A new career coaching initiative is connecting Grade 9 and 10 students across Ontario with industry mentors through small-group sessions designed to address widespread uncertainty about post-graduation career paths.
The Ontario Career Lab, funded by the Ministry of Education and operated by HIEC, aims to tackle a growing concern among teenagers about their readiness for the workforce. Recent OECD data shows nearly half of students worry they are not prepared for life after compulsory education, with 39% classified as career uncertain.
“Our students need to be ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow, and that means making sure they get the right support today,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Our government has been focused on ensuring that students, parents, and teachers get the resources they need to prepare students for success.”
The program connects students with professionals from high-demand economic sectors through what it calls Career Conversations—interactive classroom sessions where industry volunteers share their career journeys and provide labour market insights.
Strong early results reported
Since its launch, the program has facilitated more than 130,000 hours of career conversations and mobilized thousands of industry volunteers across the province. Initial student feedback shows promising results, with 95% of participants saying the sessions helped them think more clearly about future job options and career pathways.
Additionally, 94% reported greater awareness of different careers and local job opportunities, while the same percentage said they now feel more confident making decisions about their future.
“Ontario’s schools are doing incredibly impactful work to prepare students for the future, but they can’t be expected to do it alone,” said Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of HIEC. “The Ontario Career Lab brings education, community, and industry together in a powerful way, allowing students to explore career pathways by connecting with people who’ve lived them.”
Addressing workforce preparation gaps
The program targets a critical gap in career preparation that research suggests has significant long-term implications. OECD studies indicate students who engage in employer-led career guidance activities during school experience lower youth unemployment rates, higher wages, and greater career satisfaction later in life.
The initiative provides bilingual programming tailored to local communities and extends to students in youth justice facilities, ensuring consistent support across diverse populations.
“As an organization that’s spent more than 35 years helping young people prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, we’ve seen firsthand how important career development is to their well-being,” said Hoey. “It’s inspiring to see such strong momentum and shared commitment to career development across the province.”
Employer participation sought
The program continues to recruit Career Coaches from all sectors and experience levels to participate in the classroom sessions. Professionals interested in sharing their career stories can register through the Ontario Career Lab website.
The Council of Ontario Directors of Education has endorsed the model as an example of effective education-industry collaboration that strengthens local partnerships and enhances pathway planning across the province.
