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Tag: Career Training

  • Despite early successes, Anchorage Career Academies face uncertain funding future

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    Sep. 21—Pamela Sebwenna is a certified medical assistant and leads the front desk of Advanced Body Solutions, a medical massage therapy clinic in Anchorage.

    Sebwenna graduated from Service High School in 2022 and studied in its biomedical career academy. She said the academy allowed her to get a job in her preferred field at an assisted living facility immediately after she graduated.

    “It makes the high school experience a little different,” Sebwenna said. “It’s a little more enjoyable if you’re doing something that you want to do.”

    Sebwenna said she was better prepared for her college anatomy and physiology class after going through Service’s rigorous biomedical academy. She said when professors brought out an anatomage table, she was one step ahead of her classmates.

    “It was much less intimidating in college because I had the experience with it in high school,” Sebwenna said. “I think it really broadens the view for students to think of what their future can look like, and it prepares them for the real world a little bit.”

    Starting this year, high school students across the Anchorage School District have similar opportunities. This is the second year of the district’s Career Academies initiative, which offers career training classes at every Anchorage high school as part of an effort to boost graduation rates and bolster the local workforce. After the initial rollout of a mandatory class for freshmen last year, fall 2025 marks the first time that every high schooler in the district can choose to learn more about a potential career.

    However, the program’s future is now at risk.

    In 2023, the district was awarded a five-year, $14 million federal grant through the Fostering Diverse Schools program, which was meant to support career and technical training. But last week, the grant was abruptly defunded by the federal Department of Education. The district will not receive a total of $8.9 million over three years of grant funding unless the federal government grants the district’s appeal.

    It’s not clear if Anchorage school leaders will be able to make up the difference with local and state funding. Even with the increase to state funding that legislative leaders pushed through this year, officials estimate the Anchorage School District is facing another $70 million deficit this year.

    School board member Andy Holleman summed up the potential future of the academies in an interview Friday:

    “Uncertain,” Holleman said. “The issue with the academies is that there were a number of positions that were funded with the grant that now are going to be absorbed by our budget. To fill them out and fill out all the pathways is going to take more staff. I don’t know how we add staff right now without actually cutting another program, so it is going to be a difficult puzzle going forward.”

    Anchorage Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt told school board members that they should prioritize funding the program if they want to keep it.

    Asked by a school board member what the federal funding loss could mean for the academies on Tuesday, Bryantt said, “any of these priorities are as vulnerable as the school board allows them to be vulnerable.”

    When announcing the federal funding cutoff, Bryantt in an email said the district would evaluate potential next steps to sustain the program.

    A spokesperson said the district couldn’t provide an estimate for how much the academies have cost to implement in time for this story.

    Holleman said it’s possible the district could seek different federal grants, or that the district’s appeal may be approved because career training supported by the grant has little correlation with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives the Trump administration is cracking down on. Holleman said partnerships with private-sector businesses could also help.

    Before the academies launched, some community members were hesitant to support the program.

    An initial proposal included moving to an eight-period day, two more than high school students currently take. Alaska has one of the shortest school years in the country, and some parents were concerned that adding extra class requirements would put students at a disadvantage by reducing the amount of time they spend studying core subjects.

    Also, when the school board voted to approve the academies in 2024, members questioned whether there would be enough interest from students to make the program worth it.

    So far, there is plenty of interest. Last year, nearly 8,000 students took career and technical education courses, about one-third of all 10th to 12th graders districtwide.

    Bryantt also points to improved graduation statistics: In the 2023-24 school year, 98% of students who passed two courses in a training area were on track to graduate.

    “I think one of the reasons why so many of those students graduate is because they can see that future,” Bryantt said during an event Wednesday. “They can see that finish line that means financial freedom and an opportunity to break cycles of poverty, which is really powerful.”

    A long history of job training

    Career-focused courses were well-established in Anchorage before the academies started. The district celebrated the 50th anniversary of King Tech High School earlier this year, which still houses more career training options under one roof than any other school in the district.

    Elements of what would become the Career Academies also existed for years in various forms around the district — Service and Bartlett each developed their own standalone biomedical academies over a decade ago, and versions of a freshman academy course existed at several schools.

