technologies and ready to meet increasing global demand.
It is important for students to have the opportunity to raise their awareness of the vast and diverse employment opportunities rapidly emerging and transforming within ocean industries as well as the increased demand for science, digital and technology skills needed by industry.
2021 - 2030 marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which is setting a direction and prioritizing moving science into action, ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’. This international focus highlights the increasing need for individuals with the science, digital and technology skills to work together to generate the global science needed to support ocean sustainability.
How are teachers and students supported?
OceansAdvance will moderate the in-class virtual session between mentors and your class while encouraging an interactive and fluid discussion.
A Teacher Resource package will be provided including teaching resources, student resources, and curriculum links.
OceansAdvance OCIP program is fully funded and is delivered at no cost to the teacher or school.
What is the timeline for the program?
Our Classroom Connections sessions are delivered in Spring 2023. Requests will open shortly.
Knowing that space will be limited, I would like to get more information and possibly sign my class up early. Who do I contact?
If this sounds like a great opportunity for you class, we would be happy to provide additional information about the program and discuss options for booking a class session, Please reach out to David Tipton, Program Manager Youth Outreach & Mentoring at: david.dipton@oceansadvance.net
For Mentors participating in a "Classroom Connection"
What is the Ocean Careers Immersion Program about?
Ocean Careers Immersion Program (OCIP) is a cross-sectoral youth outreach initiative by local ocean industry associations and clusters including OceansAdvance, econext, NAIA, and COMPASS. OCIP connects students across the province with mentors from ocean industry companies. The program exposes youth from Newfoundland and Labrador to inspiring ocean professionals and breaks down the professional/student barrier by linking real-world work with in-class curriculum.
How does it work?
We digitally bring ocean mentors into the classroom. OCIP will connect you with a class interested in your field for a fully facilitated 30min interactive online session. You will be provided with questions from the class prior to your session. Oceans Careers immersion program staff will assess school requests, match to mentor profiles, facilitate each meeting, and provide you with the tools and resources to ensure success.
What is my role as a mentor?
Your role as a mentor is to share your experience and passion for what you do with interested high school students. What excites you the most about walking into work? How did you get there? How does what you do impact your organization, your community, your province? This is an amazing opportunity to break down the wall between school and work, put a friendly face on your profession, and help interest students in your field.
What is the time commitment?
Participate in an interactive 30-minute video session and Q&A to a high school class with an interest in your field. Address questions pre-identified by the class during your presentation. A small amount of additional time may be required for preparation (filling out your mentoring profile, technical check before the classroom session) and evaluation (completion of a short online survey)