Career Connect

Career Connect is a professional development program supporting displaced workers in their transition to new employment and career opportunities.

Funded by:

Career Connect is a free, self-paced, individualized program, focused on upskilling, re-training, and employment readiness to empower Albertans to re-enter the workforce and choose alternative careers.

The Career Connect program provides one-on-one coaching, self-assessment, skill development, opportunities for work-integrated learning and connecting with employers, and a community of participants.

Career Connect 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. Participants demonstrating successful application of transferable skills earn NorQuest badges to demonstrate their workforce skills to industry.

Key aspects of the professional development program:

• One-on-one career coaching with an actionable transition plan
• Seminars and workshops to develop skills and prepare for new career opportunities
• Self-assessment to define potential industries, determine skills, and create career plan
• Transferable skill development to open opportunities in a variety of industries
• Work-integrated learning and informational interview opportunities in all industries
• Networking opportunities with other participants and prospective employers
• Individualized assistance with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation

1. Career Exploration & Self-Reflection:
   • Assess skills and interests
   • Complete self-reflection activities
   • Learn about new industries and educational opportunities
   • Work with a career coach to set goals and develop a career plan
2. Professional Development:
   • Complete online seminars and workshops to develop skills for success and long-term employability
   • Work with the career coach to develop tailored and effective resumes, cover letters, and interview skills
   • Network with  prospective employers
3. Practical Application:
   • Participate in an optional one-month work experience or informational interviews in industries of interest
   • Plan for further education and upskilling to meet career goals
   • Make decisions about short- and long-term plans

Eligibility

• Under- or un-employed workers from any industry
• Willing and motivated to develop a plan and work toward set goals
• Access to computer and internet- many components of the program, including career coaching sessions, workshops, and events, will be offered online

Time commitment

• Complete this 4-to-8-month program part-time based on your schedule
• Attend regular virtual meetings with a Career Coach
• Commit to approximately four hours per week in order to finish the program in under 8 months
• Note: Work-integrated learning opportunities and/or informational interviews are additional, optional time commitments

Admission requirements

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 or higher in English, if English is not your first language. If you’re not sure of your level, take our informal assessment
• Be under- or un-employed in your current industry
• You must have an interest in changing fields or industries