Robertson College responds to changing needs of the labour market
Skills Canada Alberta offering free field trips to the 2023 Provincial Skills Canada Competition
Career Development Association of Alberta gears up for first in-person Alberta Career Development Conference since 2019
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Welcome to the spring 2023 issue of Alberta School Counsellor magazine.
On page six, Robertson College shares how its micro-courses and diploma programs are aiming to close the tech talent gap in Canada, which includes evolving technology and a greater need for IT infrastructure to support hybrid of virtual workforces. In response to the changing needs of the labour market, Robertson College offers six technology programs in high-demand fields.
In Alberta, the EcoSchools Canada program has been steadily growing by providing the resources needed support environmental learning and action at schools, including activities and resources to take learning outdoors. Currently, there are 54 Alberta schools participating in the 2022-2023 program, and that number is expected to grow by
the end of the school year. You can read more about this program on page 17.
On page 16, Skills Canada Alberta shares details of the upcoming 2023 Provincial Skills Canada Competition on May 3 and 4, 2023, which the organization is offering free field trips to. The event will include more than 50 Try-A-Trades and Try-A-Skills, presentations by industry and education leaders, alumni and special guests and access to industry and education exhibitors. Skill City is a career fair for junior and senior high school students who are looking for inspiration and information on what their future careers can become.
These three stories are just a small preview of what we have in store for you in the spring 2023 edition of Alberta School Counsellor. We hope you enjoy this issue and help spread the message about our publication.
Finally, we wish to thank all the companies who have contributed a story for this issue of Alberta School Counsellor. A special thanks goes out to the following contributors:
• Robertson College
• Keyano College
• Momentum
• Northern Lakes College
• Alberta Roofing Contractors Association
• Skills Alberta
• Career Designs for Life
• EcoSchools Canada
We invite all interested companies to share their news and editorial ideas with us. If you would like to contribute a story for future issues of Alberta School Counsellor, please contact Kelsey James and kelsey@delcommunications.com.
Enjoy this issue! n
Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Alt. empowers learners to develop the skills needed to reach their professional, personal and economic goals.
Keyano College has a variety of programs leading to certificates, diplomas, trades qualifications and baccalaureate degrees. We also offer courses and programs that award graduate certificates. No matter what the field of study, from business and nursing to power engineering and early child learning care, you’ll find what you need at Keyano College to get your career started.
We pride ourselves on being the “little college offering big opportunities.” Our class sizes are small, which allows you to get hands-on training from expert teachers, giving you the chance to grow and thrive. The skills you’ll learn will be easily transferable into the workplace, where you’ll have the confidence to transition from the classroom to office or job site.
Keyano College is a cornerstone in northern Alberta and a key to many industries in the region. Our goal is
to ensure we educate the leaders of tomorrow. We also make it a priority to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, which helps our students find fulfilling work without leaving the community. In doing so, we ensure students have the skills necessary to find employment in a career they want while remaining in a region they know.
The large industry in Fort McMurray, Alta. relies on graduates to keep the oil industry moving and advancing, but it’s not only the industry where Keyano College shines. Take a deeper dive and you’ll see that, while our students help move the oil industry forward, they excel in many other courses too. Our graduates are sought after because they have the latest skills covered in business and medical industries.
Not only will you receive a first-class education at Keyano College, you’ll also grow as a person. We believe student success involves having a great experience both inside and outside
the classroom. Our Student Life team is dedicated to providing students a college experience they will appreciate, which includes social events, engaging initiatives and other ways to get involved. We offer students the chance to take part in projects and programs they care deeply about.
If you’re looking to improve your body and spirit, Keyano College has the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre built in 2007. It’s a premier facility equipped to host basketball, badminton, floor hockey, indoor soccer, futsal and volleyball, as well as many other events. It’s also home to the Keyano Huskies teams, which have won multiple provincial awards in ACAC and boast provincially recognized scholars and athletes.
If you’re looking for a close-knit college community that provides you with the skills to get you into the career you want, Keyano College will get you there. n
Take a deeper dive and you’ll see that, while our students help move the oil industry forward, they excel in many other courses too. Our graduates are sought after because they have the latest skills covered in business and medical industries.
