Autism at Work: Promoting and Supporting Greater Workforce Diversity
Date: February 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Online
Facilitated by: Anne Kresta
Cost: MACD Members - Free | Non-Members - $25
What is neurodiversity? What is the Autism Spectrum?
Why increase and strengthen the neurodiversity of your workplace?
How do you create inclusive recruitment, hiring and return-to-work strategies for neurodivergent employees, especially those with Autism Spectrum?
What strategies can contribute to successfully transitioning into to the workplace?
What are some tips for colleagues, managers, and leadership when working with neurodivergent/autistic employees?
How can Level It Up help you in your practice?
Join Level It Up’s Anne Kresta as she addresses these questions and describes how Level It Up has been promoting and supporting the employment of skilled autistic job seekers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math since 2017.
Zoom link will be sent 24 hours prior.
Anne Kresta, M.Sc.
Anne Kresta has dedicated her practice to promoting and supporting greater workforce diversity, especially when it comes to skilled autistic job seekers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. In collaboration with The Ability Hub and The Sinneave Family Foundation (based in Calgary, AB), through her work with Community Living Manitoba and on the Thrive! leadership group led by Manitoba Family Services, she has spearheaded pilot projects addressing the employability and post-secondary education experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum.
Since 2017, Anne has served as the President and Executive Director of Level It Up. She also sits on the board of the Autism Alliance of Canada and is a co-founder and past chair of Neurowrx (www.neurowrx.org), an international alliance working to improve employment opportunities for skilled autistic people in STEAM. Her presentations provide a balance of information and practical strategies and insights into the autistic experience and how we can work together to build a sense of belonging in our workplaces.
Understanding ADHD is Step Number One in Supporting Clients with Employment
Date: March 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online
Facilitated by: Suzanne Beaver
Cost: MACD Members - Free | Non-Members - $15
Working with individuals with ADHD offers both unique opportunities and challenges. While there is no one-size-fits-all strategy, understanding ADHD is key to providing meaningful support. Rather than focusing on "fixing" ADHD, we can celebrate the creativity, energy, and unique perspectives these individuals bring to the table. By building a deeper understanding of their needs and strengths we can foster environments that empower them to thrive and achieve their goals.
Key points that will be addressed during the presentation:
- What is ADHD?
- Stereotypes/Myths
- Common employment and social struggles
- How to get a diagnosis and if it's necessary
- Strategies for supporting a person with ADHD in employment.
- Workplace accommodations, associated laws and options if employers refuse.
Suzanne Beaver
Student Support and Retention Worker, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology
Suzanne has worked in social services in Manitoba and Quebec communities for over 20 years. Primarily, she has worked with individuals with disabilities but has also worked with those who are unhoused, newcomers, women’s groups, and indigenous communities all over Manitoba.
She has a Bachelor of Arts with a Specialization in Communication Studies from Concordia University and has completed graduate-level courses in Disability Studies from the University of Manitoba.
She was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyscalculia at the age of 30 and has made it a personal and professional mission to advocate for services and support for those with ADHD and learning disabilities locally, provincially, and Canada-wide. She is currently employed at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) as a Student Support and Retention Worker.
Suzanne has worked in social services in Manitoba and Quebec communities for over 20 years. Primarily, she has worked with individuals with disabilities but has also worked with those who are unhoused, newcomers, women’s groups, and indigenous communities all over Manitoba.
She has a Bachelor of Arts with a Specialization in Communication Studies from Concordia University and has completed graduate-level courses in Disability Studies from the University of Manitoba.
She was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyscalculia at the age of 30 and has made it a personal and professional mission to advocate for services and support for those with ADHD and learning disabilities locally, provincially, and Canada-wide. She is currently employed at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) as a Student Support and Retention Worker.
Enduring the Unendurable: Providing Career Support to Those with Chronic Illness
Date: March 21, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Online
Facilitated by: Trevor Lehmann
Cost: MACD Members - Free | Non-Members - $25
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will learn about the effects of Chronic Illness on career and quality of life.
- Psychological aspects including grief and loss, depression and more will be explored along with intervention strategies.
- Participants will engage in an experiential exercise to explore the impacts of illness on various aspects of life.
Trevor Lehmann
President, Climate-Informed Counsellors Chapter, CCPA
Trevor Lehmann holds an M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology and serves as a Career Consultant at the University of Manitoba as well as President of the Climate-Informed Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). With a deep interest in career development, grief and loss, organized labour, and climate psychology, Trevor has made significant contributions in these areas. His writings can be found at https://trevorlehmann.ca.
