New Programs and Initiatives

By Deirdre Pickerell, MEd, CHRP

Career Management Professional Program

A new program designed to be the “next phase” in professional development for career/employment counsellors, career practitioners and/or practitioners in related fields. Offered in partnership between Life Strategies Ltd. and Access Institute of Training and Development (A division of Access Employment Services Ltd.), our goal is to serve the needs of practicing professionals who require CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) to keep their status current in their professional associations or who wish to enhance their present skills.

Most courses are offered online—a few courses also require attendance at face-to-face seminars, scheduled conveniently throughout the year. All instructors have extensive experience as career management professionals and adult educators. Register for one course or combine several to earn one or more specialized certificates. Each certificate (details below) requires completion of seven core courses, two electives and an applied project.

Organizational/Career Development Specialist
Some career practitioners are employed directly by businesses to work “in-house” with their employees. Learn the skills and knowledge required to work as a career specialist within human resources, employee development programs and corporate training departments. The focus in this certificate will be two-fold: supporting individual employees and also the organizations that employ them with their career development challenges.

Career Transition Specialist
Want to work with people in transition? Career-related transitions include finding work after completing a program of study, recovering from a job loss due to downsizing or right sizing, navigating mid-career changes. Career practitioners may work with these individuals in post-secondary institutions, community programs, corporations, consulting firms, or private practice.

Employment Facilitation/Work Search Specialist
Traditional roles for career practitioners involve facilitating career planning and job search programs and providing one-to-one support. This certificate prepares career management professionals to deliver career related information to individuals and groups that are trying to determine a suitable career direction and find and secure appropriate work.

Rehabilitation Specialist
Ensuring success for workers recovering from illness or injury is a rewarding area for career practitioners. It also presents a unique set of challenges as workers returning to the labour market identify new work possibilities. Rehab specialists may be employed by insurers, community programs, corporations, and/or work with clients through a private practice.

Self-employment Option
Always wanted to be self-employed? Not sure how to ensure success as a career practitioner in private practice? Then this certificate is for you! Learn what it takes to be self-employed as a career management professional. This certificate is also perfect for professionals working with clients interested in pursuing self employment.

Further information on can be found at:
www.lifestrategies.ca/cmpp.html

Or contact:
Deirdre Pickerell, MEd, CHRP
blazon@shaw.ca
604-856-4314