    Along with community input, the demand for career training through King Tech and other standalone job training programs led district officials to try to expand students’ access to career education opportunities through the new academies.

    The district added 25 new career pathways this year. Many career-focused courses allow students to earn dual credit in math or science. Among the most popular new pathways is a digital art and design course offered at six schools.

    ASD Career and Technical Education Director Devon Roberts compares the expanded course options to the notoriously exhaustive Cheesecake Factory menu.

    “It’s a bigger menu,” Roberts said. “A lot of these courses that are new are sort of survey foundational courses to really ground students in the ability to see across a career or an industry.”

    The district also has long provided internship and job shadowing opportunities over the summer, but the academies have increased demand. While only about a dozen students typically used to get summer internships through the district, that figure exploded this year to nearly 50 summer internships.

    Service High School teacher Kaitlyn Williamson, who started the biomedical academy in 2010, said she’s flagged down by several of her former students anytime she visits the hospital.

    “They follow along with what we’re doing and they email me all the time. ‘How can I help?’” Williamson said. “… It’s that feeling, that community that keeps students with us.”

    Thaddous Jackson teaches computer science to sophomores enrolled in his cybersecurity class at Service, and said his students want hands-on experience.

    “It’s the game design that’s kind of like the hook to get them into it, and then they all want to be cybersecurity specialists. They want to learn about ethical hacking, if you will,” Jackson said. “The majority of them that apply for this pathway, they want a career in computer science in some form or fashion.”

    Orion Edwards, a 15-year-old sophomore at Service with an interest in computer science, said he’s now looking forward to a career in technology after he graduates high school.

    “I mean, it could range from coding and creating a website to making characters in video games,” said Edwards. “Really, I’m interested in the animating and the coding and just anything. Software or hardware doesn’t really matter to me, it’s all very interesting.”

    Service High School Principal Imtiaz Azzam said she is proud of the career training opportunities available at Service, including an influx of girls taking construction courses. She rejected the premise popular among previous generations that high school is meant solely to prepare students for college.

    “We need to prepare them for career and for life. When we say career, then let them discover those, explore those opportunities we have for them, and shame on us if we don’t,” Azzam said.

    District officials also reworked a mandatory freshman-level course called “Career, College Exploration and Personal Finance” to fit recently changed state standards. The class is meant to teach students soft skills and introduce them to potential careers while providing experiences such as a visit to the University of Alaska Anchorage and a career expo, scheduled for this coming Friday.

    Help needed at home

    Employers at health care facilities locally say that years after the COVID-19 pandemic, they still see a shortage of workers across the industry. Officials with Providence Alaska Medical Center hope locally produced talent could help fill those gaps.

    According to an analysis of Alaska’s health care workforce from the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association, Alaska is expected to have among the most significant health care worker shortages in the nation. The report says that about 3,500 workers are needed, but fewer than 800 people graduated from local programs to fill those vacancies.

    Billie Comley was one of the first graduates from Service’s biomedical academy, and started working at Providence Alaska Medical Center in 2013. She’s now an Intensive Care Unit pediatrics nurse, and says an influx of qualified health care workers is needed.

    “We feel the shortage every day,” Comley said.

    Nancy Wingate, a medical dosimetrist at Providence, coordinates internships and job shadowing opportunities for students. Wingate said Alaska-grown students are often more likely to stick around in the health care industry.

    “If you have homegrown, that’s not a surprise for anyone. You know what the winters are like, you know what the seasons are like, and if that fits you, then great,” Wingate said. “We have a great opportunity here for you.”

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  • Micro-credentials in Canada: Is it worth it to upskill? – MoneySense

    Micro-credentials in Canada: Is it worth it to upskill? – MoneySense

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    These digital-first bragging rights are known as micro-credentials, and they’re booming right now. Micro-credentialing has been accelerated by the pandemic-driven demand for online learning, job-seekers’ efforts to upskill or reskill, and educational institutions’ desire to attract more students. 

    If you’re looking to increase your skill set or stand out from a sea of job candidates, micro-credentials could be a worthwhile investment—plus, you may qualify for financial assistance or tax credits. The trick is to choose a micro-credential program that’s right for you and your goals.