Career Highlights:
- Founding President of the Climate-Informed Counselling Chapter of the CCPA
- Former Co-Chair of the Advocacy and Community Engagement Committee of CERIC
- First Humanist Chaplain at the University of Manitoba
Trevor brings over 8 years of experience in Canadian post-secondary education, where he has assisted domestic and international students of all ages and academic levels, from high school to PhD, in making informed academic and career decisions. His counselling expertise extends beyond academia, with experience in non-profit community organizations, including five years with Palliative Manitoba, offering grief and bereavement support as well as presenting on meaning-making during difficult moments.
Trevor Lehmann holds an M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology and serves as a Career Consultant at the University of Manitoba as well as President of the Climate-Informed Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). With a deep interest in career development, grief and loss, organized labour, and climate psychology, Trevor has made significant contributions in these areas. His writings can be found at https://trevorlehmann.ca.
Career Highlights:
- Founding President of the Climate-Informed Counselling Chapter of the CCPA
- Former Co-Chair of the Advocacy and Community Engagement Committee of CERIC
- First Humanist Chaplain at the University of Manitoba
Trevor brings over 8 years of experience in Canadian post-secondary education, where he has assisted domestic and international students of all ages and academic levels, from high school to PhD, in making informed academic and career decisions. His counselling expertise extends beyond academia, with experience in non-profit community organizations, including five years with Palliative Manitoba, offering grief and bereavement support as well as presenting on meaning-making during difficult moments.
2025 Completed Workshops
We leave these descriptions on the web for everyone to review. If there is enough interest, we would consider offering a session again. If there is a topic you are interested in, and don't see here, please reach out to let us know through email. In addition, if you want to deliver a training session, please reach out.
Send an email to: admin@macd-mb.org with the subject line: Possible future PD topic.
Date: January 20, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM CST
Facilitated by: Medina Puskar
Impact that career development practitioners make while supporting newcomers, both refugees and immigrants, in finding meaningful employment goes beyond creating an appealing resume. From needs assessments, settlement supports, and referrals to appropriate services, career practitioners navigate diverse landscape of cultural differences, language barriers, and career transitions. This presentation will explore challenges faced by career practitioners and provide motivational practices to transform those challenges into opportunities.
Date: January 8, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Facilitated by: Melenie Olfert
This workshop delves into the subtle yet powerful influence of unconscious bias on career development. Participants will explore how biases can shape career trajectories, opportunities for advancement, and perceptions of potential within the workplace. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants will learn about the psychology behind unconscious bias, identify common types of biases, and explore strategies to manage and mitigate these biases to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Key Objectives covered:
• Define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the role they play in the workplace.
• Foster understanding and identify what type of unconscious biases may exist in the field of career development.
• Learn practical techniques to recognize and counteract unconscious biases and develop a more inclusive approach.
• Take away strategies for mitigating bias in career counseling and decision-making.
2023 - 2024 Completed Workshops
Date: November 26, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Facilitated by: Joseph Thompson
Overview of Presentation
Part 1. Two Eyed Seeing
Will include an excerpt of that will allow the group to learn what we have to do as Indigenous people to succeed in the Western world but also to ask the question what they would do or how they would be have.
Part 2. Indigenous Employment Strategy
An overview of six components that would assist employers to develop their own strategies. This would include examples of how to move forward in their Indigenous initiatives.
1. PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION
2. WORKFORCE PREPARATION
3. RECRUITMENT AND OUTREACH
4. RETENTION
5. SUCCESSION PLANNING, TRANSITION AND CAREER PATHING
6. SUPPORTIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Part 3. Indigenous Human Resources Professional Standards and Assessment Guidelines.
Examples will provide how you as an HR professional can increase your knowledge of understanding Indigenous people.
Date: November 13, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Facilitated by: Brian Rochat, M.Ed.
In what ways do cultural norms inform newcomer expectations and experiences within international education, recruitment and selection processes, and career development? Approximately 800,000 international students attended Canadian post-secondary institutions in 2023 and around 25% of the workforce was born outside of Canada. However, most newcomers arrive from cultures and countries which emphasize different job-specific behaviours and soft skills, job search processes, documents (e.g. generalized CV vs. targeted resumé), and struggle with Canadian recruitment and selection processes which are rooted within cultural and colonial constructs. Applying Geert Hofstede’s (1984) framework of cultural dimensions to a qualitative study, Brian Rochat’s research explores staff and student perceptions of how culture affects learning and development within international education, workplace preparation, processes, and experiences. This session will unpack findings relating to intercultural discovery and development within newcomer career development experiences. Career Development Practitioners in the non-profit, community services, private, government, and post-secondary sectors will discover and reflect upon ways in which cultural conditioning, values, norms and assumptions shape learning and workplace behaviours, soft skills, barriers and blind spots. Resources and toolkits will be discussed and provided, equipping practitioners with information and strategies to bridge cultural barriers in career development.
Date: June 11, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Facilitated by: JP Michel
The Challenge mindset offers a bold new message: the world needs you.
