ONTARIO CAREER LAB Builds on Year One Success AS YEAR TWO LAUNCHES

Ontario’s future workforce is taking shape today — and it’s going to take all of us to prepare students for the opportunities ahead. The Ontario Career Lab, backed by the Government of Ontario and delivered by HIEC, is entering its second year with momentum, purpose, and a growing network of local businesses stepping up to inspire the next generation.

In its first year alone, the program delivered more than 145,000 hours of meaningful career conversations with Grade 9 and 10 students across Ontario. Thousands of volunteer Career Coaches — from nurses and tradespeople to tech professionals and entrepreneurs — shared their real-world experiences, helping students understand how today’s learning opens doors to tomorrow’s opportunities.

Why Employers Matter

Ontario’s economy is evolving quickly. Emerging industries, new technologies, and shifting skills demands are reshaping the future of work. Students need more than classroom knowledge — they need insights from people who’ve been there.

That’s where local businesses of all sizes come in. By stepping up as Career Coaches, employers offer students something they can’t find in textbooks: authentic stories, personal pathways, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re running a small family business, leading a growing startup, or managing a large organization, your perspective matters.

Shared Responsibility, Shared Impact

“Preparing young people for the future is a shared responsibility, and education can’t be expected to do it alone,” says Kelly Hoey, Executive Director at HIEC. “Through the Ontario Career Lab, we’ve seen what’s possible when education, industry, and community work hand in hand.”

The program complements initiatives like Co-op, OYAP, SHSM, and Dual Credits by starting conversations earlier. Students gain the awareness and confidence they need before making key decisions about their next steps, while employers help shape a workforce that’s better informed and better prepared.

How to Get Involved

The Ontario Career Lab is actively recruiting Career Coaches from every sector. Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your career, your experience can help a student imagine what’s possible.

Learn more or sign up to participate at ontariocareerlab.ca — and be part of shaping Ontario’s future, one conversation at a time.