Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today marks the beginning of Career Week and I am very happy to share details about some of the many events and activities going on across the Northwest Territories. Regional education authorities, community groups and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment have workshops, career fairs and other activities taking place throughout the Territory to mark the importance of career development planning.
The South Slave region is kicking off this week with a chilli luncheon and career presentation by Thebacha Business Development Services at the Fort Smith Career Centre. Later in the week, the career centre is hosting the Condensed True Colours Workshop, which helps people build understanding of which careers may be best for them.
During a presentation today from northern student services advisor Nona German, Grade 12 students at Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik will learn about post-secondary education in Alberta. Thursday features the Guiding Circles Workshop at the Inuvik Centennial Library, which is designed to guide people toward possible career paths.
This week in Yellowknife, the department’s North Slave office hosts a resume writing workshop and information sessions on career development and apprenticeship programs in the Northwest Territories. Aurora College learning centres in Ndilo and Behchoko feature career planning workshops and apprenticeship information sessions.
Mr. Speaker, Aurora College students and residents of Fort Simpson are working on a career-themed mural to be displayed at the Open Sky Creative Society Friday at the Coffee House and wrapping up the week in Fort Simpson also on Friday is an open house and luncheon at the career centre.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to these activities, Wednesday is Take Our Kids to Work Day. Throughout the Territory, kids have the chance to experience working life and develop interest in possible careers with their parents and guardians. On Wednesday, my daughter Cheyenne and I are spending the day together and I am sure she will appreciate the opportunity to learn outside of her school. I encourage all parents to bring their Grade 9 children to work to benefit from this important work experience.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to our plans for Career Week, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is pleased to share with you an exciting new partnership with BHP Billiton that helps prepare students for post-secondary educational pursuits. Our department values and respects diversity. This new partnership is a three-year pilot project called Career Focusing. Career Focusing is a great program that recognizes everyone’s uniqueness and celebrates the strength in diversity.
Career Focusing provides a clear process for students to learn what motivates them and focus on their personal goals. This information then helps students make career decisions by matching their focus with opportunities in the work world.
As the lead financial partner, BHP is covering all costs related to training instructors to administer Career Focusing in schools and communities throughout the Northwest Territories. Both teachers and career development officers are getting trained to deliver the program and enable Northerners to reach their full potential, lead rewarding lives and contribute to a strong and prosperous society.
Mr. Speaker, BHP will also support a three-year licence to “Career Cruising,” an on line career planning and information tool for all Northwest Territories schools, libraries, career development offices and Aurora College campuses. The department is pleased to work with BHP in equipping our educational facilities with increased access to information and resources and appreciates the company’s commitment to our students.
Career Focusing is a process that targets students at different grade levels. The program has been implemented in many jurisdictions throughout Canada and is extremely successful. This past September, Mr. Speaker, the developers of this program were in Yellowknife high schools supporting the first phase of the program’s implementation. They also led a select number of teachers and career development officers through the first phase of Career Focusing instructor training.
In closing, I want to emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and career development. These programs and activities support our most valuable resource, our people, in contributing to a strong and prosperous society. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