Evolving technology, a greater need for IT infrastructure to support a hybrid or virtual workforce and a general shortage of skilled labour are just some of the factors that are exacerbating the tech talent gap in Canada. Although this shortage often focuses on the lack of developers, organizations are actually challenged to hire across the entire IT sector, from networking and security to database, cloud and automation.
With 104,000 jobs added to the Canadian economy and unemployment falling to five per cent in December, the Canadian labour market is showing no signs of slowing down. The Canadian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector is expected to grow in 2023 and, according to a
recent study conducted by LinkedIn1, jobs related to e-commerce, online infrastructure and cybersecurity are among the highest in demand in Canada for 2023.
All this is not new to Alberta, a province that has seen steady growth in the high-tech sector. A recent report by CBRE ranked Calgary as the third fastest growing tech ecosystem in their review of the high-tech job growth in Canada and U.S.A.2. Edmonton alone boasts over 35,000 tech workers with a projected 1.5 per cent annual growth of new jobs3. Despite the booming tech sector, thousands of tech jobs go unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates.
With the Alberta government’s Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy calling for 20,000 new tech jobs to be
added to the province by 20304, there is a significant opportunity to find a meaningful career within the technology sector.
As a private career college, Robertson College is well-positioned to respond to the changing needs of the labour market, providing in-demand programs designed to help learners find meaningful careers in their fields of interest while helping fuel the province’s workforce and talent pipelines. Robertson offers six technology programs in high-demand fields. These programs are industryreviewed and often include vouchers for challenging industry certifications, allowing learners to be well prepared for work in the IT field.
• Computer Support Technician (six months)
CLOSING
GAP: Robertson College’s tech micro-courses and diploma programs aim to fill a growing gap across Canada
• Cyber & Cloud Security (11 months)
• Data Analyst (12 months)
• Full Stack Web Developer (nine months)
• Network Security Technician (12 months)
• Software Tester (11 months)
Instruction is delivered online via Brightspace, Robertson’s online learning platform where students have 24/7 remote access to course materials and can join in on weekly synchronous sessions with their instructors for discussions and examinations into realworld applications of topics covered in their courses.
Students also have lifetime access to the Workforce Solutions team, a national team of advisors with diverse coaching backgrounds and industry knowledge that provide students with one-on-one guidance to help them find rewarding career opportunities. Other careerrelated services provided by the team include resume and cover letter editing, interview preparation and online job search strategy.
In addition to the tech diploma programs, Robertson offers 13 techspecific skills-based micro-courses. These micro courses range from 10 to 150 hours and learners can take courses on their own schedules and based on the skills they want to develop. From experienced professionals to new grads, micro courses are suitable for anyone who is interested in picking up a new skill quickly, and some courses are even free.
For more information on these programs, visit our website www. robertsoncollege.com/school-oftechnology. Robertson also offers programs in business, health and community services. For a complete list
of programs, visit www.robertsoncollege.com/diplomaprograms or request a student viewbook by emailing marketing@ robertsoncollege.com.
Sources:
1 LinkedIn, LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2023: The 20 Canadian roles that are growing in demand
2 CBRE, Tech-30 Key Takeaways, October 31, 2022
3 Edmonton Journal, Employment growth in the technology industry is driving Alberta forward, August 16, 2022
4 Government of Alberta, Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy n
Iparticipated in Youth Fair Gains in my second year of studies at the University of Calgary, after recently moving from my hometown in Prince Edward Island. My expectations of the program were that I would gain insight into how to manage my current finances and create a plan to pay off my student loans. However, Youth Fair Gains exceeded my expectations and provided me with valuable knowledge and tools to assist in repaying my debt while also creating a blueprint for lifelong financial stability. Through the 4:1 savings match within the program, I was encouraged to save a specific amount each month in a separate account. These funds helped me pay for my university tuition but, more importantly, they caused me to develop a habit of saving with each paycheque. At the end of the program, I used my personal and matched savings to help pay my university tuition within my nursing program, but the benefits of the program extended beyond my years at university.
