Loreburn CWEX Student Explores the World of Government and Politics

Vincent Yakimoski, a Grade 11 student at Loreburn Central School, recently completed a Career Work Experience (CWEX) job placement with three local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

When Vincent started the semester in the fall, he had a different idea of what job placement interested him. “Initially I wanted todo my job placement in the agricultural field because that is where my family is from and I have a passion for it,” explained Vincent. After some though, Vincent remembered a Loreburn graduate, Derek Griffin, who had done awork placement with local MLA a few years. Derek’s work placement had contributed to Derek starting a job with provincial government and he is now an Executive Assistant to Premier Scott Moe. Vincent always had a keen interest in politics, and he asked his CWEX teacher, Kristin Sampson, to try to get him a placement with his local MLA.

The work placement turned out to be even bigger than Vincent requested. He was set up with three local MLAs: Barret Kropf, MLA for Dakota-Arm River, who represents the area around Loreburn as well as Davidson and Outlook, Kim Gartner, MLA for Kindersley-Biggar and currently Minister of Highways, and Jim Reiter, MLA for Rosetown-Delisle, and currently Minister of Finance. Vincent had the opportunity to work in the offices both in the Legislative Building in Regina, their local MLA offices in Davidson, Rosetown, and Kindersley as well as travel with them to several events in their constituencies.

As part of his work placement, Vincent observed Legislative Committees, learned about the kinds or work carried out in MLA constituency offices, participated in events and activities that MLAs are invited to, and to spoke to many political leaders, officials, and community people about the work of government. “I think it has really shown me what the government is doing in our province. It has shown me what actions they are taking and what process they have to do,” stated Vincent.

Highlights of his experience included attending the Throne Speech that opens the Legislature each fall, being introduced to the Legislature by MLA Kropf, and meeting Premier Moe.

MLA Kropf and Minister Gartner both had high praise for Vincent. “It was a pleasure to have Vincent join us here at the Legislature as well as in our constituency offices,” stated MLA Kropf, “I think he got a first-hand look at how government works. He was keen to learn, asked many questions, and showed that he has great potential to take up a career in government, if that is something he ultimately decides works for him,” he added.

Minister Gartner stated: “We agreed to take on a work placement for Vincent because we felt it was a valuable way for him to learn about how government works and the role of elected officials as this is an area he is considering for a career. We think that work placements like this one that give students hands-on experience are a great way to help students make the transition from school to their future careers.”

“The CWEX work placement has really shown me the real-life workplace,” stated Vincent. “It isa really great way to understand what your work will be like in the future,” he concluded.

Students interested in CWEX work placements should speak with their school’s Career Development teacher.

Below is an interview with Vincent about his experieces.

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