"Totally Trendy Jobs" Workshop

 

On February 10th, 2010, the North Superior Workforce Planning Board (NSWPB), Passport to Prosperity (P2P), and Aboriginal Employment Resource Committee (AERC) partnered together to deliver a workshop for over a hundred Aboriginal students from across the Thunder Bay District. The workshop took on an interactive game show format, asking questions pertaining to the labour market, seeking employment, preparing for job interviews, and other related questions that will prove as a resource for young Aboriginal youth who are looking to enter the workforce. Beyond the information provided in the game show, the youth also received resource packages that contained more detailed information about jobs in demand, how to find a job, and other tips in preparing for a career, as well as information relating to the different organizations responsible for putting on the workshop.

The workshop was part of a day long event called "Blueprint for the Future" hosted by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. Each year, two locations across Canada are chosen to act as hosts of this national career fair targeting Aboriginal youth. Because of the strong Aboriginal representation in our region, Thunder Bay was an ideal choice as one of the 2010 hosts. The career fair provides an extensive trade show, keynote speakers, lunch and entertainment, and various workshops throughout the day. Over 400 students across the region participated in the event, walking away with new ideas and directions for pursuing the career paths of their choice.

The workshop serves to fulfill one of the sixteen actions in the Building a Superior Workforce: 2009-2012 Labour Market Plan. According to the Plan, one of the five strategic priorities is to invest in Aboriginal economic and employment strategies. This aims to improve achievement among First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students and close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students in the areas of literacy and numeracy, retention of students in school, graduation rates, and advancement to post-secondary studies.

 

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