At a time where they are overwhelmed with anxiety, pressured to choose a job title, and fearful of unemployment and underemployment, students need a reality check. They no longer need to choose a job title to answer ‘what they want to be when they grow up’. Instead, they need to discover that the world is full of problems, challenges and opportunities that they can contribute to.
This message provides both students and professionals with the missing ingredient for their future success: hope. Fueled with hope, students can take the steps necessary to choose an education program that will help prepare them to contribute to challenges they are passionate about.
What difference would it make if:
- your students understood and believed that the world needs them?
- your students were filled with hope and inspiration to solve important challenges they are passionate about?
- your staff knew how to engage students to prepare them for the future of work?
- your staff was excited to prepare the next generation to solve the world’s greatest challenges?
After the session, attendees will feel equipped to prepare your students, clients and teams for the 21st century world of work.
Date: Monday, June 19, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Presenter: Brian Rochat [he, him
Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator, RRC Polytech, Winnipeg, MB
The presentation will unpack findings relating to international students experiencing Canadian cultural norms, challenges/barriers, and will introduce a theoretical framework and provide recommendations for delivering culturally relevant work-integrated learning, career development, and post-secondary program delivery.
Information will be shared on ways student’s cultural norms inform their expectations and experience within post-secondary education. Applying Geert Hofstede’s (1980) framework for cultural dimensions to a qualitative study, Brian Rochat’s research explores staff and student perceptions of how culture affects learning and development within international education. The project included international student participants, from 11 different countries and representing 11 programs, registered within a central Canadian Polytechnic, as well as 5 staff. This study was grounded in the epistemological perspective of social constructivism that presumes ‘people are born into cultures that have already constructed meaning about their objects and symbols, and that an individual’s understanding of meaning is shaped by sociocultural influences that manipulate their behaviour, experiences, and thinking’ (Licqurish and Seibold 2011, 12).
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Dr. Roberta Borgen
Understanding and applying career development theories and models remains a core competency for today’s Career Development Professionals (CDPs). Theories and models provide the foundation for understanding what is going on for our clients and how to effectively support them. As we navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic world of work, life, and learning with similarly complex and dynamic clients, the theories and models CDPs reach for must attend to such diversity. Join co-editor of the international collaboration, Career Theories and Models at Work: Ideas for Practice, Dr. Roberta Borgen (Neault) for an exploration of theories in practice.
Expand your toolkit of theory-based interventions with an overview of contemporary career development approaches and practical experience applying those theories to case vignettes. Reflect, too, on your own career development by applying the Career Engagement model – a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic interaction between challenge and capacity, both individual and contextual, across the lifespan and life roles. Too much challenge results in feeling overwhelmed; too little leads to feeling underutilized. Optimal engagement requires alignment between one’s capacity and the challenges encountered along the way.
Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M CST
Facilitated by: Ayo Owodunni, City Councilor, Kitchener ON
In today's dynamic world of work, the role of Career Development Consultants has never been more vital. To excel in their capacity, consultants need a comprehensive skill set that empowers them to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers.
Training Overview:
This 3-hour training session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their roles.
The session will focus on the following key areas:
- Understanding Employers and Organizational Needs: Participants will gain insights into how to comprehensively understand employers and their specific organizational needs. They will learn how to initiate conversations, build relationships, and become trusted advisors to organizations.
- Engaging Both Employers and Clients: The training will provide effective strategies for engaging with both employers and job-seeking clients. It will emphasize the importance of understanding and anticipating the evolving needs of both parties in the career development process.
- Meeting Employer Needs: The training program will emphasize the role of Career Development Consultants in effectively meeting the needs of employers. Employers seek professionals who can engage and understand their current and long-term needs. Participants will learn the art of active listening, connecting, building rapport, asking the right questions, and providing tailored recommendations that align with the employer's objectives.
By the end of this training, participants will be well-prepared to act as valuable career development consultants who can bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, ensuring that both sides' needs are met effectively.
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Time: 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M CST
Facilitated by: Economic Development Winnipeg
You’re invited to a webinar to learn more about the Work in Manitoba job portal; an innovative, one-stop platform that efficiently connects Manitoba employers with job seekers across Canada and from around the world based on qualifications and labour market needs. The job portal is user-friendly and free to use by job seekers and employers.
This webinar will include:
» Portal overview highlighting its key functionalities
» Walk-through demonstration
» Q&A session
Date: February 15, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Facilitated by: Deanna England
This interactive session will interrogate the concept of “following your bliss” through an exploration of the benefits and drawbacks of turning one's so-called “passion” into a career, and the position “privilege” holds within this discussion. It will explore how intricately tied a client's career preparation is to motivation and work readiness; as well as the significance of their willingness to engage in a journey of self-discovery. Session attendees will learn about the relevance of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and the importance of educating clients on the value of investing in their career journeys (a process that runs from cradle to grave).
