November 21, 2014
Manitoba Government Launches New Career Prospects Program that will Connect Employers, Parents and Students
A new program launching today will give high school students and parents new and improved access to employers, connecting them directly with experts and information about career opportunities in Manitoba, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
“Many high school students struggle with the all-important question, ‘What do I want to do when I grow up,’ ” said Minister Chief. “This program will create valuable connections between students, parents and employers, helping our youth get a better idea of which careers they would like to pursue and what jobs are in-demand.”
Manitoba Career Prospects was developed in collaboration with the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils (AMSC), representing the diversity of the Manitoba economy with 15 sectors participating including tourism and hospitality, aerospace, construction, film and new media, Minister Chief said. The program gives students and their parents an opportunity to speak with and ask questions of experts, learning what it is like to work in different fields.
The program’s new website, www.manitobacareerprospects.ca, will help parents and teachers:
- connect with employers to co-ordinate on-site job tours,
- set up in-class presentations to students from experts in various occupations, and
- network with business and industry representatives.
“The sector council’s leadership of the program will pave the way for enhanced employer engagement and increased opportunities to connect businesses with their future workers,” said Lori Slobodian, chair, Manitoba Career Prospects Program Working Group. “Connecting with teachers, parents, career counsellors, youth and employers allows us to broker career awareness and exposure opportunities that will create career pathways to Manitoba’s leading and emerging businesses.”
The minister also noted that in celebration of Career and Workforce Development Month, the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology is hosting the seventh annual Opening Doors Parents Career Info Expo. The event will feature information booths and hands-on demonstrations, along with numerous presentations from industry and business leaders. The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22.
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