Upcoming Events

Upcoming Canadian Events

Shifting Directions, The Changing World of Work, Community Futures Development Coporation of the North Okanagan, Vernon, BC. October 1-3, 2006

HR 2006: Canada’s Workforce Shortage, The Conference Board of Canada, Toronto, ON. October 3-4, 2006

CAPLA Fall Focus Workshop & Annual General Meeting, Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment – CAPLA, Fredericton, NB. October 15-18, 2006

“Chance, Change and Challenge: Reconstructing Value in Career Services”, CERIC – Canadian Education & Research Institute for Counselling, Montreal QC. October 23-24, 2006

18th Annual OAAPT Conference, Ontario Association for the Application of Personality Type – OAAPT, Toronto, ON. October 28-29, 2006

OSCA 2006: Celebrating Student Success, Ontario School Counsellors’ Association – OSCA, Toronto, ON. November 5-7, 2006

The 18th Annual OAYEC Conference, Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres – OAYEC, Collingwood, ON. November 6-8, 2006

6th Annual Online Learning Symposium, The Alberta Online Consortium and Learning Technologies Branch, Calgary, AB. November 8-10, 2006

“Chance, Change and Challenge: Reconstructing Value in Career Services”, CERIC – Canadian Education & Research Institute for Counselling, Vancouver BC. November 20-21, 2006

Upcoming International Events

U.S. Business Leadership Network Annual Conference, U.S. Business Leadership Network, Minneapolis, MN, US. October 4-6, 2006

Evaluation 2006: The Consequences of Evaluation, American Evaluation Association, Minneapolis, Portland, Oregon, US. October 30-November 4, 2006

International Career Development Conference 2006: Integrating High Tech Tools in a High Touch Field, California Career Development Association, The California Career Information System and Career Planning and Adult Development Network, Santa Clara, California, US. November 1-5, 2006

 

READ MORE

New Courses for Professional Development

 

New Courses for Professional Development

 

Conestoga College and Contact Point are jointly launching in 2003 four New Advanced Online Courses for Career Development Practitioners. These courses will include online content, online individual and group exchange, plus a teleconferencing component.

Students working in the field of career development will be able take these courses through continuing education for credit or audit. One credit can be used in the Career Development Practitioner Program at Conestoga College if a student is accepted to the Program after completing a course.

  • Students who are enrolled in the Career Development Practitioner Program at Conestoga College will select one of the courses as an elective.

These course have been developed with funding from The Counselling Foundation of Canada

For Further information contact: tschmidt@conestogac.on.ca Tel: (519) 748-5220 x 3635

Women and Career Building

This course provides students with an overview of the history of women and work. How both societal influences and individual choice impact the world of work for women are explored. The emphasis is on intervention at both macro and micro levels. The influence of life-span development and career salience influence on career planning will be reviewed. Topics covered are: women and non-traditional employment, women and technology, women in transition, women in dual career families, women and self-employment, women and spirituality, work-life balance, and women as mentors and coaches. Models of practice are presented and critiqued. e.g. Job Finding Clubs, pre-employment programs, transition programs like Women into Trades and Technology (WITT) and youth focused programs. The course outlines a model using the concepts of career planning, career intelligence and career building.

This course begins March 3, 2003

Electronic Tools and Techniques in the Field of Career Development

With the rapid proliferation of computer-based, and in particular internet-based, career development resources over the past several years, it has been difficult for practitioners to stay current on the spectrum of what is available to them. This course will take students through every stage of the career development process – including self-assessment, occupational research, résumé development, job search strategies, and interview skills – and will outline the wealth of internet and computer-based resources that are now readily available to the practitioner. The course will also include special sections on cybercounselling, advanced internet search strategies, and techniques on how to use information-rich but difficult-to-navigate sites such as Strategis. The focus of the course will be on Canadian resources, but will include international sites and software where appropriate. Career development practitioners in all sectors of the field who want to gain a better understanding of the availability and applicability of electronic resources, and/or who want to teach their clients how to access and use these resources, will find this course to be particularly beneficial