This discussion will demonstrate how doing so will result in increased career satisfaction, and how viewing one's career through a growth mindset, rather than a fixed desire, can potentially lead to an increase in workplace retention and professional development.
This session is intended to be interactive, including breakout room discussions, online vision boards, and other virtual tools. While there will be some research and theory, the intent is also for us to have a guided conversation and learn from each other.
Learning Outcomes:
- Tools to increase client self-exploration
- Increased worker satisfaction and retention
- Debunking common career counselling myths
Interested audience:
Career and Workforce Development Professionals; Educators; Employers/Industry; HR Specialists; Government/Policy Analysts
Date: March 19, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Facilitated by: Trevor Lehmann
We are living in a time of uncertainty. Ecological destruction, exacerbations of inequality, and the precarity of worker’s rights in the shadow of AI weigh heavily on the minds of practitioners and clients alike. To address these issues, there is a growing demand for a just transition, requiring that all individuals have access to decent work, regardless of their station in life.
Career development professionals can play a key role in changing this narrative and working collectively towards a more sustainable future and a just transition. By understanding the issues at play both societally and individually, they can play a role in advocating for and empowering clients to pursue decent work from their employers and their society.
Participants will:
- Explore the impacts of the climate crisis on inequality and social change
- Learn practical strategies for empowering clients and creating social change
- Engage in reflection exercises to identify your role in a changing planet
- Brainstorm practical ways you can create change within your social spaces
Date: April 2, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Who is it for: Employment Facilitators working with job seekers
Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) is the Work in Manitoba job portal administrator. The goal of this 30-minute session is to support Employment Facilitators in being knowledgeable about the portal so they can confidently educate and support their job seeker clients in creating the best profiles within Work in Manitoba to maximize their job-matching opportunities. Thus increasing positive outcomes for your colleagues & their clients.
This webinar will cover:
10-minute Portal overview highlighting its key functionalities
10-minute Frequently Asked Questions
10-minute Q&A session
2022 - 2023 Training Sessions
These training sessions were made available due to funding provided by:
The Government of Canada & The Manitoba Government
Thank you to all who presented and attended.
Date: April 28, 2022
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Kate Yee and Stefanie Books
The current pandemic, COVID-19, has brought many changes for people including lifestyle, occupation and job changes which have caused changes within their career journey. As the world moves into an endemic, how can we help our clients embrace career pivots?
During this 3-hour interactive workshop, we will discuss three ways to help participants embrace career pivots and discuss various resources and strategies to help participants make career pivots:
- Skills assessments
- Education vs Training
- A change in industries
Date: May 4, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Denise Tardiff & Christine Kampen Robinson
During this workshop, participants will be introduced to foundational concepts in the development of cultural competency, through an Indigenous lens, with a particular focus on Manitoba. They will take personal inventory of their cultural competency and apply an evaluation tool to their own workplace environment. A particular focus will be placed on youth employment and the impact of cultural competency in the workplace on youth employment outcomes.
Date: May 13, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM to 12 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Tara Orchard
In this session we will discuss ways in which career professionals can incorporate information on perception, neurolinguistics, and micro communications when helping clients learn how to effectively build and communicate their personal brand in support of their career and business building activities.
We often hear it said that perception is reality. Whether your clients are students or seasoned executives, there is a good chance they are walking through their career without a full picture of who they are and/or who they could be. While perception is not actually reality, understanding how we perceive ourselves, how others perceive us and how we can better manage these perceptions is a useful skill in today’s accessible and interconnected world.
To succeed in a post-pandemic, borderless market, it helps to understand that while perception matter, perception is not always what you think it is.
This session will include insights into the dual role of personal branding as a tool for career building and marketing, information on conducting a personal SOAR analysis and practical advice on using LinkedIn to disseminate your brand.
- Topics covered include:
- The role of perception
- Soar Analysis
- Persona marketing
- Neuro-linguistics
- Micro-communications
- System 1 and 2 Thinking
- Branding
This session will include an opportunity to complete your own personality assessment using the Typefocus online personality assessment tool.
Date: May 16, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM to 12 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Dr. Lori Mac, Counselling Psychologist
An emerging secondary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in the experience of trauma. This includes the vicarious trauma experienced by front-line workers, sudden traumatic loss experienced by many, and increased reports of abuse and domestic violence arising from increased isolation and decreased access to resources and supports. The result is that an increased number of your clients will also have experienced trauma and about a third may be struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While this is likely not a focus of your work with career clients, it very well may impact their day-to-day life and functioning, including identity, focus and concentration, decision-making, beliefs, relationships with others, and ability to emotionally regulate when triggered; all of which extend to impact career decision-making and ongoing employment.