    What is a micro-credential? 

    A micro-credential is similar to a certificate or a degree, but more targeted and with less of a time commitment. Essentially, it’s a skills or learning upgrade that is focused on helping workers meet the needs of employers—or, conversely, of helping employers find or train workers with the skills they need. And it’s a recorded achievement: you earn a badge or certificate, or something else to prove you earned each particular credential.

    Micro-credential programs are often offered by universities and colleges, but you’ll also find programs from major employers like IBM and Salesforce, specialty providers such as FutureLearn and Coursera, and non-profits. Many other individuals and organizations offer learning and training programs, too: you might see courses available from your favourite finance blogger, or from organizations like Raw Signal Group and The Trauma of Money. Since trustworthiness is a key factor in micro-credentials, institutions that already have that trust baked in are well placed to flourish in this relatively new industry. Whether you choose to go with an accredited educational institution or a startup depends on what you want to learn and why.

    What are people most interested in when it comes to micro-credentials? According to Google data from early August 2024, top searches include:

    1. PMP (project management professional)
    2. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
    3. Food handler
    4. Food safety
    5. BLS (basic life support)
    6. CSM (certified scrum master)
    7. WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
    8. Smart Serve certification (responsible liquor training program for Ontario)
    9. Cybersecurity certifications
    10. Google certification

    And the top-searched topics on eCampusOntario’s Micro-credentials Portal over the past 12 months are: 

    1. Project management 
    2. Accounting 
    3. Data 
    4. Leadership 
    5. Business 
    6. Payroll 
    7. Health 
    8. Marketing 
    9. Mental health 
    10. Finance 
    11. Human resources 
    12. Data science 
    13. Law 
    14. Python 
    15. Construction 
    16. Education 
    17. Writing 
    18. Digital marketing 
    19. Healthcare 
    20. Cybersecurity 

    According to the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), the two defining features of micro-credentials are a narrow scope and a short completion time. That makes efficiency the primary appeal of micro-credential programs. Degrees take years to complete and often contain requirements that are superfluous for those in mid-career. And, of course, many Canadians simply don’t have the resources to take extended time off to upgrade their skills or go back to school full-time. 

    Micro-credential programs are appealing in other ways, too. Many are offered online or in a hybrid format, meaning students can complete them on their own schedule. Micro-credentials also tend to be timely and relevant, so that people can acquire competencies they can use immediately. Canada-based programs can be a useful bridge for newcomers trying to localize their international skill sets and experience. Plus, they’re more affordable than traditional in-depth education and skills programs. In essence, they’re mini-programs that offer you what you need, when you need it—and no more.

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    Kat Tancock

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  • How to make the most of your compensation – MoneySense

    How to make the most of your compensation – MoneySense

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    Employees often receive other considerations such as benefits and health insurance, said Cindy Marques, a certified financial planner and co-founder of MakeCents.

    “That will result in dollars saved,” she said. “And essentially, dollars in your pocket when you think about not having to outlay that money yourself.” 

    People often forget what’s included in their package or don’t keep up with changes to group plans, Marques said.

    Make use of company perks and benefits

    Jillian Climie, a compensation expert and co-founder of Vancouver-based consulting company The Thoughtful Co., said employees should take time to research and read up on what the company has to offer in perks and benefits before seeing a human resources representative. 

    “They’re not the most exciting to read but they have a huge value—doing that pre-work yourself,” Climie said. Especially as employees get promoted, she said it’s important to take stock of benefits as new ones roll in, such as funding for professional development and coaching allowances. 

    Fitness allowances such as gym memberships or coverage for at-home workout gear like yoga mats or even treadmills could be included in benefits. Other underutilized unofficial perks could include at-home ergonomic setups, monthly phone bill payments, paid parking spots and travel expenses, Climie said.

    Marques said even the most common benefits such as vacation and health care go underutilized, with workers “not realizing that there’s actually a fair amount of value that they can extract from their workplace.”

    She said people often don’t fully use their paid time off because they can’t afford to travel. “You can still get paid your full wage to just stay at home and relax and give yourself a break,” she said.

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    The Canadian Press

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  • How to become a contractor: The real costs – MoneySense

    How to become a contractor: The real costs – MoneySense

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    What do I need to know about managing my finances as a contractor?