This course begins March 3, 2003

New Canadians and the World of Work

To provide context, this course begins with a brief history of refugee and immigrant-serving organizations and practices. Immigration policy and its tie to Canadian economic policy and the need for human resources are explored. The three streams of new Canadians, refugees, economic immigrants and family are introduced and how each group integrates into the world of work is outlined. Students will be introduced to how work/employment fits into the settlement/integration continuum and to the general characteristics of the process that in the long term allow newcomers to be full participants in all dimensions of society. A community development approach to providing services is explored involving initial settlement concerns, language instruction, specific employment services and long-term integration issues. The role of career counselling services and best practices are outlined. These best practices include advocacy, networking, coaching, cultural orientation, community building, consciousness raising strategies, and language referral training. Students will also be introduced to practical applications that take into account the complex, multifaceted and the interrelated nature of employment and integration into a new culture. Through real-play or role-play students will have an opportunity to practice some of the techniques.

This course begins September 2003

Youth and Career Awareness

Between the ages of 15 and 25 youth experience numerous physical, emotional, and social developments, while also entering the work world for the first time. Youth may enter the career development process for assistance with short term issues such as finding a part-time job or deciding on a suitable post secondary program; however, career development practitioners also have the opportunity to engage youth in long-term career planning that will provide a solid foundation for their entire work-life.

This course will investigate the following issues facing youth: basic developmental changes; career exploration and decision making; educational planning; apprenticeship programs; challenges facing those without high school diplomas; and school to work adjustment. By looking at successful approaches, programs and models, students in this course will acquire skills and knowledge on how to engage youth in effective short and long term career development. Models that incorporate the concepts of career resiliency, emotional intelligence, educational planning, and mentoring and coaching will be highlighted.

This course will begin September 2003

 


More Programs…

E-Career Coach Certificate Program

Online e-career coaching is a new and emerging technique to use to empower your self-directed clients. Para-professionals and professionals will learn to use new tools and strategies, to work with virtual clients you may never meet face-to-face. In particular, the range of synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (delayed) communication techniques used for one-to-one coaching and small group interaction. Learn successful strategies to build an online community of clients to help each other find and retain work.

You can attend your online classes at any time of the day or night from the comfort of your home, office, or public library. Take one course for general interest or string several together to satisfy the requirements for the E-career Coach Certificate Program.

There are six required courses, two optional courses and one applied project. You must start with the first required course: Explore Communication Tools. Courses are modularized and you can start on the first Monday of every month.

For registration contact: Barbara Ottley
bottley@capcollege.bc.ca
http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/continuinged/online

For more information contact: Frances Long
flong@knowplace.ca
http://knowplace.ca

E-Moderator Certificate Program

Whether you plan to teach an online course, host online business meetings, stimulate discussions on a community listserv, want to launch a scholarly, professional, or non-academic discussion, this online program provides the guidance and practical expertise you need to be successful.

Practical skill development based in theoretical context is emphasized as you learn to use different communication tools, communicate effectively online and properly start, build and conclude your learning community.

Courses are entirely online and is offered by Capilano College in North Vancouver, BC in partnership with knowplace.ca. You can take one course for general interest or string several together to meet the requirements for the Certificate Program. Courses are modularized, and you can start on the first Monday of every month.

For registration contact: Barbara Ottley
bottley@capcollege.bc.ca
http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/continuinged/online

For more information contact: Frances Long
flong@knowplace.ca
http://knowplace.ca

READ MORE

What’s New

 

In January 2002, Contact Point entered into a partnership with Société GRICS to set up a site for francophone Canadian career and educational planning counsellors and practitioners. The content of the site will be initially developed and subsequently expanded by the Société GRICS whose expertise in this area is widely recognized and valued. Contact Point users can now view project progress and add their comments and content suggestions here.

We would like to welcome Contact Point’s newest Board members: Marc Verhoeve, Forest Heights Collegiate, Kitchener, ON. and Sherry Knight, Dimension 11 Ltd., Regina, SK. Contact Point continues to strive to represent the sectoral and geographical diversity of the career services communities in Canada. To view a list of our current Board of Directors, please click here.

We recently created a new section at Contact Point to house information on Awards of excellence and relevant bursaries for career services professionals such as yourselves. We have now added two additional awards: Saskatchewan Career and Work Education Association Awards and Canadian Psychological Association Awards. To view these and other Awards, please go to:www.contactpoint.ca/index.pl?section=awards

 


READ MORE

ASPECT

 

What is Aspect?
ASPECT is an association of community based trainers that represents and promotes the interests and activities of members to strengthen their capacity to provide employment-related services.

