2. ACTION PLAN Up until this point, we have looked at establishing your job interests (step 1) and how to research where to find jobs to match your interests (step 2). Now you need a plan to get there! Step 1- My Interests Step 2- Research Step 3- Action Plan Welcome to Step 3: Action Plan This represents the third step of a five part career planning process;

3. ACTION PLAN The 6 Post-secondary Destinations At this point in your career plan, you need to start acting on the information you have collected. Your research (Step 2) should have identified one or more career options that you would like to pursue. The questions is; How do you put your career plan into action? You need to select a path that leads you to your desired career goal. You have six paths to choose from (see diagram on the right). Each path is equally effective provided it compliments your career plan and moves you closer to your ultimate career goal. These options do not exist in isolation. Frequently, people will select a combination that works for them over their working career. Now we will examine each of these options to assist you in the career decision-making process. Direct to Work Private Training Schools Apprenticeship Military University Community College

4. ACTION PLAN Apprenticeship There are more than one million people who work in the over 200 designated trades in Canada. There are 50 designated trades in New Brunswick. Generally, the trades fall within 4 major categories; 1. Construction - electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, heavy equipment operators, painters, etc. 2. Transportation - automotive service technicians, aviation technicians, automotive painters, fuel/electrical systems technicians, etc. 3. Manufacturing - tool & die makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), precision metal fabricators, etc. 4. Service - horticulturalists, chefs, florists, etc. (Source: http://www.careersintrades.ca).http://www.careersintrades.ca).

5. ACTION PLAN Apprenticeship If you are thinking about a career in the trades, the New Brunswick Apprenticeship and Certification Program is worth consideration http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post- secondary_education_training_and_labour/Skills/content/ApprenticeshipAndTrades.ht ml. http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post- secondary_education_training_and_labour/Skills/content/ApprenticeshipAndTrades.ht ml About 80 percent of an apprentice's training takes place on the job; the remaining 20 percent involves technical training at a post-secondary training establishment. Benefits: Earn as you learn. Apprenticeship is the only career route where one can earn 50 to 90 percent of a journeyperson's wages while learning new skills on the job. Low education costs. Financial assistance may be available to help pay for tuition fees, text books and living expenses while in school. Mobility. Standardized certification guidelines across the country apply to many of the occupations/trades. Meaning you can work anywhere in Canada without having to further prove acquired qualifications.

6. ACTION PLAN Military Canadian Forces members serve Canada by defending its values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad. Canadian Forces personnel belong to air, land, sea and special operations components. Members serve either full-time in the Regular Force or part-time in the Reserves. When you join the Regular Force, you are signing on for several years of service. Members of the Reserves are part-time Military personnel who get a sense of what it might be like to pursue a Military career, without making a long-term commitment. Did you know? In 2014, there are roughly 68,000 Canadians serving in the Regular Forces and 27,000 in the Primary Reserves. There are also nearly 70 types of different career opportunities available for civilians. http://www.forces.gc.ca http://www.forces.gc.ca

7. ACTION PLAN Military Benefits: Guaranteed employment. Provided you pass Basic Training and the requirements of the applicable military occupation training, you are guaranteed employment through the duration of your initial contract. Many Canadian Forces members are offered contract renewals until retirement. On the job training. Many of the skills and training obtained through the military transfer into the private sector. You may even acquire valuable skills that you cannot get anywhere else-making you a definite asset to employers. Subsidized education. If you qualify for service in the Regular Forces, you could have your post-secondary education subsidized. You can find everything you want to know about the Canadian Armed Forces at http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/index.pagehttp://www.forces.gc.ca/en/index.page

8. ACTION PLAN University Canadian universities offer more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as professional degree programs and certificates. Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada: http://www.aucc.ca/ http://www.aucc.ca/ SchoolFinder: http://www.schoolfinder.comhttp://www.schoolfinder.com For some professions, a university degree is the only way to pursue the career (lawyers, doctors, engineers). University offers an opportunity for a student to experience different ideas, disciplines and develop a level of maturity and adaptable skill set that is desirable for many employers. It offers an opportunity for students to learn practical career information along with knowledge to assist them in their personal life pursuits.

