Progress Report 2008: Careers

   

Your job puts food on the table, and a roof over your head. It also helps you enjoy life. Whether that means enrolling the kids in a hockey league, trying your hand at a new hobby, or saving up for a family vacation — your job makes those dreams reality.

But sometimes finding a career path that fits is challenging. Here are a few ways to make your job hunt easier — no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Landing your first job

While going to college, why not get a foot in the job market by getting hands-on experience through an apprenticeship? With over 150 skilled trades to choose from, there’s a wealth of opportunity. You can even get started before you graduate:

 “I had the opportunity to participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program in Grade 11 and 12 and was registered as an Automotive Service Technician Apprentice during my co-op placements. I’m now at the end of my apprenticeship and ready to write my certification exam. Apprenticeship hands-on and on-the-job training is the best way to learn. Now I’m ready for a career as an Automotive Service Technician.”

Kristi Pugliese, Automotive Service Technician Apprentice
Sudbury, ON

New to Ontario

When you’re new to a place, you need all the info you can get. That’s why information about jobs and training is available in your community. You’ll discover employers who are looking for your skills, and how your international training and experience fits Ontario qualifications. As a new Ontarian, you have something valuable to offer and there are opportunities awaiting you.

“The bridge training program helped me achieve my goals and polished my skills.  I had the basic knowledge but how to represent or use it in a Canadian environment was different.”

Sanjay Lekhi, Pharmacist
Immigrated from India in 2000 and
graduated University of Toronto’s bridge training program for internationally trained pharmacists.

Changing careers

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Maybe you’ve been recently laid off and need to prepare for a new job. That might mean going back to school to finish high school. Or, it might mean training for new skills. Whatever your goals, you can find support, financial help, and guidance as you build your new career.

“I'm glad there is assistance like this for people like me who have lost their jobs and have to start over.”

Faye Westendorp, laid-off after 17 years of factory work,
Attending a private hairstyling school in Kingston.

You’re the boss

Are you an entrepreneur or a leader in your company? Whether you’re opening a small business or head of a larger corporation — you have similar goals. You need to hire the right people, open the door to future generations, and stay on the cutting edge in service and technology. Support for all these goals is available in all regions  — including Northern Ontario where opportunities in new and existing sectors are growing.

“Our timber company was committed to rebuilding the saw mill in Hornepayne following a devastating fire.  With the support of the NOHFC, not only were we able to maintain existing jobs, but we are also creating new jobs in the community.”

Carlo Bin, Administrator at Olav Haavalstrud Timber Company