    No matter what type of construction business you launch or buy, it’s important to have a bookkeeping system in place—between material expenses, insurance fees, client payments and more, you’ll have a lot of money going in and out each month. You’ll need a separate bank account and line of credit for your business, and it’s smart to have a credit card that’s solely for professional use.

    Pro tip: Choose a credit card for contractors

    Scotiabank has a small-business credit card that’s great for contractors: the Scotia® Home Hardware PRO Visa† Business Card, which can be used wherever Visa is accepted. Its variable interest rate is tied to Scotiabank’s prime rate, and credit limits of up to $500,000 are available (a limit high enough for larger, or multiple, renovations). The card’s interest rate and credit limit depend on whether the account is secured or unsecured, subject to approval and the security provided. The Scotiabank Prime Rate is the prime lending rate published from time to time by The Bank of Nova Scotia. (See the current Scotiabank Prime Rate.) The card has no annual fee, and it has an interest-free grace period of 21 days on new purchases.

    And then there are the rewards. You’ll earn one Scene+TM point for every dollar spent on eligible business purchases made at Home Hardware, which has more than 1,000 locations across Canada, or online at homehardware.ca.

    For every 10,000 Scene+ points you collect, you can redeem $100 at Home Hardware. If you’re regularly buying construction and renovation materials, you can accumulate points quickly—and get a lot of free stuff. Points can be redeemed for groceries, travel, gift cards and more. Plus, as your contractor business grows, you can add supplementary credit cards at no cost. These are great perks for entrepreneurs who want to minimize spending while getting their home renovation business off the ground.

    The business credit card also includes insurance protection on most newly purchased items charged to the account. Most newly purchased items are covered for 90 days by Purchase Security, and these items may be eligible for replacement, repair or reimbursement if they are stolen, damaged or destroyed by fire.

    Cardholders also have access to optional business loan protection insurance, Scotia Business Loan Protect, which can help cover business loan payments, or provide a lump sum of money, if you or another eligible key person can’t work for health reasons or passes away. Scotia Business Loan Protect is underwritten by The Canada Life Assurance Company (1-800-387-2671, www.canadalife.com) under a group policy issued to the Bank of Nova Scotia. All coverage is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Certificate of Insurance, which you will receive upon enrollment.

    You can apply for the Scotia® Home Hardware PRO Visa† Business Card online. Plus, until May 31, 2024, you can earn up to 15,000 bonus Scene+ points in your first year (that’s worth up to $150 in points value) by making at least $1,500 in eligible purchases at participating Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca in the first three months after opening your account. Cardholders also have access to online tools and services designed just for business owners. See Scotiabank’s website for full card details.

    Building a successful career as a home renovation contractor

    If you have the skills and motivation needed to become a contractor in Canada, you have the potential to build a lasting, rewarding career in home improvement. Over time, you might find that the Scotia® Home Hardware PRO Visa† Business Card is just as important to your contractor business as any other tool in your belt. After all, every dollar matters to your small business—so make them count.

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    Erin Pepler

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  • Jobs in healthcare that don’t require an MD—and their salaries in Canada – MoneySense

    Jobs in healthcare that don’t require an MD—and their salaries in Canada – MoneySense

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    Healthcare job Average salary in Canada Annual tuition
    Midwife $111,000 $8,000 to $23,000
    Dental hygienist $98,000 $9,000 to $55,000
    Acupuncturist  $98,000 $5,000 to $45,000
    Physical therapist $94,000 $10,000 to $42,000
    Massage therapist $87,000 $8,000 to $35,000
    X-ray technician $82,000 $7,000 to $30,000
    Paramedic $66,000 $5,000 to $20,000
    Personal support worker $65,000 $2,000 to $4,000
    Ultrasound technician $59,000 $5,000 to $37,000
    Pharmacy technician $50,000 $5,000 to $30,000
    Note: Tuition shown in ranges, as the costs vary from program to program as well as student status.

    10 in-demand healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree

    The following list of healthcare jobs is by no means exhaustive, but it gives you a starting point in your medical career research. The base salaries come directly from those submitted by Canadian healthcare professionals to job posting website Indeed. Think about your return on investment of pursuing relevant training and education in each discipline. 

    Photo by 东旭 王 on Unsplash

    1. Midwife

    Average salary: $111,000
    From the first weeks of conception to well after delivery, midwives provide assistance to those experiencing pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. This includes monitoring fetal health via ultrasounds, screening bloodwork and coaching. Becoming a midwife involves either getting a four-year university degree or a related postsecondary program in the field. It’s a regulated field. Tuition costs can range from $8,000 to $23,000. Like a doctor, this role also requires a period of hands-on training, and licensing rules and costs vary by province.

    2. Dental hygienist

    Average salary: $98,000
    Cleaning teeth is just one aspect of this job, but it also involves monitoring for health risks like gum disease and diabetes, taking X-rays and, of course, assisting dentists in a range of procedures and surgeries. You can become a hygienist typically in two years, depending on which college, university or post-secondary dental hygiene program you chose. Like midwives, this role also involves getting a provincial license after you pass a certification exam. Tuition costs range from approximately $9,000 to $55,000 with licensing and examination fees ranging from $400 to $1,500.

    3. Acupuncturist 

    Average salary: $98,000
    Acupuncture stimulates and balances the body’s energy by inserting tiny needles into the skin. There’s growing support in traditional medicine that it can be a great way to relieve stress, promote better sleep and other health benefits, adding to the demand for acupuncturists and their unique skills. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in science, you can take courses to get more specialized training. Otherwise, you can enroll in a three to four-year diploma program and register with your local provincial or territorial body. Tuition costs range from approximately $5,000 to $45,000. 

    Image by freepik

    4. Physical therapist

    Average salary: $94,000
    Mobility issues can come up through a sports injury, a car accident, habitual movements and restrictions, and/or through the natural aging process. Physical therapists (a.k.a. physiotherapists) work closely with patients on highly personalized treatment plans. This not only involves making detailed assessments of any challenges or limitations in a patient’s movement but setting achievable goals based on a series of exercises and in-office manipulations. Physiotherapy also requires careful ongoing monitoring for signs of progress or the need to change the treatment plan. Physical therapists need a master’s degree to practice in Canada. Courses usually take about two to two-and-a-half years to complete, and tuition costs can range from approximately $10,000 to $42,000. 

    5. Massage therapist

    Average salary: $94,000
    Massage therapists help relieve physical tension and bodily stress, but they also help educate patients on how to continue therapies with stretching and exercises they can perform independently. HWC’s Cohen sees a particular demand for healthcare jobs that support seniors and long-term care providers, and this is a good example. Becoming a massage therapist begins with taking a three-year accredited training program. If you live in B.C., Ontario, or Newfoundland and Labrador, you’ll also have to apply for a regulated license that can cost nearly $1,000 a year. There are a wide variety of accredited massage therapy schools in Canada offering diplomas as well as massage therapy courses you can take across Canada. They can take between 18 and 24 months to complete, with tuition costs ranging from approximately $8,000 to $35,000. 

    6. X-ray technician

    Average salary: $82,000
    It takes two to three years to become an X-ray technician, depending on whether you specialize in diagnostic radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy. You’ll also need to be certified by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, unless you’re working in B.C. or Quebec, where Certification by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists is not required. From there, you’ll be able to assist with diagnosing and treating conditions while performing everything from mammography to CT scans. Tuition costs can range from approximately $7,000 to $30,000.

    7. Paramedic

    Average salary: $66,000
    When medical emergencies happen, paramedics are the first responders who assess illnesses, injuries and save lives. Depending on the situation, a paramedic might be applying oxygen, working with defibrillators or helping ensure patients are safely taken to a hospital. Expect to complete a one to three-year paramedical or emergency medical technology program through a college or hospital. Then you’ll be seeking both a provincial license as well as an additional license if you’ll be operating an emergency vehicle. Tuition ranges from approximately $5,000 to $20,000, while annual licensing fees range from $100 to $600, depending on the province in which you work. 

