Released on December 8, 2014
SaskCareers.ca, Saskatchewan’s new career development website has officially been launched, giving users a one-stop-shop to discover and explore career paths and learn about education and training opportunities in the province.The integrated site will meet the career planning needs of all Saskatchewan residents from kindergarten to retirement, with an initial focus on youth in both provincial and federal schools, and those transitioning beyond high school.
The site is a joint effort between the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministries of the Economy, Education and Advanced Education, in partnership with the Saskatoon Industry-Education Council (SIEC) to support career development.
“Saskatchewan is home to a strong economy and a growing labour market that will have an estimated 95,000 job opportunities by the year 2017,” Minister responsible for Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Jeremy Harrison said. “SaskCareers.ca will be a great tool to help students learn about these opportunities, and connect with employers for in-demand careers. This will help to educate, train and develop a highly-skilled workforce, which is a key goal of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth.”
Building a skilled work force to meet the province’s growing labour market demands is one of the primary goals of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth. Students, parents, educators and industry will all be able to use the site to connect to career opportunities and information, with the ultimate goal of helping students and job seekers find meaningful employment and educational opportunities.
An integral piece within SaskCareers.ca is myBlueprint – an innovative career planning tool that allows students to investigate career and post-secondary opportunities, set career goals, develop an educational plan, and track their progress - all of which are important for future success.
“The Ministry of Education’s investment in this project supports our priority to improve graduation rates and delivers on the promise to provide career development opportunities for students,” Education Minister Don Morgan said. “The most valuable feature of this tool is that each student can customize their plan, or 'blueprint', both in high school and beyond, to best fit their specific career interests and future goals.”
The Ministry of the Economy contributed more than $1 million to the first three phases of the SaskCareers.ca website project, and recently approved $591,596 for further website development and evaluation activities.
An additional $549,000 was provided by the Ministry of Education to support a three year commitment for myBlueprint software, resources and implementation in all Saskatchewan schools. The site will be managed by the SIEC, with continued support from the ministries of the Economy, Education and Advanced Education.
“The SIEC, in partnership with K-12 and post-secondary education, community-based organizations, First Nations and Métis communities, Chambers of Commerce and industry associations, is co-creating the opportunities that SaskCareers.ca can bring to all stakeholders,” SIEC Executive Director Janet Uchacz-Hart said. “It is only through the investment from the Government of Saskatchewan that we are able to provide a true product connecting youth to the vibrant labour market in our province.”
-30-
For more information, contact:
Janet Uchacz-Hart
SIEC
Phone: 306-683-7774
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315