The Bulletin

By Brigid Murphy

• Lack of normal life experiences
• Inadequate role modelling
• Discrimination
• Employer attitude’s
• Inadequate education
• Illiteracy
• Poor social skills
• Cultural differences
• Perceived reality
• Negative self concept
• Poor work attitude
• Marginalization
• Identity confusion
• Values clash
• Low self esteem
• No support systems/no family
• Language barrier
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• History of emotional, physical, sexual abuse
• Developmental disabilities
• Gender confusion
• History of failures
• Emotional instability
• Young dependants
• Lack of vocational skills
• Depression
• Involved with child and family services
• Physical appearance
• Learning difficulties
• Stereotyping
• Medical problems
• Economically and socially disadvantaged

The top three critical barriers noted by NYIC are: lack of education due to early independent living and the need to focus on meeting basic survival needs; no personal support networks – family or otherwise; and no financial resources. For others it is: court ordered client resistance; lack of work experience; confusion about vocational choice; health issues; poor adaptation skills; lack of problem solving skills; low self esteem; lack of trust; and, an unstable home life.

New TV Show Devoted to Career and Work Info for Youth

Parched by the summer heat? Put your feet up and come to Career Café. You may have to provide your own refreshments, but a visit won’t cost any money and all you need is a TV set. Career Café is a new half-hour television program devoted to career and work information. Although it is targeted toward youth 18-30, many of the resources on this program will also be of interest to career-changers and career development professionals working with youth.

Each program features regular segments such as Job News, with all the latest information on employment and labour market trends, new youth programs, and recruitment, and The Toolbox, brimming with practical tips on getting a job. Hosts Derek Miller and Lauren McNabb interview several people per show, including young entrepreneurs, key hiring personnel, industry experts, and individuals working in just about every occupation imaginable — from acting to trucking, and public affairs management to funeral directing.

A review of recent shows turned up the following info:

• Heavy equipment technicians are in high demand in Canada. And we’re not talking grease monkeys — these jobs are more hi-tech than you’d think! Community college programs may lead to a $50K salary just one year out of school. Read more at www.caed.org
• Natural Resources Canada runs a volunteer program where youth with an interest in Earth Sciences can gain hands-on experience to complement their theoretical knowledge. Many of these interns go on to find full-time work in the field. http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
• In a recent survey by Statistics Canada, working college and university graduates said high pay was the first thing they looked for in a job, followed by location, and enjoyment of the work itself. Read the full report at www.hrsdc.gc.ca

Upcoming shows will feature advice on market research for new business ventures, information on Aboriginal Business Canada, an organization devoted to the needs of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, the scoop on jobs in Canada’s National Parks, and information on occupations in fundraising, fashion, and tourism. Move over Starbucks!

Career Café can be seen Monday through Friday on Rogers Community TV and Shaw TV; the French version, Café de l’emploi, is on Canal Savoir Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and CTV broadcasts Career Café across Canada on a weekly basis — check local listings at the show’s website: www.rogerstelevision.com

Have you launched a new program or initiative?
E-mail us about it at admin@contactpoint.ca.

By Keltie Creed

I work exclusively online, and have done so since the fall of 1997. I have never met most of my clients. I never make eye contact with them, seldom hear the emotion in their voices. But I do get to know their minds, their way of expressing themselves, their hopes and dreams. We work together on action plans, resumes, interview preparation, decision making and a myriad of other issues. They do find work. On the surface, it may seem like my practice is something far removed from your own, but in reality, the work that we do is probably very similar. The difference is the tools that we use, and the medium of communication.

By Jan Basso

CACEE Conference Draws Employers And Career Educators

In early June, the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers held its annual recruitment and career services national conference in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Over 200 delegates attended the event which brought career services professionals and co-op practitioners from within post-secondary educational institutions together with human resources professionals who recruit on campuses across the country.