During the year, I thoroughly enjoyed our Youth Fair Gains meetings. I met other young adults in similar and different circumstances to mine, but all of us seemed to want better control over our finances. Major concepts I learned about during the program included budgeting, assets, credit and banking. A variety of excellent presenters from professional backgrounds in finance and other fields were invited to speak, and our core host each week, Rae-Lynn, was very inviting and supportive of our learning. During the program, I often found myself wishing I had discovered this program and these resources sooner. I am very thankful to have learned what I have from this program and to have gained excellent support and resources from Momentum staff and finance/banking professionals.
After completing the program, I was motivated to save a bit of money each month to create my emergency savings fund. I also retained knowledge of investment from Youth Fair Gains and, eventually, opened a mutual funds account and RRSP with my banking institution to prepare for my future. After graduation, I recognized how much I’ve learned while participating in the program as a university student. I am now more confident and aware of my spending habits. I create budgets for myself and keep within them. I am cautious of my limits and diligent in repaying credit card debt to ensure I am building a strong credit score. I know who I can ask if I have questions about my banking, and I am currently seeking more knowledge about how I can continue to plan and build for my future. I highly recommend Youth Fair Gains for anyone interested in creating a strong foundation for their future and gaining knowledge, tips, resources and insight for promoting financial literacy.
Momentum’s Matched Savings programs are designed to support participants in building strong financial habits, while also matching savings with funds that may be used for building assets and setting financial goals. Learn about Momentum’s financial empowerment programs, or discover our no cost and low-cost coaching services, small business programs and skills training programs at www.momentum.org. n
If there was a record for the world’s youngest welder, Waylon Lauck would be a strong contender for the title. At only 17 years old, Lauck has welded for over five years and is employed at Cam-Tac Welding in Slave Lake, Alt.
“I kind of grew up on a drilling rig,” Lauck said, recalling his earliest interest in the trades. “My dad was a tool push and so my first encounter with welders was probably around the time I was eight years old. I was always kind of fascinated by the thought of welding and being able to see how people could make creations out of nothing.”
At 13 years old, Lauck enjoyed his first hands-on experience when he had the opportunity to attend a welding camp hosted by Northern Lakes College in partnership with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Group. It was there he found the trade came naturally to him, and he left behind a group of impressed instructors.
“My first creation was a cowbell. After the camp ended, I learned I’d been selected by the Canadian Welders Association and the Canadian Welding Bureau to receive a welder, welding cart, wire, stick electrodes and a welding helmet and jacket to start me off,” Lauck said.
Lauck and his family were thrilled by the gift, as he had already been saving up to buy himself the equipment. With industry encouragement behind him, he took as many shop classes as he could in junior high school and dedicated himself to welding small projects to increase his skillset.
Once Lauck reached high school, he learned he could enter the dual credit program through Northern Lakes College. Through the program, he earned high school credits and found an employer. Lauck was able to earn his high school diploma a semester early and landed a full-time welding job serving the Athabasca and Martin Hills area. Already ahead of most of his peers, he recently completed his first-year apprenticeship and plans to soon begin his second year at the Northern Lakes College, Slave Lake Trades and Technology Centre, where he will live in student housing for the duration of his labs.
“Working with the college has been really straightforward,” Lauck said. “You fill out the paperwork and they have all the rest planned out for you, and the dual credit program was outstanding. The teachers at my high school and the instructors at the college were really helpful. They wanted to support me in every way possible.”
Within the next five years, Lauck plans to have earned his journeyman welder’s certificate and hopes to be operating his own welding business, either in his home province of Alberta or perhaps further south in Texas. He also hopes to mentor others who are interested in entering the trade.
“I’d say to other high school kids considering entering the trades to just go ahead and build those skills,” Lauck said. “You can always pursue other careers as well, but it’s good to have a trade in case your plans don’t pan out. The trades will always be around. You’ll always have a skill to fall back on, whatever happens.”
At Northern Lakes College, we count our success one student at a time.
At Northern Lakes College, we open doors to opportunities for high school students, creating excitement for their future.
www.northernlakescollege.ca/dual-credit
With so many options available, students and their counsellors may wonder what the right path forward is.
Today’s employers will tell you that young people are changing jobs (and even careers) at a rate not previously seen. Gen Zs are encouraged to move around, and the one sector where they can have this flexibility while still building experience and credibility is the construction industry.