This professional development workshop is intended for those who may be interacting with individuals who have experienced trauma, and/or anyone who would like to get a better understanding of what someone who has experienced trauma may be experiencing. Participants will gain an introductory understanding of what trauma is, what happens in an individual's body and brain when they experience trauma, why actions/reactions that may not seem logical make sense from a trauma-informed perspective, the ongoing impact and challenges trauma can have, and what is helpful in managing the ongoing impact of trauma, including what you can do in your meetings with clients to support them and help them cope. Participants will also learn how to respond to someone who discloses they have experienced trauma in a manner that conveys empathy and support, as well as when and where to refer if they are seeking additional resource to address and work through traumatic experiences.
Date: May 31, 2022
Time: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Dr. Lori Mac, Counselling Psychologist
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased isolation and made the need for connection, building positive relationships, and effective communication more important and relevant than ever. Whether clients are exploring career indecision, entering the workforce for the first time, extending their skill set, or re-careering, the ability to network, carry themselves well, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships with others is important to their success. This workshop will focus on research derived strategies for building, maintaining, and enhancing relationships that are practical and effective, both for you as career practitioners building effective relationships with your clients and colleagues, as well as helping your clients learn how to do the same. For example, come and find out what research has shown can predict the stability and satisfaction of all types of relationships with others with over 90% accuracy.
In this workshop you will learn specific strategies and skills to communicate and address conflict in a way that may be easier for others to hear without compromising the integrity of the intended message. You will also learn about conflict styles, nonverbal communication, and gain skills to help your clients address behaviours that get in the way of connecting and communicating, including the four behaviours that have been empirically shown to be most damaging to communicating and building positive relationships.
Date: June 1, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM to 12 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Trevor Lehman
The COVID pandemic has affected us in many different ways. Like many chronic illnesses, clients with long COVID may experience a wide variety of symptoms and life challenges. In this workshop, learn about the effects long COVID can have on our clients' work and lives. Participants will leave with strategies to better support clients experiencing long COVID with compassion and hope in their career and job search.
Date: June 7, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Lynda Peto
This 3 hour in-person session will focus on Job Search in 2022 and beyond! As a Designing Your Life Certified Coach, Lynda will infuse ideas, resources and activities for Career professionals who are looking for new ideas to support clients who are navigating major shifts in the landscape of recruitment and work in post-pandemic times.
Topics and activities include: Reframing our Mindset; “The Pause” – Our Learnings and Impact; Updated Strategies to Build a Virtual Network; Navigating a borderless job market - Opening the Doors for Job Seekers.
Date: June 14, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Stefanie Books and Kate Yee
As Career Development Practitioners we are natural problem solvers. The current pandemic has presented people with multiple problems including loss of employment and employment change. When we work with clients who have lost work many of us tend to go straight into problem solving mode. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the grief that goes along with job loss.
During this 3-hour interactive workshop, we will discuss the stages of grief, how to mourn along with our clients, and help them move forward by utilizing active listening strategies.
Date: June 21, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Matthew Purdy
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the labour market in dramatic ways. These "variants of concern" include unprecedented layoffs, reduced job satisfaction, the Great Resignation, and decreased work-life balance, to name a few. As such, CDP's that are assisting clients through this period of intense change and transition should not only focus on getting clients back to work, but on equipping them with the knowledge, skills and mindset to pandemic-proof their career.
This workshop will provide career development practitioners with ideas, information, and resources to help clients improve long-term career stability and be more prepared for the next large-scale disruption to the labour market. Topics include: understanding essential skills, enhancing digital skills, understanding changing labour market conditions and essential services, online/virtual networking, and developing multiple revenue streams.
Date: June 28, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Rebecca Balakrishnan
There are a lot of painfully polarizing issues out there, and it can be hard to navigate them, especially at work. This session will cover how to care for yourself before, during and after challenging clients. We will explore strategies for handling these issues and we will use role plays to practice responding to words a client might say that conflict with our values. And don't worry - we don't be having any awkward philosophical debates, just chats about strategies when these topics do come up with clients.
Date: September 8, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Rebecca Balakrishnan
The pandemic is a trauma we have all simultaneously weathered. And from trauma, can come post-traumatic growth. Workers have learned a lot about themselves over the last few years, and in many ways their vision for their lives has transformed. This session will offer strategies for harnessing post-traumatic growth with your clients, allowing them to figure out who they are now and what they want from their career.
Date: November 16, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Natashi Ali
This workshop will focus on working with Muslim clients. Because Muslim clients are a racially, culturally, and spiritually diverse group of people, the information presented will assist career development professionals to work with racially, culturally, and spiritually diverse people. Furthermore, because many Muslim clients are immigrants, refugees, or international students, the information presented will also assist career development professionals to work with these groups of people. Many of the barriers and struggles that Muslim folks encounter in the labour force are shared with other racially, culturally, and spiritually diverse folks. Recommendations on how to better serve Muslim clients, and therefore racially, culturally, and spiritually diverse clients, will be provided. The unique aspect of the workshop is that it will provide an overview of the demographics of Muslims globally & in Manitoba, outline Islamic worldviews & values, and review how to incorporate these to better serve Muslim clients.