9. ACTION PLAN University Benefits; Higher earnings. University graduates earn about 50 percent more than those who have not completed a postsecondary degree ­ and that difference grows over time. More employment opportunities. The unemployment rate is around four percent for university graduates, six percent for college graduates and nine percent for high school graduates. Career versatility. Refinement of many essential workplace skills (Module 4) that are in demand by all employers.

10. ACTION PLAN Private Training Schools Private sector trainers that offer programs that are intended to prepare an individual for a specific occupation or are considered "employment enhancing" are required to register the organization, programs / courses and teacher-instructors in accordance with the New Brunswick Private Occupational Training Act and Regulation. http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post- secondary_education_training_and_labour/Skills/content/Institu tions/PrivateCareerColleges.html The Act makes provision for specific exemptions, such as programs of less than twenty-one hours and programs delivered via the internet or by correspondence. In addition, organizations offering religious based training or flight training are not required to register, at the present time. Although this registration requirement does provide some basic protection to you, the consumer, it does not certify the quality of the training, or the ethics or competence of the training organizations. It is your responsibility to check these things out yourself.

11. ACTION PLAN Private Training Schools Benefits: Very specialized. Private colleges often work closely with business to deliver skills specific to employer's needs. This helps a graduate's employability as they have the exact skills that companies in the specialized field are seeking. Low student to instructor ratios. More personalized learning and one-on-one instruction. Client-focused. Students are regarded as clients and the training institution's success is linked to their graduate's success. They are motivated to help you succeed in your training. Flexible training. There may be more flexible training options available than with other post- secondary institutions (online, correspondence, part-time, etc)

12. ACTION PLAN Community College Colleges and technical institutes are dynamic institutions constantly changing to meet the economic and social needs of the communities they serve. Their uniqueness lies in their combination of employer-centered curricula within extremely comprehensive learning institutions which respond to national economic policy. Significant features of Canadian colleges are: business/industry linkages technical and vocational teacher and trainer training industry-based curriculum development co-operative education programs Association of Community Colleges: http://www.accc.ca/

13. ACTION PLAN Community College The New Brunswick Community College offers over 100 programs in the following New Brunswick locations; Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton, Miramichi, St. Andrews and Woodstock. http://www.nbcc.ca.http://www.nbcc.ca Benefits: Get into the workforce sooner. Many programs are condensed into 2-3 year programs meaning you can complete your training quickly and start making money. Low education costs. $2,600 for a 40-week program (except for academic upgrading and industry customized programs). You may also qualify for grants, loans or scholarships to offset costs. High post-graduate employment rates. The 2013 NBCC Graduate Follow-up Survey results indicate that graduates have a success rate of finding a career in their intended career field 81% of the time.

14. ACTION PLAN Direct-to-Work At many points in your career you will select this option. When you select it depends on your career goals and your financial situation. Job search tools and strategies are covered in Module 5: Job Search Strategies. Did you know? Canada's labour market is facing very unique challenges as 46% of baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1966) are close to their retirement or pre-retirement years. This means that it is becoming easier for people to enter the workforce as well as find more varied opportunities across many industrial sectors. http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/

15. ACTION PLAN Putting it all Together Summary of Step 3: The 6 Post-secondary Destinations This step is about providing you with options to start putting your career plan into action. The research you conducted in Step 2 should have generated some post-secondary training options for you; Apprenticeship Military Community College Private Training School University Direct to Work Which one you choose will depend on factors such as availability of training, admission requirements, finances, location, etc.. Remember, the path you choose should complement your career goal and fit into a career plan you can commit to.

16. ACTION PLAN Need more information? Check out some of the additional resources available to help you navigate through this step including activities, additional website resources, and a workbook at:

17. For even more information… 1-855-412-3330