For many students, the hardest part of preparing for the future is getting that very first opportunity. Without real-world experience, it can feel impossible to step into the workforce with confidence. That is why the partnership between Maskwac\u00ees Education Schools Commission (MESC) and CAREERS: The Next Generation has become such a powerful tool for youth in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Jennifer, Off-Campus Coordinator for MESC, explains, the value of these opportunities cannot be overstated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStudents need the opportunity to go out into the workforce. I find it\u2019s very hard for young people to get experience and to get their foot in the door. When I heard this program was going to be running, I knew it would be an awesome opportunity for students to realize some of the jobs that are offered just here in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By connecting students with internships in local organizations and businesses, CAREERS has helped MESC students explore career paths that once felt out of reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of those students is Harmony, who interned as a corporate administrator. Before joining the program, Harmony often struggled with communication and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI feel like I\u2019m able to talk to other people more, because for a while I didn\u2019t talk to anyone,\u201d Harmony shares. \u201cI hated going into the store to even just get something. I hated talking to someone on the phone. I didn\u2019t like texting people. I was just very shut in. But being here and having to actually communicate with others, I feel like that helped me a lot more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through her placement, Harmony developed not just workplace skills, but also essential life skills that will serve her in the classroom, in her community, and in her future career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer has witnessed this transformation firsthand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou need confidence to be able to talk to people, to be able to ask questions and explore things. To get out of your comfort zone. And so that\u2019s really important. I know Harmony came into the program when I first introduced her to her direct supervisor. She was so shy. But to see her today, that\u2019s the kind of growth and opportunity that we want for all of our students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Programs like CAREERS are not only about providing technical skills, but also about helping students break through personal barriers. For Harmony, the change has been profound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond communication and confidence, the internship gave Harmony space to reflect on her ambitions for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRather than just sitting at home doing nothing. I\u2019ve always wanted to get higher education since I was like nine,\u201d she explains. \u201cI wanted to become a doctor. And then I changed my mind to becoming a therapist. And then I decided on psychiatry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While her career path may shift as she grows, what remains clear is her drive to learn, contribute, and make an impact. Experiences like her internship through CAREERS provide the foundation for those dreams to take shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Jennifer, watching students like Harmony succeed affirms the importance of partnerships between schools, communities, and organizations like CAREERS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just wanted to thank CAREERS for coming into the community and giving the opportunity to the students. It really has been remarkable, the growth I\u2019ve seen in all the students. I would say jump in two feet, see what they can bring. What I\u2019ve seen and witnessed with the students in their growth and their willingness to try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The transformation she has seen is not unique to Harmony. Many students have stepped into internships unsure of themselves and emerged with a stronger sense of purpose and possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer hopes that what is happening in Maskwac\u00ees can be replicated for students across the province:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would love to see that opportunity for more students throughout the province. CAREERS has given students an opportunity that they would have never had if this organization wasn\u2019t here. I 100% recommend CAREERS.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her words reflect a broader truth: when students are trusted with responsibility, supported with mentorship, and encouraged to push past their comfort zones, they can surprise everyone\u2014including themselves\u2014with what they are capable of achieving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The story of Harmony\u2019s growth demonstrates how internships can change lives in ways that go far beyond a r\u00e9sum\u00e9. The chance to develop communication skills, gain confidence, and set meaningful goals is something every student deserves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the support of programs like CAREERS and the dedication of coordinators like Jennifer, more students in Alberta are getting those opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Harmony, the experience has opened doors not only to potential careers but also to her own personal growth. She now knows that she has the ability to connect, to learn, and to pursue her dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Jennifer, it is proof that creating pathways into the workforce is one of the most valuable investments a community can make. As she says, the recommendation is simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJump in two feet, see what they can bring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For many students, the hardest part of preparing for the future is getting that very first opportunity. Without real-world experience, it can feel impossible to step into the workforce with confidence. That is why the partnership between Maskwac\u00ees Education Schools Commission (MESC) and CAREERS: The Next Generation has become such a powerful tool for youth […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":21229,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[325],"tags":[330,352,108,105,329,231,230,150],"class_list":["post-21225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apprenticeship","tag-careers","tag-hands-on-experience","tag-internship","tag-mechanical-trades","tag-rap","tag-registered-apprenticeship-program","tag-skilled-trades","tag-student-internship"],"yoast_head":"\n