Changing careers made easier through NorQuest College program

Career Moves is a professional development program supporting mid-career workers in their transition to new employment and career opportunities. The program focuses on career development and soft skills training to empower participants to choose alternative careers, whether through further education or through connections to new industries.

“With a diversifying economy, we see people from a variety of fields looking for a change,” explains Megan Hamilton, Career Coach, Work-Integrated Learning. “If people don’t already have an idea of what career they might move into, we can help them with that career exploration.”

Career Moves provides one-on-one coaching, self-assessment, skill development, job shadowing, opportunities for work-integrated learning and connecting with employers, and a community of participants. A tuition credit of up to $2,000 is also available to support further education.

“One of the great things about the program is that we are able to meet people where they are at,” adds Hamilton. “We concentrate on soft skills, resume writing, identifying strengths, and exploring options. Once someone leaves the program, they should be confident to start that career change.”

Career Moves is also a research project, in partnership with Future Skills Centre and funded by the federal government. The research component focuses on understanding the barriers and challenges that mid-career workers in transition face in Alberta. The findings from this research will be used to write a white paper that will provide recommendations for future policy changes. This research is part of the mandate of the Centre for Future Skills, an organization dedicated to preparing Canadians for employment success.

The Career Moves program is accepting applicants for January 2020. For more information, visit Career Moves or contact careermoves@norquest.ca.