Finding the right career can be challenging at the best of times. The B.C. government’s new Career Guide for Aboriginal People is designed to help make searching for the in-demand jobs just a little bit easier.

Released this month, the guide contains a wealth of information and resources for Aboriginal job seekers, especially youth. It offers a range of tips and advice such as how to make successful school-to-work transitions and on the importance of building job-finding support networks.

The guide is a toolkit that also provides sample resumes, cover letters and interview questions to help job seekers positively present their skills and qualifications. It lists awards, scholarships and bursaries available for Aboriginal learners and how to apply for them, as well as providing guidance on budgeting for education and training.

Copies of B.C.’s Career Guide for Aboriginal People will be available at WorkBC centres throughout British Columbia. It will also be available through First Nations band offices, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Aboriginal organizations, public and Aboriginal-controlled post-secondary institutions and online.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“This new career guide will help put more Aboriginal people on a path to rewarding careers here in British Columbia. It’s a terrific how-to compilation of tips and advice that provides the kind of information needed to help job-seekers pursue the careers they want.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training –

“B.C. is projected to be one of Canada’s economic leaders in the next two years. With half of First Nations people in our province under the age of 25, they are a critical part of the workforce we will require. This new career guide is a valuable tool designed to support First Nations successful entry into the labour market.”

Rochelle Saddleman, co-ordinator, Aboriginal Labour Market Community Navigators Initiative, New Relationship Trust –

“The New Relationship Trust is proud of the development and publication of this very valuable and important support tool for Aboriginal career seekers.”

Quick Facts:

• Aboriginal people are identified as a priority in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.
• More than 40,000 Aboriginal British Columbians live in northern communities, and almost half of all Aboriginal people in B.C. are under 25 years old.
• A key target of the Skills for Jobs Blueprint is to increase Aboriginal workforce participation by 15,000 new Aboriginal workers by 2024.
• To keep our economy diverse, strong and growing, since September, 2011, the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of British Columbia’s most competitive sectors utilizing our educated and skilled workforce.

Learn More:

Career Guide for Aboriginal People: www.workbc.ca/aboriginal

WorkBC: www.workbc.ca

New Relationship Trust: www.newrelationshiptrust.ca/about/team/staff

B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca

Create your personal career plan with Blueprint Builder: workbc.ca/blueprintbuilder

BC Jobs Plan:  engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/