This April, the Ontario Career Lab, in collaboration with the Career Education Council (CEC) and the Upper Grand District School Board, hosted inspiring Career Connections events for students.
Grade 9 and 10 students at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute and Wellington Heights Secondary School recently took part in Ontario Career Lab: Career Conversations, an engaging, hands-on experience that connects students directly with professionals from a wide range of industries.
Through small group discussions, students had the chance to ask questions, hear real-life stories, and learn what different career paths can look like. More than 50 volunteer Career Coaches across both events shared insights from fields like skilled trades, technology, healthcare, business, aviation, engineering, education, and more.
These conversations gave students a chance to explore their interests in a low-pressure, supportive environment. For many, it opened the door to new possibilities they hadn’t considered before.
Students also shared how valuable it was to hear what day-to-day work looks like, what education or training is needed, and how career journeys can change over time.
Research shows that early career conversations can have a lasting impact. Students who take part in these kinds of experiences often feel more confident about their next steps, less stressed about decisions, and better prepared for life after high school.
Just as importantly, students begin to understand that there is no single path forward.
The Ontario Career Lab is powered by the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC), in collaboration with the CEC and school boards across the province, including UGDSB. This partnership continues to play an important role in connecting students with real-world experiences and helping them see the many opportunities available in their communities and beyond.
By sharing their time and expertise, Career Coaches help students build curiosity, confidence, and a sense of possibility as they begin to shape their futures.
Experiences like Career Conversations reflect UGDSB’s commitment to helping students “Find Your Path.” By connecting learning to real-world opportunities, students are better equipped to discover their interests, explore different directions, and make informed choices about what comes next.
