The Ontario Career Lab Bridges the Gap Between Classrooms and Careers

Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow—Today

A bold new initiative is gaining momentum across Ontario, bringing education and industry together in a fresh and meaningful way. The Ontario Career Lab, backed by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the non-profit HIEC, is reshaping how students explore their futures by connecting them with real people who are living out careers in every corner of the economy.

Launched in classrooms across the province, the Ontario Career Lab introduces students in Grades 9 and 10 to what’s possible through small-group “Career Conversations.” These sessions invite volunteers from all industries and occupations to share their personal career stories—how they got started, what they’ve learned, and what a day on the job really looks like.

“Our students need to be ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow, and that means making sure they get the right support today,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Our government has been focused on ensuring that students, parents, and teachers get the resources they need to prepare students for success. It’s about working together – the province, teachers, and employers – to make sure every student has a clear path to a good-paying, stable career in Ontario.”

Rather than one-size-fits-all advice, Career Lab conversations are real, relatable, and often eye-opening. In a world where nearly half of students feel unprepared for life after high school, these moments of connection can make all the difference.

And the impact? It’s already being felt across the province. Students consistently report that these conversations help them think more clearly about their futures, introduce them to careers they’d never considered, and boost their confidence in making decisions. Behind the scenes, thousands of community members have stepped up to share their experiences, fueling over 130,000 hours of career exploration.

Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of HIEC, believes this is just the beginning. “Ontario’s schools do amazing work, but they can’t do it alone. When someone takes the time to share their story with a student, it can be a turning point—one that helps them see what’s possible and start building toward it.”

Get Involved

The Ontario Career Lab is calling on people from all walks of life to get involved. Whether you’re early in your journey or well down the road, your career journey could be precisely what a student needs to hear.

Learn more or sign up: www.ontariocareerlab.ca