- Career Coaches -
Make a Difference in a Student's Future
We invite people from all industries, occupations, and backgrounds to become Career Coaches and spark meaningful career conversations with Ontario’s Grade 9 and 10 students.
Through the Ontario Career Lab, you’ll help students explore a variety of occupations, discover areas of growth and need in the economy, and start building their own unique career paths with confidence.
Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step to becoming a career coach by filling out this simple form.
Why Become a Career Coach?
Inspire the Next Generation
Help students explore a world of career possibilities and encourage them to pursue their dreams with confidence.
Share Your Expertise
Use your professional experience to provide valuable insights into your industry and offer real-world advice to young people eager to learn.
Introduce Yourself to the Future Workforce
Connect with the next generation of talent by sharing your career journey and industry insights. Your experience can inspire and inform their path forward.
Give Back to Your Community
Make a lasting impact by supporting the career development of students in your local area and contributing to a stronger future workforce.
Inspire Students
Provide students with a unique glimpse into what it's like to work in your sector and answer their questions about career pathways.
Connect with Schools
Partner with local schools to create meaningful experiences that help students develop practical skills and gain insights into their future careers.
Benefits of Becoming a Career Coach
Professional Growth
Enhance your leadership and mentorship skills while making a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
Expand Your Network
Connect with other professionals and organizations that are passionate about career development and youth empowerment.
Shape the Future Workforce
Play a key role in preparing the next generation of workers for success in high-demand industries.
Empower Your Community
Help students discover the diverse career paths and opportunities available right in their own backyards while fostering meaningful representation and inspiring the next generation of local talent.
Eligibility and Requirements to Be a Career Coach
We welcome community members from all backgrounds to join us in inspiring the next generation. Here's what you need to know about becoming a career coach:
Who Can Be a Career Coach?
Professionals from Any Industry
We invite individuals with experience in any field, including skilled trades, technology, healthcare, business, arts, and more, to share their career journey.
Passionate Mentors
If you have a passion for helping others, guiding young people, and making a difference in your community, this role is perfect for you.
A Desire to Share Real-World Insights
Share your experiences and career journey to help students gain valuable knowledge and confidence.
Requirements to Get Involved
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Show a dedication to inspiring and empowering students by helping them explore their career interests and opportunities.
Communication Skills
Have the ability to engage with students in a positive, encouraging, and supportive manner, whether in person or virtually.
Flexibility in Engagement
Be comfortable working with students in various settings.
Sensitivity to Diverse Backgrounds
Be respectful and understanding of students from a variety of cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
Code of Conduct
Commit to following a code of conduct that promotes a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students and aligns with our organization's values.
Expectations of Career Coaches
As a Career Coach, you'll play a vital role in supporting Grade 9 and 10 students as they explore their career options. To ensure a successful and impactful experience, Career Coaches are expected to:
Complete our simple volunteer screening process
Review onboarding and training materials
Adhere to a Career Coach Code of Conduct
Show up for the sessions you choose to support—your presence makes a big impact
Foster a Positive and Inclusive Environment
Career Coaching Preparation
Training
We provide comprehensive training to ensure all career coaches have the tools and techniques they need to effectively mentor and engage with students, regardless of their prior experience. Our training covers best practices in youth engagement, communication strategies, and mentoring skills.
Facilitation Guide
Our facilitation guide serves as a step-by-step resource for structuring your coaching sessions. It helps you deliver consistent, impactful guidance tailored to each student's unique needs. This guide ensures a smooth and effective approach to mentoring that aligns with our program’s goals.
Resources
As a career coach, you'll have access to a variety of resources designed to support your mentorship journey, including industry insights, activity templates, conversation starters, and information on local labour market trends. These resources will help you provide valuable guidance and real-world advice to students exploring their career paths.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you meet these criteria and are excited to help shape the futures of Ontario's youth, we'd love to have you on board! Becoming a career coach is a rewarding opportunity to share your knowledge, grow as a mentor, and connect with the next generation of talent.
Career Coach Resources
Career Coach FAQ
A detailed FAQ section designed to answer common questions about becoming a career coach, including the level of commitment, the support provided, and the personal and professional benefits of joining the program.
Career Coach Overview
An informative guide that outlines the role of a career coach, the impact you can make on students' career journeys, and what to expect when you join our community of mentors.
Career Coach Onboarding Video
This short video walks you through everything you need to know before volunteering as a Career Coach with the Ontario Career Lab. Learn what to expect during your session, how to connect with students in meaningful ways, and tips for making your story resonate. Whether it’s your first time volunteering or you’ve done this before, this quick overview will help you feel confident and prepared to make an impact.
Contact Us
Have questions or need support?
Our team is here to help! Please email us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.