As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, we’ve spent time reflecting on the impact of Career Coach volunteers across Ontario.
Not just the time they give, but what that time makes possible for students.
Because for many young people, thinking about the future can feel overwhelming.
They’re told to “figure out what they want to do,” but often without the context, exposure, or real-world insight to make those decisions feel meaningful, or even possible.
In our work across Ontario, we hear the same concerns again and again:
These aren’t small questions. And for students in Grades 9 and 10, there is often a quiet but persistent pressure to make a decision before they feel ready.
That’s where Career Conversations come in.
At its core, the Ontario Career Lab is built on a simple idea: What if career exploration should start with a conversation?
And this week, we’ve seen just how powerful that can be.
When students have the opportunity to speak directly with people working in a wide range of industries, something shifts. They ask better questions. They hear honest answers. And They begin to connect what they’re learning in school to what exists beyond it.
And importantly, they start to see that there isn’t just one path.
The impact of these conversations shows up clearly in student feedback.
But beyond the numbers, it’s what students say that matters most:
“I didn’t realize how many options I actually have.”
“It made me less stressed about choosing a career.”
“I feel more confident thinking about my future now.”
“It helped me understand that there are many options out there.”
Teachers see this shift in real time.
They notice students asking more questions, engaging more deeply, and continuing conversations long after the session ends.
“I witnessed students who do not normally participate or engage in class ask questions and keep the conversation going… for these particular students, it is leaps and bounds.”
“Students were engaged throughout the entire session, actively asking questions, laughing, and participating in thoughtful discussions with the coaches. It was wonderful to see such a high level of interest and enthusiasm.”
“We received several parent emails expressing how interesting the session was and how it opened their eyes to different careers.”
“I saw so many of my often quiet students peppering the career coaches with questions.”
The power of Career Conversations is backed by research. The OECD and others have consistently shown that early, meaningful exposure to the world of work, especially through direct interaction with employers, has a measurable impact on student outcomes.
Students who engage in career conversations and workplace-related learning are more likely to:
But the key isn’t just exposure - it’s interaction.
Hearing about careers is helpful. Talking to someone about their path is what makes it stick.
Throughout this week, we’ve thanked the people behind these conversations.
Across Ontario, more than 3,000 Career Coach volunteers, from a wide range of industries, sectors, and career pathways, are choosing to show up for students.
They’re answering questions students don’t always get to ask. Sharing what their work actually looks like day to day. And being honest about the decisions, changes, and uncertainty along the way.
In those conversations, students hear something they don’t hear often enough:
A single conversation might not determine a student’s future, but it can change how they think about it.
It can:
And when that happens across classrooms, across communities, across the province - it starts to add up.
As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, that’s what we’re recognizing.
Because sometimes, one conversation is enough to change what a student believes is possible.