November is Career Exploration Month in Canada and the Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board is celebrating with Sean Aiken, founder of the One Week Job Project.
On Friday, November 1, 2019, 40 employers participated in a learning and networking breakfast where Sean reminded employers that workplace fulfillment is key factor to retaining employees, and while not everyone can find their passion at work, it is in our scope to help them find purpose.
Later that morning, over 900 students in grades 7-12 from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Lambton Kent District School Board, and Conseil Scolaire Providence, attended the Capitol Theatre to participate in a one hour presentation. Sean shared stories from his amazing one year career exploration experience. Students were reminded that “it’s okay not to know” what they want to do, but to work through their fears, ask for help when they need it, and know that they are not alone in their journey.
“We are delighted at the great turn out of both students and employers today,” said Kristy Jacobs, Project Manager with the Chatham-Kent Workface Planning Board. “There’s a lot of pressure put on students and job seekers to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Sean’s message is important for them to hear! It’s okay for them not to know, as long as they just get out and explore! And in today’s job market where employers are competition for talent, Sean brought a great reminder that employers can help employees find purpose in their work, as a retention tool.”
The CKWPB is committed to ongoing research to enhance local labour market planning in the Chatham-Kent region. To learn more about the Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board and its activities in Chatham-Kent, please visit our website at ckworkforcedev.com.
