Educator Services

With CAREERS, Everyone Wins

As an educator, you carry a lot of responsibility. Not only are you expected to teach today’s youth, you also have a huge impact on their future choices and who they will become. CAREERS: The Next Generation offers support to help you do it all and do it well!

We’re a non-profit organization that’s been working with schools since 1997 to enhance career exploration for students and facilitate paid internships. Off-campus education has countless advantages for students and schools. CAREERS simply supports you in maximizing the benefits – a free resource available to all Alberta educators.

What we offer:

Presentations:

CAREERS team members are well trained to provide both in-person or virtual presentations that are tailored to your class and lesson plan. This includes information about different industries, occupations, and trends. To book a presentation, fill out the form linked below and a CAREERS Team member will reach out shortly.

Hands-on experience:

CAREERS is well connected to industry. We match students to the right employers to create a positive, work integrated learning experience that benefits everyone. Internships can be done part-time during the school year or full-time over the summer. No off-campus coverage for summer? No problem! We have options to make every situation fit. Connect with CAREERS to learn more about how we can support you.

Safety courses:

CAREERS and SafeGen have joined forces! Check out all the information you need about the transition and where to find the work placement preparation courses.

"Erik Haatvedt

I understand that every parent wants the best for their child and sometimes that comes with the expectation that kids should be going to go to University. But there are a lot of other post-secondary avenues that a student can take. It doesn’t mean they are any less intelligent.

- M.E. Lazerte High School

"Heather Brantner

CAREERS is such a great asset to our students. They are instrumental in my role. I rely on them for tons of information and access to programming.

- Off Campus Coordinator, W.R. Meyers High School

"David Keohane

To get hands on experience at the business level is a powerful way to find out the kind of contribution you can make and say yeah, I found something that’s going to be a fit for me and I’m going to have a rewarding life because of that.

- Executive Director, CASS

2021 STATS

STUDENTS INVOLVED WITH CAREERS INTERNSHIPS EXPERIENCE THESE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES:

increase interest in more technical studies

65%

increase grades

39%

likely to continue studies

82%

increased interest in post-secondary

63%

improved attendance

29%

Empowering Diversity

Young Women in Trades and Technologies

Learn more about our Young Women in Trades and Technologies Initiative. YWITT provides mentorship through hands-on workshops, camps, and virtual events that showcase the range of opportunities available for female-identifying youth within the skilled trades and technologies.

Indigenous Youth Internship Program

Explore opportunities and find support through Indigenous Youth Internship Program. The Indigenous Youth Career Internship Program is a CAREERS initiative designed to increase equity and access for Indigenous youth to education and employment opportunities.

Mental health courses

Provide your students with new pathways to study mental health!

Schools can now access three fully developed Alberta Education courses. With funding from the Canadian Red Cross, CAREERS collaborated with three school districts to produce:

JR. HIGH COURSES

grade 7-9 career exploration unit

Access this 6-lesson unit where students will explore various career options and practice skills to help them make informed decisions about their future. The unit is mapped to cross-curricular outcomes. Through interactive activities, research, and self-assessments, students will gain an understanding of career terminology, goal setting, a range of careers, and self reflection skills.

FAQ

At what grade level can students enter CAREERS programs?

Internship opportunities can be available to students as early as grade 10. Classroom presentations and career exploration events are offered and encouraged for students in grades 9 to 12.

How long are classroom presentations?

We would prefer an hour to allow for plenty of time for questions and answers, however, our program coordinators will work with you and accommodate for what works best with your class schedule.

How do I schedule a classroom presentation?

Use the form above to reach out to us, or if you have a portal log in, you can schedule presentations within the Teacher Portal.

I want parents to attend too. Are there evening presentations?

Yes! Our program coordinators will work with you to set up an information session at whatever times works best.

How much does a presentation cost?

Nothing – all of our services are absolutely free to educators, students and employers. We are a not-for-profit charitable organization funded through government, industry, and donations.

Are students paid for their work during CAREERS' internships or apprenticeships?

Yes. All CAREERS internship and apprenticeship students are required to be paid by at least minimum wage by their employer. We also offer a funding incentive program for employers to cover up to $3600 per intern, for up to three interns a year. Learn more about the Youth Internship Incentive Program (YiiP)

Can students earn credits for these internships or apprenticeships?

A. Yes. If skilled trades employers are willing to register students as an apprentice, they can gain additional credits by registering through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). For skilled trades interns, and internships in other sectors, students can gain work experience credits for high school. Contact us to learn more about how to get the most for your students out of the placement they are in.

What types of placements does CAREERS connect students to?

A. In the beginning CAREERS focus was on skilled trades and placing students with the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). While RAP remains a flagship of our mission, CAREERS works to identify emerging trends for in-demand careers and has focused on finding internship opportunities in Information and Communications Technology, Health Services, Agriculture and many more. A full list of opportunities can be found on our Student Opportunities page.

How is the Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program initiative different from your other programs?

The Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program includes opportunities in all of CAREERS’ programs for Alberta’s Indigenous youth to explore and also includes a wide range of additional workplace learning opportunities. CAREERS Indigenous Youth Career Pathways Program also supports exploration and experience in areas such as Human Services, Business, Finance, Marketing, Management, Natural Resources, Media, Communications and many more.