MONCTON, NB -There are bound to be more than a few fresh faces around the office water-cooler today as Grade 9 students across the country participate in “Take Our Kids to Work Day.”

Veronica Lacey of The Learning Partnership says no mater where students spend the day, they’re bound to learn a lot about what it takes to join the workforce….

“Any job has a lot of complexities, because it’s all about relationships.   It’s all about people… and it’s all about doing your job the best you possibly can.” says Lacey.

She says spending a day in mom or dad’s work place often helps kids gain a better understanding and appreciation for what their parents do to provide for their families….

“There have been wonderful stories and expressions of gratitude that you often don’t always expect from 13 and 14 year-olds.   It’s very heartwarming and so important”  says Lacey.

She says while the students often realize they don’t want to follow in their parents foot-steps, the experience gets them thinking about the kind of career they might like to have when they grow up.

Lacey says the Province of New Brunswick and hundreds of companies in the province have been strong supporters of the program since it began 18 years ago.

She says many employers not only welcome the initiative but take an active role in creating an engaging experience for students.