Dates: Numerous offerings
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CDT
Facilitated by: David Ness
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a certificate course designed to give members of the public and frontline services professionals the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
This 2-day course addresses a variety of mental health topics and concerns and will provide career development professionals with a model for responding and assisting an individual experiencing a mental health problem. This training is also offered in an interactive fashion using slides, case studies, and small and large group discussion.
This is an in-person event. Please note the location specific to each session noted above.
Date: November 23, 2022
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Rebecca Balakrishnan
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for wellbeing – and in the wake of the global pandemic, we all need space to nurture our wellbeing. Research shows mindfulness practice reduces stress, rumination, and emotional reactivity while improving focus, relationship satisfaction, and working memory. This workshop will introduce you to the power of mindfulness. We will try out multiple practices and consider ways to incorporate them into your own life and to share them with your clients.
Date: November 29, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Donnalee Bell and Deirdre Pickerell, Canadian Career Development Foundation
The gig economy grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to grow. Some reports indicate that gig workers now represent approximately 35% of the US and Canadian workforce. What was once considered a minor part of the labour market has grown. It's everywhere, regardless of a community's size or location, and something that the career sector can't ignore. The good news is that careers involving gigging are not new. It's how we gig that has evolved. Join this session to learn more about the range of opportunities in the gig economy, what's new and what's not, where there are pitfalls and growth potential and how to support clients as they explore this component of the labour market.
Date: January 11, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Daisy Wright, ACC, CCDP and Taranum Khan, Ph.D., PMP
The social upheavals of the past few years have seen renewed emphasis by organizations to create a diverse workplace free from discrimination and prejudice, and foster a respectful, inclusive and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. This three-hour workshop is designed to help career development practitioners understand the perceptual, institutional and psychological processes that impact the way people interact with each other. It will further the understanding of specific DEIB strategies that promote inclusive leadership practices and psychological safety at work. Throughout the session, participants will engage in experiential learnings with case studies and exploration activities that will help them move from awareness to action, along with making steady and impactful shifts in their daily practices.
OBJECTIVES
- How assumptions, bias and oppression impact workplaces and the community.
- Develop an understanding and awareness of systemic issues.
- Understand the importance of an inclusive and non-judgemental workplace culture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of this session, participants will have learned to:
- Appreciate how conscious and implicit or unconscious bias pollute systems.
- Recognize some of their own hidden preferences, assumptions and biases.
- Understand DEIB from the intersectionality of race, gender and sexual orientation.
- Think more critically and consciously when making decisions to provide mindful and inclusive services.
Date: January 17, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Jaysa Toet
Career Development Professionals have a wide-ranging network with people across diverse professions and stages in their career journey. One of the most important partnerships in this network is with employers.
In this session we will explore how you can increase your reach as a CDP and the effectiveness of your work with employers. We will cover ways to get your message out there, employer relationship management, and thinking outside the box to fulfill workforce needs. We will also leverage interactive exercises to leave you with new communication tools that can be used immediately.
This session is open to Manitoba Career Development Professionals and is made possible by the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada.
Date: January 26, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Tara Orchard and Deanna England
COVID-19 forced the entire world to adapt with different and creative methods of serving clients within a very short time period. While service providers were able to quickly pivot towards remote delivery, we are now approaching the stage where it is time to measure and improve the quality of our methods.
This session will focus on the shift towards hybrid, virtual and distant career counseling services provision including a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches and an introduction of different remote / online methods for client engagement.
During this 3-hour interactive session, we will offer CDPs insights into valuable tools to blend the delivery of in person, hybrid and remote service and opportunity to discuss best practices for measuring and improving blended services.
Topics covered will include:
- Virtual meeting and engagement tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Mentimeter and Jamboards
- Shared work spaces such as Google Suite with Google Docs, Asana https://asana.com/, Goodday, Monday and Trello to accommodate both online and in person clients.
- Best practices for online breakout rooms, and hybrid offerings including combining online and in person groups
- Costs and security concerns for different tools
Please bring your best practices, experiences and tools to this discussion.
Date: February 1, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Facilitator: Brain Hutchison
This 3-hour workshop is designed to help working career development professionals improve their own mental health and well-being in the context of the changing, post-COVID work-of-work. The workshop will be delivered via Zoom. It will include a mix of psychoeducation, discussions in groups of various sizes, and experiential learning (i.e., participants will be asked to practice techniques and reflect on their experience while in the session). Psychological information will be evidence-based from the latest research in psychology and neuroscience. The 3 -hours will be split into 3 sections listed below. The three section will be broken up by a 5 minute break at the one hour point and then a 5 minute break at the two hour point. The breaks will include suggestions for wellness activities that align with the workshop.
