ACTION PLAN
The ACTION PLAN is the third step of a five part career planning process.
At this point in your career plan, you need to start acting on the information you have collected. It is important that you spend time examining your interests (Step 1), and researching potential career options (Step 2) before jumping in to an action plan. If you have not completed these steps, any decisions you make through this module may not result in the outcome you had intended.
Your research (Step 2) should have identified one or more career options that you would like to pursue. The questions is; How do you put your career plan into action?
You need to select a path that leads you to your desired career goal. You have six Post-secondary destinations to choose from:
Each path is equally effective provided it compliments your career plan and moves you closer to your ultimate career goal. In some cases more than one destination could help you realize your goal, and you must choose which option will work best for you.
In many cases, these options do not exist in isolation. Frequently, people will select a combination that works for them over their working career.
This step of the career planning process will provide you with more information and details on each of the 6 destinations in order to assist you with career decision making. Knowing what all your options are and what each have to offer, will allow you to make a more informed decision.
Click here to watch a video on the 6 destinations
About 80 percent of an apprentice's training takes place on the job; the remaining 20 percent involves technical training at a post-secondary training establishment.
Benefits:
Earn as you learn. Apprenticeship is the only career route where one can earn 50 to 90 percent of a journeyperson's wages while learning new skills on the job.
Low education costs. Financial assistance may be available to help pay for tuition fees, text books and living expenses while in school.
Mobility. Standardized certification guidelines across the country apply to many of the occupations/trades. Meaning you can work anywhere in Canada without having to further prove acquired qualifications.
Apprenticeship
There are more than one million people who work in the over 200 designated trades in Canada. There are 50 designated trades in New Brunswick.
Generally, the trades fall within 4 major categories;
1. Construction - electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, heavy equipment operators, painters, etc.
2. Transportation - automotive service, aviation, and fuel/electrical systems technicians, automotive painters, etc.
3. Manufacturing - tool & die makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), precision metal fabricators, etc.
4. Service - horticulturalists, chefs, florists, etc. .
(Source: http://www.careersintrades.ca).
Military
Canadian Forces members serve Canada by defending its values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad. Canadian Forces personnel belong to air, land, sea and special operations components.
Members serve either full-time in the Regular Force or part-time in the Reserves. When you join the Regular Force, you are signing on for several years of service.Members of the Reserves are part-time Military personnel who get a sense of what it might be like to pursue a Military career, without making a long-term commitment.
Benefits:
Guaranteed employment. Provided you pass Basic Training and the requirements of the applicable military occupation training, you are guaranteed employment through the duration of your initial contract. Many Canadian Forces members are offered contract renewals until retirement.
On the job training. Many of the skills and training obtained through the military transfer into the private sector. You may even acquire valuable skills that you cannot get anywhere else-making you a definite asset to employers.
Subsidized education. If you qualify for service in the Regular Forces, you could have your post-secondary education subsidized.
University
Canadian universities offer more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as professional degree programs and certificates.
For some professions, a university degree is the only way to pursue the career (lawyers, doctors, engineers).
University offers an opportunity for a student to experience different ideas, disciplines and develop a level of maturity and adaptable skill set that is desirable for many employers.
It offers an opportunity for students to learn practical career information along with knowledge to assist them in their personal life pursuits.
Benefits;
Higher earnings. University graduates earn about 50 percent more than those who have not completed a postsecondary degree and that difference grows over time.
More employment opportunities. The unemployment rate is around four percent for university graduates, six percent for college graduates and nine percent for high school graduates.
Career versatility. Refinement of many essential workplace skills (Module 4) that are in demand by all employers.
Private Training
Private Training institutions offer programs that are intended to prepare an individual for a specific occupation or are considered "employment enhancing".
Benefits:
Very specialized. Private colleges often work closely with business to deliver skills specific to employer's needs. This helps a graduate's employability as they have the exact skills that companies in the specialized field are seeking.
Low student to instructor ratios. More personalized learning and one-on-one instruction.
Client-focused. Students are regarded as clients and the training institution's success is linked to their graduate's success. They are motivated to help you succeed in your training.
Flexible training. There may be more flexible training options available than with other post-secondary institutions (online, correspondence, part-time, etc)
Community College
Colleges and technical institutes are dynamic institutions constantly changing to meet the economic and social needs of the communities they serve. .
The New Brunswick Community College offers over 100 programs in the following New Brunswick locations; Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton, Miramichi, St. Andrews and Woodstock.
Benefits:
Get into the workforce sooner. Many programs are condensed into 2-3 year programs meaning you can complete your training quickly and start making money.
Low education costs. $3,150 for a 40-week program (except for academic upgrading and industry customized programs). You may also qualify for grants, loans or scholarships to offset costs.
High post-graduate employment rates. The 2013 NBCC Graduate Follow-up Survey results indicate that
graduates have a success rate of finding a career in their intended career field 81% of the time.
Direct to Work/ Entrepreneurship
At many points in your career you will select the option of entering the work force. When you select it depends on your career goals and your financial situation. Some people may choose to work to explore interests before making a decision on Post-secondary. Others begin working, develop skills and experience on the job allowing them to progress through their career. Some people choose careers that do not require post-secondary or specific training and are ready to enter the work force.
Another option included in direct to work is entrepreneurship. Maybe you have a great idea about product or service you want to offer and are looking at starting your own business. There are many resources and supports available for entrepreneurs, for information on supports available check out the resources section in Step 3 (Action Plan).
Return to Step 3 index