A trades education will provide great income, outstanding job satisfaction and a plethora of different opportunities as a journeyman gains experience.
Let’s talk about stable work and great income.
The housing shortage in Canada has been identified as one million houses and growing. Immigration is going to continue at a rapid rate until Canada reaches a population of 50-million people. This target has been identified and accepted by all political parties, so we can be confident that, regardless of future governments, our population will grow quickly. Our housing needs will expand well beyond the current shortfall of one million.
In addition to new build construction, as Canada transitions to a low carbon economy, there are more than 15-million residential dwellings and 500,000 commercial and public buildings in Canada that will require retrofit upgrades before 2050 to meet GHG reduction targets. This means
Canada will see 27 years of high paying, rewarding and in-demand construction jobs.
Our expanding population also ensures more schools and hospitals will be built. New communities will be serviced with grocery stores, shopping centers, community centers and more giant distribution centers—and all this guarantees trades people will be in demand for more than a couple of decades.
People in the trades are paid well, and most have year-round employment. A few, such as bricklayers or concrete journeymen, are constrained by weather, but even roofing has become a yearround trade (partly because of changing products that make it easier to work in
Knowledgeable trades people will have at least 30 options for their career path once they have developed the skills taught with any trade. Micro credentialling, the hottest trend at post-secondary schools, ensures that once they have in-depth knowledge in one trade, moving on to another trade or to office, sales or technical work will be easy and fast. If moving on to a university degree becomes their goal, several universities are currently working on parity to allow one or two years of university education to be met by the journeyperson’s training, shortening the time and money required to achieve a post-secondary degree.
A student can work and complete journeyperson training virtually cost-
Many employers will pay tuition for their people and, if not the employer, then there are numerous grants available for students. This aspect is not normally available to other post-secondary education paths.
free. Many employers will pay tuition for their people and, if not the employer, then there are numerous grants available for students. This aspect is not normally available to other post-secondary education paths. Smart apprentices can apply for grants to attend school, and many have reported they can make as much money while attending school as they can when they are working full-time. Most will complete training and be debt free. No student loans!
Students who pursue construction trades have a multitude of options in the first
few years of their careers. Once they have an in-depth knowledge of their area, they can look to all the options available from switching trades to moving on to leadership, management or ownership roles. The future for Gen Zs is full of opportunity.
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INDUSTRY GROWTH YEAR OVER YEAR TAKE
ENDLESS CAREER PATHS PAID TRAINING AND EDUCATION
more info visit:
www.roofingcareers.ca
After three years of postponed, cancelled and reconfigured conferences, the Career Development Association of Alberta (CDAA) is thrilled to be welcoming career development and related professionals back to our first in-person Alberta Career Development Conference (ACDC) since 2019. ACDC 2023: Growing Forward, CDAA’s 9th annual Alberta Career Development Conference (ACDC), will be held in Calgary, Alt. on May 2 and 3, 2023. Grow forward with us and your
industry colleagues for two full days of professional development, networking and celebrating.
Like previous in-person conferences, ACDC will showcase keynote presentations, panel presentations/ consultations, concurrent sessions and industry exhibitors on both days of the conference. A networking reception will also be held on the evening of May 2, and the CDAA will host its 26th annual general meeting on the morning of May 3.
Please mark your calendars for ACDC 2023: Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Information and registration details are available at www. careerdevelopment.ab.ca/ACDC23.
For 26 years, the CDAA has been a recognized leader that advances the career development profession through strategic outreach and partnership activities and provides services and supports to aspiring and practicing career development professionals. From being the first province to develop and launch voluntary certification for career development practitioners by way of the Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP) designation to being a founding member of what is now known as the Canadian Council for Career Development (3CD), the CDAA
has been a prominent organization in the career development community.
Curious about what’s happening in career development in Alberta? The Career Development Association of Alberta publishes bi-weekly Community Connector bulletins and monthly Career Momentum newsletters. Join the mailing list today at www.careerdevelopment. ab.ca/email-subscription.
Several times a year we reach out to our community for their input on various topics. Most recently, the following questions were posed:
• What organizations, events or resources related to diversity, equity and inclusion have you found to be particularly helpful in supporting your clients, colleagues and communities?