Who are ASPECT’s members?
ASPECT members are organizations in BC that provide community-based employment and career training designed to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment.

What does ASPECT do?
ASPECT facilitates liaison, resource sharing and problem solving between members, promotes positive working relationships between agencies and government funding sources, and coordinates professional development opportunities for the management and staff of member agencies. ASPECT’s next conference is scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2002 in Victoria.

ASPECT has also developed a line of products for use by the community-based training sector. These resources include the Employability Skills Curriculum and Career – Q-Cards.

 

 

For more information, visit www.aspect.bc.ca or call (250)382-9675

 

 

 

READ MORE

Career-LifeSkills Resources Inc.

 

Make the Right Choice…

 

Did you know that our 5-day MBTI qualifying program is the most content rich, experientially based workshop in North America? You will leave this course well prepared to immediately put type theory into practice with:

  • multiple outlines for conducting introductory workshops
  • reproducible masters for handouts and overheads
  • more than 50 exercises to use when working with type theory

Can’t come to us for training? We would be delighted to come to you for an in-house program for groups of 10 or more. Browse our site or call for details on our high quality training prgrams, including: You and the Career Development Process, True Colors, FIRO-B, Strong Interest Inventory, and the COPSystem.

 

116 Viceroy Road, Unit B1 – Concord, Ontario, L4K2M2

Tel. (905)760-0111 or toll-free in Canada 1-877-680-0200 Fax. (905)760-0113

www.career-lifeskills.com

READ MORE

What’s New

 

 

  • The published papers for the 28th National Consultation on Career Development (NATCON) are now available for your perusal. Go to:http://www.contactpoint.ca/resources/dbase.php?type=user_list&format=10&Search.x=50&Search.y=15 and view 19 papers from NATCON 2002.
  • Earlier this summer, The Canadian Journal of Career Development (a partnership between Contact Point and Memorial university of Newfoundland) and its Founder, Robert Shea, were the recipients of the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) Award for Outstanding Achievement. The creation and development of the first ever Canadian Career related journal is a major accomplishment. The Journal can certainly be described as a “definable contribution” regionally, nationally and internationally to the career field. It is contributing on a global level and providing a valuable service to all individuals in this line of work. The Journal and its editor are committed to extending the current knowledge base making it accessible to anyone with an interest in the subject matter. While available in hard copy, it is also offered online at www.contactpoint.ca/cjcd permitting viewing by a global audience.
  • We’re Hiring! Contact Point is hiring a Researcher/Content Developer. If you’re internet savvy with great research and writing skills, and knowledge and experience in the career services field, you’ll want to find out more about this opportunity by checking out the job ad at the Contact Point Job Board. Go to: www.contactpoint.ca/index.pl?section=job. Deadline for applications is Friday, September 13, 2002.

 


READ MORE

What’s New

 
 
 

  • Attention Career Services Professionals! Peruse the newest feature on Contact Point –The Talent Bank. Whether you are looking for employment opportunities in the broader career development field, or looking for a suitable candidate, the Talent Bank is for you.
    Here’s how you can utilize this tool:

    • Individuals looking for employment can use this section of our site (linked through our Job Board) to highlight their career interests, experience and skill base. You can use our on-line form, with an option to include your name and specify location. We will keep your information active for 90 days. It’s Free!
    • Organizations looking for candidates can check the listing of candidates – listed in reverse chronological order of date posted – search the page for keywords (using your browser feature), and contact potential candidates via e-mail provided. It’s Free!
  • Over the past few months, there have been many changes at Contact Point – with many more to come in the upcoming months. If you have been following articles in recent issues of the Contact Point Bulletin, you’ll be familiar with the fact that we are revamping our site – top to bottom. Stay tuned! You’ll also be familiar with the fact that we are in development of a French language resource for career practitioners (our partnership with Societe GRICS). Stay tuned!
  • With so much going on, it is important not to forget to mention those who are involved in getting the Contact Point website and this Bulletin newsletter to you. So here goes:
    • First and foremost, as a practitioner-driven site, we owe much to Canadian career services professionals such as yourselves (and those of you internationally who have taken an interest in our work). Your participation is evident through your input on the site and articles in our newsletter. Thanks to all those who volunteer their expertise and time.
    • Our content partners. Over the years we have garnered a broad range of support from a variety of organizations. They have helped in providing you with a richer base of resources and discourse to access through the Contact Point website.
    • The Counselling Foundation of Canada – for their support so that we could continue to bring this practitioner driven, free to use website to you.
    • Our volunteer Board of Directors. As a national organization, our Board represents the sectoral and geographical diversity of the professionals we serve:Rob Shea, Department of Student Development, Memorial University, St. John’s, NF. (President)
      Nancy Dube, YMCA Employment and Career Services, Sudbury, ON. (Treasurer)
      Gary Agnew, Canadian Career Partners, Calgary, AB.
      Susan Bloom, Toronto District School Board, Toronto, ON.
      Andre Gosselin, Fondation de l’entrepreneurship, Charlesbourg, QU.
      Laura Kerr, Aboriginal Learning Unit, Canadore College, North Bay, ON.
      Sherry Knight, Dimension 11 Ltd., Regina, SK.
      Danielle Hughes, The Focus Group/Career Partners International, Vancouver, BC.
      Marc Verhoeve, Forest Heights Collegiate, Kitchener, ON.
      Julie Stitt, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
    • Finally, the Staff at Contact Point:
      Riz Ibrahim, Executive Director, and
      Amber Taverner, Researcher/Content Developer – Amber has just joined our Team at Contact Point. She is a graduate of the Employment Counsellor program at Sir Sandford Fleming College, and brings to Contact Point amongst other things, her experiences as an Information Officer and an On-line Facilitator. Welcome aboard, Amber!

 


READ MORE

Publications + Products

 

Do What You Love For The Rest Of Your Life: A Practical Guide To Career Change And Personal Renewal
Bob Griffiths
Ballantine Books, December 2003
ISBN: 0345441397

We Are All Self-Employed: How to Take Control of Your Career 
Andy Stanley
Multnomah Publishers, December 2003
ISBN: 1590523296

Where Have I Gone Right?: The Right Mountain Guide to Making the Best Decisions for Your Career and Life
Jim Hayhurst
Wiley, January 2004
ISBN: 0470833548

Interview Power: Selling Yourself Face to Face
Tom Washington
Mount Vernon Press, January 2004
ISBN: 0931213177

Cool Careers for Girls in Cybersecurity and National Safety
Linda Thornburg
Impact Publications, January 2004
ISBN:1570232083

Boost Your Interview IQ
Carole Martin
McGraw-Hill, January 2004
ISBN:0071425470

READ MORE

Upcoming Events

 

Upcoming Canadian Events

HRPAO 2004 Annual Conference and Exposition, Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO), Toronto ON. February 18 – 20, 2004

Leading Lights – Community Based Training Leadership Conference – Forging Tomorrow’s Leaders, ASPECT, Vancouver BC. February 19 – 20, 2004

Workplace Health and Well-being: Strategic Solutions for Workplace Stress, Conference Board of Canada, Toronto ON. March 3 – 4, 2004

Mentoring Connections 2004 Conference, Women in Motion, Toronto ON. March 4 – 6, 2004

Workplace Health and Well-being: Strategic Solutions for Workplace Stress, Conference Board of Canada, Calgary AB. March 22 – 23, 2004

OCEA Annual Conference, Ontario Co-operative Education Association, OCEA, Niagara Falls ON. April 25 – 27, 2004

Upcoming International Events

A Lifetime of Possibilities – 2004 Careers Conference, Center on Education and Work, Madison, Wisconsin. US. February 2 – 4, 2004

New Careers Coordinators’ Conference 2004, The Career Education Association of Victoria (CEAV), Victoria, Australia. February 11 – 13, 2004

Supporting the Learner in Distance Education and E-Learning – The Third EDEN Research Workshop and International Conference, Centre for Distance Education at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany. March 4 – 6, 2004

ACA Annual Convention & Exposition – The Professional Counselor: Integrating Practice & Science with Client Advocacy, American Counseling Association – ACA, Anaheim, CA. US. March 31 – April 4, 2004

 

 


READ MORE