Career Coaches
Career Coaches

Every path has value. By volunteering as a Career Coach and sharing your journey, you help students explore options they didn’t know existed.

Educators
Educators

Book a FREE session that connects your Grade 9 and 10 students with people working in a wide range of industries and occupations.

Students and Families
Students & Families

Join a FREE Ontario Career Lab session and take part in small-group conversations with people working in a variety of industries and occupations.

Our Goal.

To help students feel confident, curious, and hopeful as they start thinking about their futures.

By connecting Grade 9 and 10 students with people from all walks of life, we’re opening up new possibilities—without the pressure.

These early career conversations help students discover what matters to them, feel more prepared for what’s next, and take their next steps with clarity and confidence.

Why Career Coaching?

Career development in secondary schools empowers students to see their potential and confidently take their next steps into the world of work or further education.
Empowers Decision-Making

Helps students explore their interests and strengths, equipping them to make confident, informed decisions about their education and career paths.

Drives Lifelong Growth

Encourages a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing job market.

Eases Transitions

Supports students as they move from school post-secondary education and training and work, building resilience and confidence along the way.

Boosts Well-Being

Reduces anxiety about the future by guiding students toward opportunities that align with their skills, passions, and aspirations.

Enhances Employability

Helps students develop essential skills and knowledge to align their strengths with in-demand career opportunities.

Strengthens Future Workforces

Nurtures a pipeline of diverse, skilled, and adaptable talent ready to contribute to evolving societal and economic needs.

Did You Know?

Students aged 14–16 who had career conversations report greater life satisfaction at age 26.
(OECD, 2023)

Only 40–45% of high school graduates feel ready for collegeand just 35% transition smoothly into a meaningful career.
(McKinsey & Company, 2021)

Career conversations lower stress and anxiety by connecting students to careers that match their interests contributing to stronger long-term well-being.
(CMHA + Statistics Canada, 2022)

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The Ontario Career Lab Reimagines Career Education with Province-Wide Launch

Backed by the Government of Ontario and supported by employers across the province, the Ontario Career Lab connects...
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How Career Conversations are Empowering Young People for a Brighter Future

For a lot of young people, talking to adults about their career can be stressful. The pressure to make big decisions...
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What Students Are Saying: The Most Common Takeaways from Our Mentorship Sessions

At HIEC, we’ve spent decades creating spaces where young people can explore their career pathways through mentorship,...
"The Ontario Career Lab reflects what’s possible when education and industry come together to support student success. By offering meaningful career conversations at a pivotal stage, it helps students explore options, build confidence, and begin planning their futures. CODE is proud to support this scalable, equity-focused model that strengthens local partnerships and enhances pathway planning across the province."
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Laura Elliott
Executive Director, Council of Ontario Directors of Education
"Career development isn’t a one-time decision - it’s a lifelong process, and it starts early. The Ontario Career Lab is meeting young people at a critical stage, helping them build the self-awareness, optimism, and agency they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work. This is the kind of programming that leads to better outcomes for students, schools, and society."
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Sareena Hopkins
Executive Director, Canadian Career Development Foundation
"Across Ontario, local chambers see firsthand the need to build strong talent pipelines that reflect the realities of our regional economies. The Ontario Career Lab helps students explore career journeys in a grounded, community-based way, connecting them with employers and opportunities they weren’t aware existed right in their own backyards. These conversations also provide hope to students for their futures as they hear about these winding paths from people excited to share and satisfied with where they’ve landed."
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Jill Raycroft
Chair, Chamber Executives of Ontario Association
"At Skills Ontario, we believe in showing young people that skilled trades and technologies offer rewarding, purpose-driven careers. Our Vision is Changing Lives and Inspiring Leaders through Skilled Trades and Technologies. The Ontario Career Lab shares that mission, bringing trades professionals into classrooms to inspire and inform. Together, we’re helping students discover pathways they can be proud of."
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Ian Howcroft
CEO, Skills Ontario
"At MineConnect, we understand that the future of mining depends on a strong, skilled workforce—not just in operations, but across the entire supply and services sector. Our partnership with HIEC is helping to open eyes to the incredible range of careers in our industry. Through effective career coaching, HIEC helps students and job seekers discover opportunities they might never have imagined—from robotics and environmental science to logistics, communications, and business development."
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Marla Tremblay
Executive Director, MineConnect
"Partnering with HIEC has been a pivotal step in advancing our shared vision at OHI and ORHMA - to inspire and guide the next generation of hospitality leaders. Together, we’re making early career conversations a reality in high schools and helping students connect with the dynamic world of hospitality. This collaboration shows the power of partnership in building a sustainable and thriving workforce in Ontario."
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Fatima Finnegan
Vice President, Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations, Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA)

Powered by HIEC.

HIEC is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to partnership, mentorship, and workforce development. With 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver innovative programs and services that leverage technology, drive community collaboration, and inspire mentorship to help young people succeed in their career journeys. Our mission is to empower youth to explore career pathways, strengthen their mental wellness, and create opportunities for future success.



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