• What sources of labour market information have been most beneficial to you in supporting your clients? Where have your clients been finding success in the labour market?
• As the career development profession continues to move toward a national certification program for career development professionals, what questions around national certification are coming up for you?
• As the career development profession prepares to launch the Career Development Professional National Competency Framework, what are you most looking forward to and how do you hope to be able to incorporate the new framework into your own career development?
• Are you an older/mature worker? What has your experience been as an older/mature worker looking for employment or trying to maintain employment?
• Are you a service provider offering services and supports to older/mature workers? What has your experience been providing these services and supports?
If you have anything you would like to share in response to our community collaboration questions or if you have a question you would like to pose, please feel free to email Paula Wischoff Yerama at ed@careerdevelopment.ab.ca with “community collaboration” in the subject line. n
For the first time since 2019, Skills Canada Alberta (SCA) is thrilled to once again be offering free field trips to the 2023 Provincial Skills Canada Competition on May 3 and 4, 2023. The competition is our flagship event where more than 700 high school and post-secondary students will compete against their peers in one of 45 trade or technology contest areas.
We encourage educators to register their students for this motivating day of discovery and learning. The interactive day allows students to test drive dozens of career options with Try-A-Trades® and Try-A-Skills. Observing the high skill level of our competitors inspires students to develop their own inherent skills. Students are transported to a world of possibilities that challenges them to think big about their future.
Field trips to the Provincial Skills Canada Competition include:
• More than 50 Try-A-Trades® and Try-A-Skills,
• Inspirational and engaging presentations by industry and education leaders, alumni and special guests, and
• Access to industry and education exhibitors.
Skill City at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition is a high energy, informative and interactive career fair for junior and senior high school students who are looking for inspiration and
information on what their future careers can become. Students who visit Skill City learn about the various career opportunities available to them in Alberta’s most in-demand professions.
“I always tell the students it’s the best field trip I will ever take them on and, after we go, they tell me that I was right,” said a teacher from Mary Butterworth School.
SCA helps to bridge the gap between students seeking career information and the leaders within the trade and technology sectors looking to connect with a new generation of skilled talent. The employers, colleges, training institutions, government partners, labour groups and associations featured in Skill City demonstrate the opportunity and skill level required to succeed in Alberta’s economy. Spectators walk away with an increased appreciation for the opportunities where their interests can lead when aligned with the required postsecondary education, attitude and professionalism.
“Skills Canada Alberta helps to showcase all the possibilities open to students in Alberta and offers them a chance to learn interests and skills they may never have discovered otherwise,” said a teacher from Father Michael Troy School.
Travel subsidies are available to assist schools with attending the Provincial Skills Canada Competition. Visit www.skillsalberta. com to book your school field trip. n
As we move into the spring season, there is no better time to explore the natural world around us and incorporate outdoor learning into school curriculums. In Alberta, the EcoSchools Canada program has been steadily growing by providing a tested framework and suite of resources to support environmental learning and action at schools, including activities and resources to take learning outdoors.
Outdoor learning provides students with an opportunity to step away from the distractions of technology and reconnect with the nature around them. This can have a positive impact on a student’s mental and emotional health, helping them to reduce stress levels and improve concentration. Studies have also shown that outdoor learning can improve academic performance, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Some of the outdoor learning activities and initiatives featured in the EcoSchools program include guidance and resources to cultivate a regular “sit spot” practice with students, a suite of resources to facilitate the creation of guides, maps and signs for spaces in nearby nature and guidance and inspiration for creating food and pollinator gardens. Actions like these encourage students to become more connected to their local environment and promote a deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity and ecological systems.
Alberta schools participating in the EcoSchools program can currently access resources and guidance for over 50 environmental actions, which are available through an engaging online platform that’s available for free to publicly funded schools across the country. Schools are invited to select and participate in actions and exciting campaigns throughout the academic year to earn points towards a certification level ranging from bronze to platinum as they track their individual and collective impact.
