Cornwall Ontario – The Eastern Ontario Training Board was joined by local MPP Jim McDonell at CCVS school on April 19th to officially launch their new program GEOfutures, which is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

GEOfutures, an intensive career navigation program for youth aged 12-25, will guide participants in finding their ideal career pathways while teaching them the skills and knowledge required for effective lifelong career decision-making and success.

The program will be delivered in partnership with the Upper Canada District School Board, le Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien and Glengarry Interagency Group. Teachers, school board staff and Employment Coaches will have the opportunity to be fully trained as facilitators and GEOfutures experts. The program will reach a minimum of 700 participants by December 2018, with the goal to sustain the program long after the OTF grant is complete.

“I am pleased to see the Ontario Trillium Foundation continuing their investment in preparing our youth for a dynamic, competitive and demanding job marketplace” MPP Jim McDonell commented. “GEOFutures helps give youth about to enter the workforce the knowledge, experience and tools they will need to maximise their professional and earning potential. Through sound and informed career planning, local participants in the program will be able to join the job market with significant advantages, including the ability to show recruiters a clear career path that motivates them to join their prospective employer”.

The GEOfuture program covers topics such as post-secondary education, including apprenticeship, self-knowledge, career research skills, soft skills, networking, entrepreneurship, employer expectations, and labour market information.

“Combining local labour market information with strengthened self-awareness will help our young people identify trends in the workplace and develop viable career plans” says Martha Woods, Executive Director of the Eastern Ontario Training Board.

At the end of the program participants will walk away with a clear action plan for their career path including possible alternatives
and how to revisit their plan as they gain meaningful experiences and skills that may change their direction.

“We want youth to know that career navigation isn’t as simple as gaining an education, finding a job, working for 45 years and then retiring. There are many bumps along the road but thanks to the funds provided by OTF GEOfutures graduates will be well prepared to tackle those detours.” says Program Lead Carilyne Hébert.

An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is one of Canada’s largest granting foundations. With a budget of over $136 million, OTF awards grants to some 1,000 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities.