Career Pathways Program

The Career Pathways program is for individuals who require additional education supports or have had limited opportunities for continued education and who want to attend college and explore career pathways and goals.

This is a limited enrolment, low-cost program that is well suited for those who have a developmental disability, intellectual disability, or other learning challenges.

• Two courses are offered each semester. Complete all three semesters to achieve a Certificate of Completion.
• The program begins in the fall, delivered at the Barry Downe campus
• Courses cover: workplace professionalism, résumé writing and interviews, workplace safety, etc., and a field placement
• Explore work in your field of choice
• Only program of its kind in northern Ontario
• Inclusion, community involvement, vocational skill building and academic abilities are all cornerstones of the program
• Graduates gain confidence, relevant skills, and empowerment, which they carry daily on their journey, wherever opportunity takes them
• Passport provincial funding may cover the cost of this program for students. Get more information at passportfunding.ca

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) (or) Certificate of Education, Achievement (or) Accomplishment (or) Mature Student Status.
• Resident of Ontario
• Eligible to work in Ontario
• 18 years of age or older
• Geared to new graduates with Certificate of Achievement of local Ontario Secondary Schools and adults with developmental disabilities who want to transition to an employment opportunity

 

This programs helps to support the community and build a foundation for success by:

• Helping students gain confidence, relevant skills, and empowerment, which they carry daily on their journey, wherever opportunity takes them
• Providing students the opportunity to gain a memorable and positive college experience by building friendships and participating in college life, all while meeting learning goals
• Welcoming students into the Cambrian community as participants and/or volunteers at our large college events (e.g. open houses, Pow Wow, etc.)
• Assisting employers to develop an inclusive workplace that fosters a culture of acceptance respect, and collaboration to boost employee morale and job satisfaction while tapping into a ready, willing, and able workforce
• Providing students access to all college services, including access to our wellness centre, accommodation services, social events, academic supports and services, and more!

The Career Pathways program responds to community advocacy for post-secondary education that includes career exploration and field placements for those who might otherwise experience barriers to post-secondary education and/or meeting employment goals.

The focus of this program is “with us, not for us,” and the curriculum is developed in consultation with adults with developmental disabilities and community agencies (like local school boards, community agencies, and other supports and services that support people with developmental disabilities).

All students will also have an opportunity to connect weekly with classmates and receive peer mentoring in partnership with the Developmental Services Worker Program.

This program includes:

• Employment readiness: Learn how to search for a job, write a résumé, prepare for an interview, etc.
• Skills for the workplace: Learn simple computer skills, how to manage your stress at work, how to dress for success, how to connect with your work team, etc.
• Professional communication: Learn how to communicate to potential customers and employers, including on the phone and through technology. Learn how to advocate for yourself and request workplace accommodations, and more.
• Service learning: Learn how helping your community can also help you grow as a person and get ready for work. You’ll explore what you’re good at, what matters to you, and how you can use your strengths to make a difference.
• Field seminar: Join your classmates on campus to talk about your field placement experiences. You’ll share what’s going well, work through challenges together, and practice real-life workplace situations through role-playing and group activities.
• Field placement: Obtain intensive hands-on practical experience within a community organization.

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor and course outlines for further information.