Michael Emery
1 min read
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Every year, Giving Tuesday reminds us that generosity comes in many forms. This year, we’re focusing on a resource that’s just as powerful as any donation: your time.
In its second year, the Ontario Career Lab, powered by HIEC, is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to offer Career Conversations to Grade 9 and 10 students in all publicly funded high schools across Ontario. In one year, we’ve seen the difference that providing Career Conversations can have on our youth. And that’s never been more important!
Across Canada and around the world, young people are navigating a rapidly changing labour market—and the challenges they face are significant.
According to the OECD’s recent data:
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40% of 15-year-olds are career uncertain, with no clear plan for their future.
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Career uncertainty has grown by more than half since 2018.
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Students’ job expectations haven’t kept up with real labour market needs, remaining largely unchanged for two decades.
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Fewer than half of students have interacted with employers by the time they are 15 years old.
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Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are least likely to participate in career development activities.
And emerging evidence from the OECD makes something else very clear: mid-adolescence (Grades 9 and 10) is a critical life moment — a period when young people are especially open to learning, exploration, and identity-building, but also vulnerable to disengagement if they don’t see meaningful pathways ahead.
That’s exactly where the Ontario Career Lab makes an impact.
The Ontario Career Lab brings more than 2,500 volunteer Career Coaches into schools across the province, connecting students with real professionals at a pivotal time in their development.
In many ways, Ontario Career Lab is a direct, practical implementation of the OECD’s 2025 recommendations: early intervention, real-world exposure, equitable access, and support for lifelong adaptability.
This Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your time as a generous donation to help make this critical impact.
The Power of a Brief Career Conversation
At the Ontario Career Lab, we’ve seen firsthand the difference a meaningful, authentic Career Conversation can make. When a volunteer Career Coach visits a classroom, they help students:
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Learn about real careers directly from real people
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Ask questions they don’t feel comfortable asking elsewhere
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Understand the pathways and decisions that shape a person’s working life
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Build confidence in navigating their own next steps
Our own research with students shows us that many young people are nervous about:
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Not knowing what they want to do
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Making the “wrong” choice
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Lacking information about jobs and pathways
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Feeling unprepared for the working world
But after a Career Conversation session, students consistently report:
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Increased motivation
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More confidence
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Greater clarity about their interests
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A sense of relief—realizing they don’t need to have everything figured out yet
And all of that comes from just 90 minutes of connection.
Why We’re Asking You to “Give Time”
This Giving Tuesday, instead of asking for donations, we’re asking you to consider a different kind of gift.
When you become a Career Coach, you’re giving:
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Your career journey
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Your experience
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Your encouragement
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Your presence
Every Career Coach—whether a skilled tradesperson, entrepreneur, administrator, tech professional, artist, or anything in between—helps young people see that there are many paths to success, and many ways to build a fulfilling future.
And you don’t need to be a polished speaker or have a traditional career. You just need to be willing to show up.
A Small Commitment With a Big Impact
Being a Career Coach requires:
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90 minutes in a school near you
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No preparation required, but we offer resources to help you feel comfortable
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No professional credentials needed—just your lived experience
We handle the scheduling, facilitation, and classroom prep. You bring yourself.
Give Time. Make a Difference.
Young people deserve support, and you can be part of the solution.
This Giving Tuesday, join us in strengthening career readiness for students across Ontario. Your time is incredibly valuable—and it can change a student’s future.
Sign up to become a Career Coach today: OntarioCareerLab.ca
Please share our Giving Tuesday Give Time campaign with your networks.
Your support matters and is truly appreciated.
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