Career Education Mapping Project Launched

ACE Network Staff has organized a Career Education Mapping Project

The mapping project research sample includes career education and development players in Alberta and key national/international organizations from outside of the province. The primary goal of the project is to map the career development landscape for children and youth in Alberta. Outputs will include lists of all the players in the career education field in Alberta and the related players from outside the province. The lists will be turned into directories that will include organization data including contact information, program targets and services.

This project involves both secondary research (via web) and primary research (via phone and print questionnaires). To date, the secondary research has identified approximately 300 organizations in Alberta and beyond with an interest in youth career development.

A summary of key findings learned to date:

• there exists a wealth of information and resources available to young Albertans and Alberta based organizations from both within and outside the province.
• resources are more readily available in urban centres; organizations and young people from rural areas do not enjoy the same level of service.
• the capacity of the field can be markedly improved by the services a formalized networking organization will provide i.e. improved communication, cooperation, coordination, collaboration services- service improvement that contribute to increased awareness, linkages and partnerships.
• a great many people and organizations share an interest in improving career development services to Albertans
• many well run career education programs exist in Alberta; program managers are interested in sharing effective practices.
• the current environment provides opportunity for career education network development- to provide leadership, share information and foster partnerships amongst related constituencies i.e. education, labour, business and industry, community organizations and government.

In addition to providing date that informs current work, the mapping project will yield directories that will facilitate future Network communications and collective programming intitiatives e.g. website, newsletters, research, intermediary training, conferences, joint ventures.

The second phase of the mapping project will soon be launched and a final report released in the fall. This research phase will involve more detailed questionnaires curculated to career development educators across the province. (This vehicle will also assist with building awareness of the new ACE Network offerings, including: expanded membership opportunities- ways for individuals and organizations beyond the committee;s current membership to become involved and improve career education offereings to Alberta's children and youth. and, upcoming activities and services for which more and new career educators and others committed to improved career education can participate in our work) If you are interested in staying apprised of this work, please contact ACE Network info@CareerEdNetworkca