- Section 1: Wellness in a Digital Environment
- Section 2: Wellness Through Relationships
- Section 3: Our Habits Make Us Well
Particular attention will be paid to post-COVID recovery and implementation of wellness within this context of change and the ongoing threat of a contagious illness. In section 1, the frame will assume that we will continue to work online at a degree that necessitates wellness interventions. Section 2 will address navigating relationships for overall wellness, and also if/when future social distancing rules are necessary. Finally, section 3 will focus son curating habits in our daily wellness project that will foster resilience even during potential social isolation times in the future.
Dr. Brian Hutchison has delivered career focused wellness and mental health programs all over the world; most recently in the United States, the Philippines, and Russia.
This session is open to all Manitoba Career Professionals. Thank you to the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada for making this event possible.
Dates: 3 Sessions delivered 2022 through 2023.
Times: self-directed learning
Facilitated by: Career Professionals of Canada
NOTE: You just have a minimum of 2 years related work experience.
Our world of work has changed a lot. We are living, learning, and working through a unique and difficult time that has never been encountered before. It is time to help our clients create sustainable and resilient careers in the new world of work.
As a Career Development Professional, you need to address the emerging needs of your clients and their employers. Join us for a work-life coaching course that is current and relevant to the new workplace. If you are a career coach, life skills coach, or wellness consultant, this course is ideal. You will receive information, tools, and resources to enable you to help your clients through this unprecedented time of change.
To be a work-life coach, you need to know how to help your clients with aspects of mental health and wellness, foundational life-skills, and career management skills. This course focuses on the following areas:
- Living: skills related to self-care and wellbeing are required more than ever. Many of our clients need to learn and internalize foundational concepts including work-life balance, hope, resilience, and satisfaction.
- Learning: Clients often require help and guidance in building certain essential and technical skills so that they can function in our new world of work.
- Working: Specific skills are needed to enable our clients to navigate, maintain, and develop their career while employed or self-employed.
This interactive course focuses on the work-life skills that all clients require to be successful in living, learning, and working. You will gain broad knowledge and expertise to assist clients with building sustainable and resilient careers. This course provides you with many opportunities to practice your work-life coaching skills. Through interactive discussion and facilitated exercises, you will deepen your competence in areas related to mental health and wellness, foundational life-skills, and career management.
If you would like to be granted your Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS) designation in the future, you will discover that this course is designed to help you achieve your goal!
Are you ready to take your work-life coaching abilities to the next level?
This intensive 3-week course helps you in several ways. You will:
- Boost your confidence and talent in work-life coaching.
- Study evidence-based self-care and well-being strategies.
- Learn about functional, literacy, and technical skills that all clients require.
- Gain an in-depth understanding of career management so that clients are equipped to succeed when employed.
- Position yourself to earn more as one of the top work-life coaches in Canada.
- Earn 45 hours towards any Continuing Education Credits (CECs) you require.
- Become eligible to Fast-Track the Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS) credential.
Get valuable resource material that you will use again and again.
You will receive The Canadian Work-Life Strategist, the Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS) Study eGuide, along with resources, reference sheets, and samples. The eGuide is a valuable resource. It thoroughly discusses current concepts and strategies to enable practitioners to provide exemplary work-life coaching services. You will have many opportunities to become familiar with the material as you progress through the course. These resources are valuable assets you’ll refer to throughout your career.
Ready yourself for the next step in your strategic work-life coaching career.
This Work-Life Coaching course is designed as a preparatory and assessment program for those practitioners wishing to receive their Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS) designation. Upon passing, you will be fully ready to apply for Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS) certification through Career Professionals of Canada.
Dates: February 7 through 28, 2023
Times: self-directed learning & virtual classroom
Facilitated by: Arlana Vadnais
The MHFA Supporting Youth Virtual course is designed for those who have frequent contact with young people. This 10-hour course consists of:
• Module 1: a self-directed module that takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and focuses on the information and strategies that participants will then discuss and practise throughout the virtual classroom modules. Access to this module will be given at least 2 weeks prior to the virtual classroom modules. This module needs to be completed in order to participate in the other two.
• Modules 2 and 3: Virtual classroom modules that are 4 hours each (including breaks). These will be conducted via Zoom, so participants will need access to a computer/laptop with a video camera and microphone and reliable internet service. These modules are interactive, and include large- and small- group discussions and videos. Participants need to attend both modules in order to receive the certificate of completion.
The minimum is number if course participants is 8 and maximum is 15. All participants must have their proof of completion of Module 1 sent in prior to participating in Modules 2 & 3.
This course is made up of three modules, the first of which is self-directed (more information below) and must be completed in order to participate in Modules 2 & 3.
