Conference Sketches

The first Annual Consultation on Career Development for British Columbia was held in Vancouver, BC in May, 1998. The primary objective of the Consultation was to promote growth, recognition and validation of the vital work being done across the province by career service providers. And, to provide a forum for a two-way exchange of information and ideas to:

identify issues and develop strategies for collaborative action to advance career development in BC

• explore the potential for establishing a BC Career Development “Action Group” or Association to advocate for and support building sector capacity
• provide a forum for professional development

The conference was planned in consultation with eighteen key stakeholders in the career development community in BC and proved an overwhelming success. The record number of delegates was unprecedented, with over 650 stakeholders attending! Resulting recommendations concluded that the majority of delegates agreed there is a strong need for:

• Processes to support the ongoing development, field-testing and validation of standards for career development practice
• Processes to support access to training and professional development for career service providers
• Strengthened interagency information and resource sharing, trust and cooperation
• Champions and leaders to continue the momentum
• Heightened public awareness and education re the benefits/importance of career self-management
• Balance between technology and human interaction
• Central organizing body/clearinghouse for career and labour market information
• Ongoing, inclusive consultation and dialogue
• Financial support for ongoing activities should come from the career development community in partnership with government
• To maximize existing resources such as BC WorkInfoNet

The Labour Market and Career Information Association of British Columbia (LMCIA) was pleased to initiate and coordinate this consultation. Based on the feedback and recommendations made by delegates, LMCIA and its partners intend to:

• Plan and orchestrate next year’s conference (planning is underway!)
• Establish an industry-driven BC Career Development “Action Group” or Association
• Support communications between colleagues utilizing BC WorkInfoNet

For further information regarding the conference or other related activities, please feel free to contact:

JudyLynn Archer, Executive Director, LMCIA
Suite 600 5050 Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 4C3
Tel: (604) 436-5624 Fax: (604) 435-5548 or jlarcher@helix.net