Currently, there are 54 Alberta schools participating in the 2022-2023 EcoSchools program, and that number is expected to grow by the end of the school year. A key to the program’s success in Alberta has been partnering with the Alberta
Council for Environment Education (ACEE), an environmental education leader since 2005. ACEE supports Alberta schools by hosting information sessions and professional development opportunities, providing one-on-one support and connecting teachers to local curriculum and resources. ACEE aims to support all Alberta schools in becoming EcoSchools.
Since its inception in Alberta, the EcoSchools Platform has allowed teachers to increase their knowledge and skills, support their work as environmental leaders in their schools, pursue certification, gather resources and ideas and connect with likeminded teachers who are also interested in climate education and action. Most notably, the EcoSchools program has helped engage students in the following ways:
• Engaging in outdoor activities that allow them to connect with the natural environment, including sit spot, take me outside day, ravine walks, outdoor scavenger hunts and journaling,
• Learning from the environment,
• Making connections to the environment with literature and discussions, and
• Learning how to improve the environment.
ACEE’s ongoing partnership with EcoSchools Canada has continued to provide Alberta teachers with meaningful engagement opportunities with their students, contributing to thoughtful and innovative community-based climate solutions.
EcoSchools Canada reaches about one million Kindergarten to Grade 12 students annually through its bilingual, environmental certification program. Participating schools track their individual and collective impact, enabling them to benchmark their progress year-over-year and compare their success across the national EcoSchools network.
To learn more about the EcoSchools program and join the growing EcoSchools movement in Alberta, visit www.ecoschools.ca. Alberta schools are also encouraged to connect with ACEE at www.abcee.org for region-specific opportunities. n
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has more to offer. Through industry-relevant programming, partnerships, innovation and applied learning and research, Red Deer Polytechnic is well-positioned to advance the economic and social priorities of the province.
As a polytechnic institution, RDP continues to grow its program offerings in response to the needs of learners, communities and industries. Red Deer Polytechnic provides education, training and applied research opportunities in more than 80 programs across a breadth of credentials that include degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship training and a growing selection of micro-credentials.
During the past year, Red Deer Polytechnic has added 17 new programs, including five degrees. With funding support from the Government of Alberta, the Polytechnic has also added 700 more seats for students in high-demand programs that include healthcare, technology, business, arts and creative arts.
To complement its programming, Red Deer Polytechnic is growing its partnerships and connections to industries, benefiting learners, companies and society by developing more innovative and technology-infused learning environments to find solutions to challenges.
As highlighted in the institution’s “Polytechnic Means More” campaign, RDP provides more opportunities – including robust programming, innovation and industry connections – for students to acquire the necessary knowledge, competencies and experiences to attain rewarding careers.
Illya Omelyanchuk, an engineering student, is one of the Polytechnic’s learners featured in the campaign. According to Omelyanchuk, the technology, small class sizes, ability to collaborate with his peers and opportunities to connect with industry leaders are significant advantages of attending Red Deer Polytechnic. Along with his studies, Omelyanchuk has worked as an applied research technician in the oncampus Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC). The Centre houses $6.6 million in advanced manufacturing equipment and helps entrepreneurs with innovative manufacturing solutions while also providing meaningful learning and applied research opportunities for students.
Students such as Omelyanchuk, as well as industry partners, have been able to access unique opportunities through the CIM-TAC. He has worked with equipment such as 3D printers and scanners, augmented reality wearables and microcontrollers. Omelyanchuk has also received experience in
developing electrical circuits and programming and coding software.
Through growing partnerships and access to state-of-the-art equipment, the impact of industry-relevant experiences and opportunities in applied research continue to grow at the Polytechnic, placing the post-secondary institution in the national spotlight.
Red Deer Polytechnic was recently ranked 38th on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2022 list by Research Infosource
Inc. The ranking highlights that in 2021, Red Deer Polytechnic attracted $2.6 million in applied research investment. It is also ranked first in the country in annual growth in research income. While the CIM-TAC and Energy Innovation Centre are key applied research centres, applied research occurs across the Polytechnic’s programming and will continue to grow.
For more information about Red Deer Polytechnic’s programming, services and facilities, please visit www.rdpolytech.ca. n
More ways to learn. More industry connections. More impactful experiences. Do more at rdpolytech.ca
WHY KEYANO
