A 5-Day Career Development Program | In-Person or Virtual | Fully Customizable
The Career Development program is a structured, hands-on workshop designed to help participants explore career options, build employment readiness skills, and make informed, meaningful decisions about their future.
This program guides participants through the five key areas of career development, supporting individuals who may feel unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck when it comes to employment, education, or career planning.
The focus is practical, supportive, and forward-looking — helping participants understand themselves, explore opportunities, and take confident steps toward employment or further training.
Who This Program Is For
- First Nations adults and youth
- Ontario Works and Employment & Training participants
- Community members exploring employment or career changes
- Individuals re-entering the workforce
- Participants with limited or inconsistent work history
- Anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and direction
Program Overview
Career development is not just about finding a job — it’s about understanding yourself, recognizing your strengths, and making choices that align with your values, skills, and goals.
This 5-day program helps participants:
- Identify personal strengths, skills, and interests
- Explore realistic career options and pathways
- Build job-search and application skills
- Prepare for interviews and workplace expectations
- Make informed career decisions and next-step plans
Participants leave with greater confidence, practical tools, and a clearer sense of direction.
The Five Areas of Career Development:
1. Self-Assessment – Getting to Know Yourself
Participants begin by exploring:
- Personal values
- Strengths and skills
- Interests and abilities
- Work preferences and goals
This foundation helps participants identify career paths that align with who they are — not just what jobs are available.
2. Career Exploration – Exploring Possibilities
Participants learn how to:
- Research career opportunities
- Understand transferable and employable skills
- Explore connections between:
- Work experience
- Education and training
- On-the-job learning
- Identify realistic career pathways
This stage helps participants broaden their view of what’s possible.
3. Preparation – Building Job-Ready Skills
Participants focus on:
- Resume development
- Cover letter writing
- Identifying transferable skills
- Understanding employer expectations
Participants work on real documents they can continue to use after the program.
4. Implementation – Putting the Plan Into Action
Participants learn how to:
- Develop a job-search strategy
- Complete job applications
- Prepare for interviews
- Practice interview skills and responses
This stage builds confidence through practice and preparation, not pressure.
5. Decision-Making – Choosing the Right Path
Participants:
- Reflect on career options
- Learn how to make informed, realistic career decisions
- Identify areas for further training or professional development
- Create a personal action plan for next steps
This phase helps participants move forward with clarity and confidence.
Fully Customizable to Community Needs
While typically delivered as a 5-day program, Career Development is fully customizable. Communities can adjust:
- Program length and pacing
- Delivery format (in-person or virtual)
- Focus areas (youth, adults, staff, OW participants)
- Group size and scheduling
The program can be adapted to align with employment programs, funding requirements, and community priorities.
First Nations–Focused & Supportive
This program is delivered with an understanding of the unique employment and career barriers many First Nations individuals face, including:
- Limited access to career guidance
- Gaps in employment history
- Confidence barriers
- Systemic challenges
The approach is:
- Respectful and non-judgmental
- Strengths-based
- Practical and encouraging
- Focused on progress, not perfection
Why Communities Bring This Program In
Communities choose the Career Development program because it:
- Builds confidence and motivation
- Supports employment readiness
- Helps participants identify realistic career paths
- Strengthens workforce participation
- Supports long-term stability and independence
- Aligns well with Employment & Training goals
Why Funders Support This Program
Funders value this program because it:
- Builds employability and life skills
- Supports informed career decision-making
- Reduces barriers to employment
- Encourages accountability and goal-setting
- Aligns with workforce development and skills training priorities
The program produces practical, measurable outcomes that funders look for.
Outcomes Participants Can Expect
After completing the program, participants often leave with:
- Increased confidence and self-awareness
- A clearer understanding of career options
- Improved resumes and cover letters
- Stronger interview skills
- A realistic career or employment action plan
Bring Career Development to Your Community
If your community is seeking a practical, supportive, First Nations–focused career planning program, Career Development provides participants with the tools, confidence, and direction needed to move forward.
