Discover. Explore. Create
Helpful Resources
We are committed to provide the most up-to-date and extensive information for our youth. This page lists some tools and resources that will help students take their career planning to the next level.
Many students think their degree determines what they’ll do after graduation but your degree is just one of the many things to take into consideration when deciding on a career path. The most important factor in choosing a career that’s right for you is… YOU!
But you can’t choose a career that fits who you are if you don’t know who you are! Take some time to reflect on your history, your experiences, your curiosities, your likes and dislikes, your strengths, your skills, your accomplishments, and the many other factors that go into making you who you are.
– York University
Province of Ontario
Explore 500 job profiles to find the one that’s right for you. As you explore, add job profiles to your list to view and compare highlights. You can take a quiz to get you started.
Explore Ontario’s Labour Market. Labour market information and statistics can help you plan your career. Learn more about work trends and the skills, education and training you need for jobs today, and in the future.
Virtual Company Tours through Edge Factor
Students can get to know different workplaces through Edge Factor, an online platform used by local high schools where students can learn about local companies, different job options and related information.
Be Strong Together
Be Strong Together is a non-profit organization run by female Canadian University students. Their programs are completely free and are supported by volunteers. Their goal is to provide positive female role models and mentors for young girls. Educators can contact them through their website to arrange in-person presentations at elementary schools and high schools. Youth and parents can register for upcoming events on their website.
JobBank.ca
This is a great resource from the federal government that includes a wealth of information on many different jobs in the Career Planning section and work trends. Information relevant to where you live is available.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Another resource from the federal government that includes funding and resources that may be available to help students develop their skills.
- Skills for success
- Education and training
- Financial support
- Work and volunteer service programs for youth
- Your ideal career path
- Job search tools
YMCA Employment Services Waterdown
YMCA Employment Services Waterdown offers virtual or in-person appointments.
- Assistance with creating or updating your resume
- Tips on conducting a successful job search
- How to prepare for an interview
- Discover jobs for youth in the Waterdown area
- Call for an appointment:
905-690-9927
ACCES Employment, Programs for Youth
ACCES Employment offers programs for ages 15-29 that help youth to get started with their careers. They recognize the importance of customizing their approach to address the unique challenges that youth face when deciding on a career path, learning about workplaces and finding the right job opportunities. Their programs support youth to find their way in the current job market and launch a meaningful career.
Each program includes a focus on supporting youth through various barriers that they may face including connecting them to other supports available in the community.
Hamilton Public Library
Looking at a career in Tech? HPL has just launched a number of online tech courses that give an introduction to cyber security, Linux, Python and the Internet of Things.
Brainfuse JobNow Live, anytime, anywhere job assistance, including up-to-date nation-wide and local job search engines, professional resume critique and proven interview techniques. Experience personalized career center seamlessly integrated with advanced virtual technology to help job seekers of diverse backgrounds and needs.
Path Employment Services
PATH is a non-profit agency that has been helping people with any kind of disability get and keep jobs since 1972. Disability is often a misleading and misunderstood term and they encourage you to appreciate that their focus is on the skills, talents, qualifications and, truly, the abilities of the individuals they work with.
Cully Consulting & Mediation Ltd.
Cully Consulting & Mediation Ltd. has years of experience in connecting candidates to their best fit. Resume writing, career and interview coaching and personal assessment tools.
Learn to understand your best fit and your teams unique mix of strengths and assets. From coaching to job placement, CCM offers a full cycle approach to ensure your career path is a successful one.
Ontario Equine Education & Employment Program
Whether you have a horse-related background or are a complete newbie, the Ontario Equine Education & Employment Program can help you get training and find employment.
JobTalks
At JobTalks, hear directly from Canadians working in the skilled trades about what they do, why you should consider their job and how to get there. More videos can be found on its YouTube channel including many related to the construction industry.
Gap Year Programs & Opportunities
Whether you need to save up for post-secondary education, you just aren’t sure what you want to study after high school, or you want to explore the world outside of school, there are many different ways you can spend your gap year. Taking a year off prior to continuing your post-secondary studies is commonly referred to as a gap year. Most gap year opportunities allow youth to figure out exactly what they want from their post-secondary education while also being productive.
Gap Year Resources
The Canadian Gap Year Association (CanGap) is a registered non-profit organization with a mission to support young people looking to take an intentional step off the conveyor belt of life to explore and experience ‘the real world’ according to their talents, goals and interests. They support gappers and their families through one-on-one coaching , a year-long certification program and free resources.
If you are considering taking a gap year but aren’t quite sure if it is the right decision for you, take this quiz and CanGap will help you decide and provide you with some additional resources to help you out!
Workaway builds a shared community of global travellers who genuinely want to see the world whilst contributing and giving back to the places they visit.
Is a gap year right for you? The pros and cons.
Writing a Resumé
The idea of writing a resume can be intimidating, especially if you have little experience. But don’t worry, these tips by The Balance Careers will help you get started.
- Highlight your education.
- Emphasize related experiences.
- Mention achievements.
- Showcase skills.
