Province Teaches High School Parents Career Coaching Skills

Parents of Nova Scotia high school students will be better equipped to help their children make informed career and educational decisions, thanks to a series of free workshops offered through the Department of Education.

Parents as Career Coaches workshops will provide parents with tools they need to effectively guide their children as they move from high school to post-secondary education or training.

"Research shows parents are the single greatest influence on their children's educational and career decision-making," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "To support parents in this important role, we are working to provide them with the resources and support they need to help their children make solid post-secondary and career decisions. This will help to ensure our students graduate from high school with a plan."

The workshops will be delivered in three evening sessions, where parents will learn about the changing trends in today's labour market, how to have productive career discussions with their teenager and tools to help identify interests and skills that might develop into a career choice.

"I knew Katie was outgoing and extroverted, but I never realized that could translate into career skills," said Peggy Maughan, a Parents as Career Coaches participant. "The program helped me recognize Katie's strengths and taught me how to support and guide her in her decisions about her future."

The Parents as Career Coaches program was offered to 16 Options and Opportunities schools throughout the province last year. Those who participated found the workshops to be useful and most felt confident in their ability to implement the ideas presented in the program.

"The last three years of high school are a critical time for students making future career and educational decisions," said Linda Fewell, Principal of Sackville High School. "Times have changed and the workforce in Nova Scotia is different now. The steps parents took to obtain employment are quite different from the steps their children will have to take.

"Parents and educators must work as a team to ensure students are aware of all of the options available to them. This program helps accomplish that."

The Department of Education will launch a provincewide advertising campaign to promote Parents as Career Coaches. Interested parents should to contact their child's high school or Student Advisory Council to sign up for a workshop. Parents can also get involved by visiting the Parents as Career Coaches website at www.parentsascareercoaches.ca .