Challenges and Solutions

Challenges:

In our past-paced, ever growing, global workplace it is difficult for youth to know what is possible, know the range of careers available and understand what kind of jobs make up certain careers. This similar challenge faces the secondary school system required to keep pace with rapidly changing careers and jobs and, in turn, maintain currency in course content in order to give students the information they need to make choices about their course of studies on the one hand, while keeping up with economic developments on the other.

Employers can, individually or through industry associations, partner with schools to share potential career and job opportunities and the education foundation required for these. Companies can provide work experience or internships for students so they can gain firsthand experience with certain career possibilities.

Solutions:

Calgary Board of Education has replaced the Career Pathways program with Careers and Technology studies which enables youth to explore a number of career options by taking a variety of classes.

Calgary Board of Education Registered Apprenticeship Program allows students to work part time as registered apprentices and complete credits for a diploma while earning on-the-job credit toward journeyman qualifications, see: www.cbe.ab.ca/programs/prog-offcampus.asp.

Separate School Board publication "Charting Your Course" a workbook for grade 9 students and "Charting Your Future" a workbook for grade 12 students.

The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre (YEC) offers employment and career development services to youth 15-24 years of age and local businesses at no cost year round. These services include job postings, resume development and consultation, interview preparation, career planning assistance, Internet access, work experiences and connections to career advisors. Businesses can gain expert information on working with youth, can post job opportunities at no cost and assist youth in their career development by offering job shadows, information gathering interviews and work experiences. For additional information please visit www.yec.nextsteps.ca/about.html or call (403) 268-2490.

YMCA Youth Achievement Program prepares youth for jobs and arranges summer employment www.ymcacalgary.org/index.php?page=youth.