Module 1 - Mental Health First Aid Module 1 - self directed
Module 2 & 3 - Virtual Classroom
Date: February 27, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Tara Orchard
In this session we will explore the challenges professionals may find when delivering career exploration services to youth or adult clients with non-typical cognitive processing differences / neurodivergence tendencies or disabilities.
Acknowledgement: We recognize there is a debate and disagreement with regards to the use of the terms disability or differently abled to describe people. We recognize persons who are identified as having cognitive processing differences (neurodivergence, cognitive processing disorders or an intellectual developmental impairment) may not identify as having a disability. For the purposes of this training session, we consider that the experience of living with non-typical cognitive processing can increase the complexity of effective career exploration and selection regardless of if a person identifies as living with a disability.
Discussion will include
• Awareness of Cognitive Processing Disabilities/Differences and Neurodivergence, with focus on Intellectual developmental disability (severe, mild, moderate), Cognitive Processing Differences (i.e. Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Anxiety) and Neurodiversity (i.e. Autism, ADHD, Anxiety)
• Review of popular Career Theories and how they may apply to this group of clients
• Exploration of Career exploration and assessment processes and tools as applied to these groups of clients
• Discussion on the challenges these groups of clients may have obtaining, where needed, modified and/or accommodated training, education, experiential learning and skills development opportunities to support meaningful career exploration activities
• The impact of the post-pandemic economic and labour market forces on career options for these groups of clients
Audience: This session will be of interest to career professionals, academic advisors, high school guidance counsellors, educators, employment advisors, job coaches, vocational trainers, work integrated learning providers, human resources professionals, career services providers who support the career exploration and planning activities of youth and adults who experience non-typical cognitive processing differences / neurodivergence tendencies. The scope of this training may not be sufficient to address challenges associated with meeting the needs of clients with profound cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Anna Gordon
There’s no denying it. Career professionals play an important role in Canada, working tirelessly to improve the career prospects and lives of others. Although helping our clients navigate the challenges of an ever-changing labour market is rewarding, it can often leave us with limited time to explore our own desires and needs. How can we experience more joy in our work? What do we need for career satisfaction? How can we actively nurture our goals and ambitions?
In this session, we’ll explore:
- Movement & Mindset – how these improve our workday, help us take bold risks, and expand our access to opportunities.
- Networking – how to connect with others in an authentic way and develop mutually beneficial relationships (both in person and virtually).
- Self Marketing – how to overcome our resistance to self promotion, uncover our personal magic, and develop strategies for keeping our career brand alive.
Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM CDT
Location: University College of the North – Thompson, MB.
Facilitated by: Anna Gordon
As career professionals we want to see our clients experience success, but sometimes it can feel like there are more challenges to solve than there are hours in the day! Short on time (and, let’s be honest, funds!) it can be hard to invest in new approaches when we hit a roadblock.
That’s why, with the support of the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada, I’m offering this FREE and FUN session to invigorate your workday and infuse energy back into your client interactions. Best part? You’ll not only uncover some new methods for engaging with your clients, but some strategies that may help you experience success in your own career!
In this interactive session, we’ll:
- Explore creative, stackable tools to initiate career conversations with clients of varying needs.
- Discuss how we can utilize curiosity to ask better questions and deepen career conversations.
- Develop a “big picture” snapshot that will help you assess first actions and provide clients with a more hopeful view of their current situation.
- Create an inspiring and tangible “STRUT Path” with your clients that will help them take action and experience success.
Come on out and treat yourself to a day of creativity and connection with your fellow career professionals. This may be the dose of energy you need to keep going! Lunch will be provided, and wellness breaks will be scheduled throughout this workshop.
Date: March 30, 2023
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM CDT
Facilitated by: Dr. Lori Mac, Counselling Psychologist
An emerging secondary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in the experience of trauma. This includes the vicarious trauma experienced by front-line workers, sudden traumatic loss experienced by many, and increased reports of abuse and domestic violence arising from increased isolation and decreased access to resources and supports. The result is that an increased number of your clients will also have experienced trauma and about a third may be struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While this is likely not a focus of your work with career clients, it very well may impact their day-to-day life and functioning, including identity, focus and concentration, decision-making, beliefs, relationships with others, and ability to emotionally regulate when triggered; all of which extend to impact career decision-making and ongoing employment. This professional development workshop is intended for those who may be interacting with individuals who have experienced trauma, and/or anyone who would like to get a better understanding of what someone who has experienced trauma may be experiencing.
Participants will gain an introductory understanding of what trauma is, what happens in an individual’s body and brain when they experience trauma, why actions/reactions that may not seem logical make sense from a trauma-informed perspective, the ongoing impact and challenges trauma can have, and what is helpful in managing the ongoing impact of trauma, including what you can do in your meetings with clients to support them and help them cope. Participants will also learn how to respond to someone who discloses they have experienced trauma in a manner that conveys empathy and support, as well as when and where to refer if they are seeking additional resources to address and work through traumatic experiences.