Continuous learning, career pathways a feature at CCVI’s Ignite career day
November 6, 2019
GUELPH, Ontario – On Wednesday Nov. 6, Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute hosted Ignite, a career day for the school’s grade 11 students.
The day began with a keynote from two individuals with years of experience at Linamar Corporation, Benita O’Beirn, Corporate Recruitment Manager, and Les Hosszu, Human Resources Manager.
O’Beirn and Hosszu gave students an overview of the company, Guelph’s largest employer, including the many different sectors it’s involved in, the variety of roles available at the company, and some areas that Linamar is expanding into, such as AI, machine learning and a new Innovation Hub.
They then talked to students about the importance of taking every opportunity to participate in work-integrated learning, such as co-op or apprenticeships. “Try before you buy,” said O’Beirn as she explained that Linamar, as an example, takes 130 university or college co-op students each semester.
“Whatever path you take, your learning will never stop,” said Hosszu, as he told students of his career evolution from General Labourer at Linamar, to an Industrial Machinist apprentice, university student, HR professional, and more.
Continuous learning is paramount for both companies and their people, they said. And end of the day it’s the soft skills students develop that will really set them apart – working hard, having a good attitude, being open to trying new things.
Following the keynote presentation, students attended smaller group sessions in classrooms where they got to hear about specific industries or jobs from people working in various sectors.
Guest presenters included individuals working in cyber security, the arts, and veterinary medicine. Sessions were led by a carpenter, basketball coach, hydrogeologist, police officer, nurse and many more.
Categories: News Tags: Career Pathways