Valleys to Coast’s Post

How can four houses create career pathways for 75 teenagers? Ama Training Group and One Tree Hill College are building opportunities for rangatahi out of our older homes – all while renovating them for new whānau! Hear from the teenage tradies-in-training themselves at https://bit.ly/4asWbMH

Check out the career modules!

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ramona Schindelheim at WorkingNation for "Overheard" at The College Board’s Forum conference to discuss the importance of introducing career exploration earlier so students can broaden their knowledge of career pathways and reach their goals. Research tells us that students primarily learn about different career paths by observing the adults in their lives. For most students, that includes their parents, teachers, and even extended family members or neighbors.  If their own observations are the main source of career information, you can imagine how that could be pretty limiting (and vary widely per student). As I shared with Ramona, we can expand access to *opportunity* through access to quality career *information* that helps students see how the skills they have today are in-demand for growing careers tomorrow (and show them the multiple pathways to get there - whether it’s a certificate, apprenticeship, community college, four-year degree, or more).  At The College Board, our mission is to clear a path for the 7 million students we reach and ultimately, to help young people of all backgrounds prepare for a successful future. https://lnkd.in/ePuDkqFW #CBFORUM #WorkingNationOverheard #CareerExploration #CareerPrep #Postsecondary 

You’ve reacted positively to my post, but we’ve seen no placements come through yet. What’s holding you back? What do you need from me to make this happen? These young people are brimming with potential, ready to seize opportunities that could transform their futures. But they can’t do it without your help. They need your support, your expertise, and your willingness to open a door for them. This is more than a gesture—it’s the right thing to do. Let’s turn good intentions into meaningful action. Together, we can make a real difference. Who’s ready to step forward?

The STEP Forward program helps youth answer, “What comes after high school?” with a focus on: 🔹 Skill-building 🔹 Career exploration 🔹 Job coaching and placement Through this program, we empower young people with disabilities and other barriers to work, helping them build a pathway to meaningful employment and a brighter future. Learn more: heyor.ca/xgvjoL #STEPForward #YouthEmpowerment

A new year and there’s an undeniable excitement in the air—a fresh beginning that invites us to explore new possibilities and redefine aspirations. For students at NOVA Telford, this is more than just a change of date; it’s a golden opportunity to dive into personal growth and career exploration. Spending quality time with NOVA students is essential in revealing interests and ambitions. Through shared experiences, we not only learn about each other but also discover passions that may have quietly waited for a nudge to come to the surface. Engaging in discussions about fears and misconceptions regarding work experience and volunteering can allow us to address those doubts head-on and foster a supportive environment where we can collectively pursue the students goals. Who knew that having a good time could be the best catalyst for meaningful conversations? Through laughter and shared activities, we have the opportunity to chat freely, share ideas, and ultimately choose placements that align with newfound ambitions. I find joy in my job because it allows me to witness this journey of discovery among students firsthand. When they unearth a passion or overcome a fear is truly inspiring. Making the most of my time at NOVA Telford working in a great team to support the students to explore, engage, and evolve into the individuals we are meant to be. #NOVATELFORD #VOLUNTEERING #YOUTHSOCIALACTION #ASPIRATIONS #CONVERSATIONS #STUDENTS #FUN #PERSONALGROWTH #DEVELOPMENT #YOUNGMINDS #HILLBRAE

Our Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart talks the talk, walks the walk, and invites others to walk with him. He's been preaching Courage, Compassion, Joy, and Yes - the values our students chose for us - and is on mission to make sure the leadership of the college understand what those values mean and how they can better love the people they lead to success. I appreciate that he doesn't just say-- here are the values, I assume you'll do them, figure it out. He is committed to training leadership in how to lead with Courage, Compassion, Joy, and Yes -- with Love and Data as the the foundation from which they grow -- and that he will hold our leadership accountable to those values. Another mission he's working on is having us all break down the silos that have divided the different parts of the college so that the left hand never knows what the right hand is doing, efforts are reduplicated or even actively working against each other, and people don't think about teaming up to strengthen our efforts. Imagine the power of one ACC woven together thought trust, vulnerability, collaboration, and communication. I peeked in on the CLI last week and saw interactive, engaging activities with leadership running around the room and supporting each other. I hope this bonding time leads to better collaboration across our college. This was only the CLI, the next cohort will have the next level down of management. He isn't stopping at the top and expecting this small group of leaders to turn things around on their own. He's intending to reach as much of our leadership as possible to make sure everyone is on board and accountable. He says this gives him hope? He can't imagine the hope growing in the hearts of employees sitting towards the bottom of the org chart who have heard his grand plan and values - but still experienced management who don't live those values and aren't held accountable. As an employee, I've seen the disconnect with my own eyes. As a CEA Officer, people are telling me their stories and entrusting me to speak for them and to do something. Special shout out to Kelly Torrico for assuring me yesterday that part of my role as an officer is to alert her and our HR partners when I see or hear about employees who are unhappy or being mistreated. She walked me through the action steps and affirmed that I am welcome to hold their hand through the process as a support person if they are nervous to speak up on their own. She is also committed to holding our management accountable to our values and to making sure we are all treated with dignity and respect. I am so grateful that Russell is using his valuable time to coach and train our management with the promise of holding them accountable to our values. TBH, He had me at bowtie 🤣 but everyday has earned my respect and admiration above and beyond what the bowtie alone initially sparked. 💜💜💜 I have never been more pumped up about what this college is transforming into. 💜💜💜

Great support regards employability for those with an EHCP is available from our valued ReferKent platform member bemix. You can refer to Bemix through ReferKent - find out more about joining the platform here: https://lnkd.in/ernHSD_B #supportedinternship #referrals #learningdisability #kent #support #employability

🔍 Come see me at the National Association of Reentry Professionals National ReEntry Conference in Franklin, TN! 🎉 Casebook empowers professionals in the reentry field to streamline their processes, enhance collaboration, and ultimately, drive better outcomes for those they serve. 💼 I can't wait to connect with fellow professionals, share insights, and collaborate on advancing the field of reentry services. See you there! 👥 #ReentryConference #Casebook #TransformingLives #ReentryServices #NARP #Reentry

This approach for acquiring talent is very convenient for those returning into international business.