Finding the right career can be challenging at the best of times. The new WorkBC Parents' Guide is designed to help parents and guardians support their teens as they learn about the wide range of opportunities available to them, making searching for in-demand careers just a little bit easier.

The Government of British Columbia, in collaboration with the Canada Career Information Partnership, is pleased to have an updated career guide that assists parents in coaching their teens through the many choices before them. The WorkBC Parents' Guide is a resource to help parents answer questions their teens will likely have, and covers a range of important topics, including: talking about careers with teens; understanding today’s labour market ; and helping teens find a career they can be passionate about.

As noted in the B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint, nearly one million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2024 due to retirements and economic development, and nearly eight out of ten of these openings will require post-secondary education and/or skilled trades training. The guide aims to support parents and guardians by providing information and resources to help facilitate career conversations with young people.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

“B.C. is expecting almost one million job openings in the next decade and this WorkBC Parents' Guide will serve as a valuable career development tool for parents to support their teens, as they make important decisions that will shape their future.”

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education –

“It is important that prospective students are able to make an informed choice when it comes to their decisions about post-secondary education. A post-secondary education comes with professional and personal benefits that can last a lifetime, whether it is a career in the skilled trades, a professional qualification or a university degree.”

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“When high school students think about the next step in their lives, parents and guardians are right there with them. This guide can help start the conversation about career planning and helps map out in-demand careers and how to get ready for them.”

Michelle Stillwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“It’s important to start planning for future career goals early. The information and resources in the WorkBC Parents' Guide will help parents and their teens begin thinking about the many options available in our province – from the kind of training they will need to succeed on their career path to the job opportunities that await them after graduation.”

Learn More:

To read the WorkBC Parents' Guide, visit: WorkBC.ca/ParentGuide

To learn more about WorkBC, visit: www.workbc.ca

For more information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, visit: www.workbc.ca/skills

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan, visit: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/