1. Career Coaching Your Teen
Relax and don’t throw up.
Ms. Leigh McComb
Head of Guidance
John Fraser Secondary School

2. Things evolve over time…
Does this look familiar? We often give our children advice based on our own experiences or those of others. Sometimes we don’t always know how things have changed or what other opportunities are out there. We need to be open to the exploration of all areas, including all the different ways to get there.

3. Education and Career/Life Planning Framework
All grade 10 students must take Career Studies as a requirement for graduation. An opportunity to really dig deep and explore who they are as individuals. Not all about choosing a career, more about how to identify choices, gather information and make educated decisions. Career Studies uses the planning framework to teach students about problem solving and decision making (which are important LIFE skills).
Who Am I – Individual interests, abilities, strengths, weaknesses. Traits and values. Inspirations and passions.
What are my opportunities – Courses, volunteering, extra-curriculars available at high school and the community. Pathways after high school. Fields of work, occupations, employment trends. New things to try.
Who do I want to become – Goals for the future, short term, medium term and long term. Not fixed in stone and adjusted with new experiences.
What are my plans to achieve my goals – Steps to take based on goals. Resources that can help.

4. Helping to guide your child on a path of self-discovery
Many changes in the post-secondary world…
Far greater flexibility within the post-secondary system
More opportunities for experiential learning at all stages
JFSS: Co-op, dual credits, SHSMs, OYAP, etc.
After high school: co-op, apprenticeships, etc.
“Blending” of pathways is common and not to be feared
How you can help…
Provide encouragement to try new things and to persevere through challenges
Understand that there are no right or wrong paths and that for some people, the path is sometimes long and winding
Reinforce good decision making based on goals and evidence
Remember… this is the FIRST STEP after high school
Goals and paths are bound to change with exposure to new opportunities and experiences

5. Building on Success: How to Keep “Doors Open”
“A common myth is that high school students should take the most challenging courses to ensure they keep educational and career options open. This is not true. Students are far more successful when they demonstrate previous skills and interest in courses they’re considering. This builds confidence, enhances self esteem and leads to further success.” ~Making My Way: Success for All Students
When thinking about choosing courses and post-secondary options, consider:
Variety of course types (E, C, U, M or O)
Interests, hobbies, activities in “spare time”
Achievement so far (earning +70%?)
Learning preferences and level of independence
How to REALLY keep doors open. Marks above 70% indicate level of learning is appropriate to current skills and prior knowledge. Marks below 70% indicate additional supports are required or a change in course type to better suit learning preferences.

6. Post-Secondary Pathways: Work
On-the-job paid training
Practical, real-life experience
Gap year: quite common in parts of Europe, Australia
Helpful Resources: ,

7. Post-Secondary Pathways: Apprenticeship
On-the-job paid training, (80% practical, 20% classroom)
Manufacturing, Construction, Automotive and Service Sectors
Large demand for skilled workers in the future
Red Seal: certified to work across Canada
Helpful Resources:

8. Post-Secondary Pathways: College
More practical, focussed education in a specific field or industry
Prepares you for a specific career in 2-4 years
Variety of Programs: certificate, pre-______ programs, diploma, advanced diploma, degree, collaborative programs with universities (diploma + degree)
Pre-Programs – Health, Trades, Business, Technology, College, University, General Arts and Science

9. Post-Secondary Pathways: College
Degree programs at college:
Same credential as a university degree, programs focus on specific occupations.
Examples:
Bachelor of Applied Arts: Interior Design
Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology
Bachelor of Applied Technology – Architecture
Helpful Resources: (refine Credential to filter results),
Pre-Programs – Health, Trades, Business, Technology, College, University, General Arts and Science

10. Post-Secondary Pathways: University
Provides a broad background in an area of study, usually not specific to a particular occupation
Theoretical, abstract, book-learning through lectures, research, and independent work
Usually 3-4 years to complete program (Bachelor’s or collaborative)
Variety of bridging programs for students who do not meet all entrance requirements
E.g. Enriched Support Program (Carleton), BASE (Waterloo), Gateway (Lakehead)
Helpful Resources:

11. Course Selection Process and Timelines
Early December:
Small group sessions led by a guidance counsellor
Students review their personal Status Sheet and identify important information: previous achievement, current achievement, courses required for graduation, and other graduation requirements
Presentation about myBlueprint, the program used to plan and eventually submit courses (
Mid December:
Course plans are due for Guidance Counsellors to review (tentative date: Dec. 13th)
Personalized feedback provided to each student through myBlueprint prior to winter break

12. Course Selection Process and Timelines
Early January:
Students review feedback from Guidance Counsellor and adjust course plan, if required
Courses to be submitted through myBlueprint (tentative date: Jan. 6th – 10th)
Late February / Early March:
Verification letters sent home for students/parents to review course selections before the timetabling/staffing process begins
Opportunity to make any changes based on semester 1 finals and early semester 2 experiences
Summer School information is released

13. Course Selection Process and Timelines
April / May:
Long process of timetabling and staffing
Late May / Early June:
Timetable is complete
Students notified about course conflicts and/or cancellations
Late June:
Potential opportunity to request course changes based on semester 2 finals and summer school plans
Late August:
Opportunity to make course changes requests based on limited criteria. Dependent on available space and timetable limitations

14. Final Thoughts… Doors will remain “open” by making informed decisions
We guide students towards their goals and help them to take their first step after high school – new opportunities and experiences will possibly change their path (this is normal!)
Ultimately, we want our children to be happy and successful – this will look different for everyone

15. Final, Final Thoughts… Thank you for your time and attention!
Success will be measured differently for many people. We worry about our children and often think that success means money and security. Remember, it also includes our quality of life (experiences, values, interests, opportunity to feel settled/calm, free time, friends/family, etc.).
Poll the parents – how many of their paths have been completely straight and predictable? How many of them are doing exactly what they thought they’d be doing when they were 16 years old? Remember, our paths are long and winding and can change when we open ourselves to new experiences and opportunities and THIS IS NORMAL.