Finding a vocation is often a stressful experience for people entering adulthood, however, youths in Clinton now have the opportunity to participate in Reboot Plus – an education and employment program designed to help identify their greatest assets, develop new talents, and pursue a career they are truly passionate about.
The Huron Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Fanshawe College to offer Reboot Plus, which was developed by Douglas College of New Westminster, British Columbia and Future Skills Centre of Canada. Starting on Tuesday, February 28, people in the Clinton community aged 17-24 will be able to get involved in the program.
Reboot Plus takes students through a 16-week course where they complete career assessments, build skills, and make concrete plans for their education and career. The program also provides exposure to “on the ground information” from professionals in a chosen field.
“As a key partner, the Chamber will connect students with professionals that will help them through their own career journey and exploration with classroom presentations and informational interviews,” says Heather Boa, operations manager at the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “This is a wonderful opportunity for professionals to make an impact and share knowledge about their industry. Through this process, our youth participants gain an understanding of their careers of interest and the world of work, build confidence speaking to professionals and begin to develop a network.”
Laurel Teall, the Career Liaison for Reboot Plus, says students will be able to explore careers in social work, neuropsychology, cosmetology, and many more fields.
To get involved as a professional mentor, members of the Huron Chamber of Commerce should connect with Chamber as their first point of contact. Otherwise, Teall can be contacted directly at lteall@fanshawec.ca
Reboot Plus welcomes student participants from diverse backgrounds, including those with non-traditional high school experiences. Youths can be referred by their schools or through community referrals, according to Teall.
This program is part of a national research project and is being launched in Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, and British Colombia. Teall confirms that Reboot Plus will be launching in London soon.
“The project seeks to prove that personalized, heart-centered educational interventions will lead youth facing challenges towards success, graduation from high school or post-secondary education or employment,” says Darlene O’Neill, director of Fanshawe’s Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services. “The other goal is to shift perceptions of these youths as viable, contributing members of the labour force in the eyes of employers.”