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    Robert Furtado

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  • Best jobs in Canada for immigrants: The top 5 industries in demand – MoneySense

    Best jobs in Canada for immigrants: The top 5 industries in demand – MoneySense

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    2. Jobs in health care

    The demand for health care workers has never been higher. The Canadian government has included health care workers in its first-ever category-based priority jobs process, announced in May 2023. The following month, it announced a new immigration stream for health care workers—the first 2,000 invitations to apply were sent out last year. Some provinces—including British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia—have express entry or dedicated pathways for newcomers to get health care jobs quickly. Nova Scotia’s program is a pilot project. (See resource box below for links.)

    In-demand jobs: Health care jobs range from hospital administrative staff (such as medical office assistants, secretaries and schedulers) to unregulated care providers (such as personal support workers and physician assistants) to regulated professionals (such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists). (Regulation will vary by province or territory.) According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the need for nurses here is high, based on Canada’s RN-to-population ratio. (In 2022, we had just 825 nurses per 100,000 people.) Physicians are also badly needed. From 2022 to 2031, the number of job openings for family physicians and general practitioners is expected to reach 48,900, far outweighing the estimated 29,400 job seekers, according to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS).

    Training and credentials: This varies widely by job type, and by province or territory. Administrative and unregulated health workers may need training to satisfy job requirements; you can find courses at government-funded and private schools. For regulated health professionals, getting international credentials recognized in Canada can be challenging. This is changing somewhat, as regulatory bodies try to address the labour shortage. Still, getting licensed or certified to work in Canada can be expensive and time-consuming, and many newcomers are not successful in continuing their medical careers here. (Start with the government’s Foreign Credential Recognition Tool.)

    Industry hot spots: The demand for health workers is strong across Canada. However, there are some places where the need is greater than others. Family physicians are most needed in the three territories (Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories), Quebec and British Columbia. Among the provinces, the physician-to-patient ratio is the worst in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and B.C. For personal support workers (PSWs) and continuing care assistants (CCAs), the demand is so high that some provinces, including Ontario and Nova Scotia, offer free training to qualified students. Graduates may be required to work in underserved communities for a certain period.

    Salary range: Salaries vary widely by role, location and experience. A few examples from Canada’s Job Bank: Medical administrative assistants can earn $17 to $34.55 per hour (lowest rate in Prince Edward Island, highest rate in Yukon), with a national median of $22.56 per hour. Registered nurses can earn $25 to $83 per hour (lowest rate in Quebec, highest rate in Nunavut), with a national median of $40.39 per hour. General practitioners (family physicians) earn $69,539 to $497,843 per year (lowest amount in British Columbia, highest amount in Manitoba), with a national median of $233,726 annually.

    Resources for health care workers

    Return to menu.

    3. Jobs in skilled trades

    There are many ways to join skilled trades in Canada. In mid-2023, the government announced a category-based priority immigration plan that includes trades jobs, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors. Some provinces, such as Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, have programs to compete for much-needed skilled workers. (See resource box below for links.)

    In-demand jobs: Below are the top five Red Seal tradespeople in demand from now until 2026, according to Employment and Social Development Canada. (The Red Seal Program sets the standards for skills assessment of tradespeople. Canada has more than 300 designated trades; about 50 of them are Red Seal trades.)

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    Veronica Silva Cusi

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  • Grant money for school: How to get the funds to develop your skills—and advance your career – MoneySense

    Grant money for school: How to get the funds to develop your skills—and advance your career – MoneySense

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    Ontario grant programs

    Here is a sampling of grant programs in Ontario. Not living here? Check out your provincial or territorial government employment website for similar programs: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

    Better Jobs Ontario

    Better Jobs Ontario, formerly known as Second Career, is focused on supporting Ontarians taking courses that last no more than a year, including microcredential courses. It’s aimed at those who have been laid off or who have been unemployed for six months or longer, but recently it was expanded to serve gig workers, youth and people on social assistance. For instance, you can also apply if you receive unemployment insurance or if you receive assistance through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

    The $28,000 available through Better Jobs Ontario can go a long way toward tuition, books and other course materials. To qualify, applicants must have been laid-off, and they are not working or working a temporary job to cover expenses. People who have not been laid-off but who have been unemployed for six months or longer and belong to a low-income household may also qualify. 

    Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

    Launched in 2023, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant program was designed to provide full, upfront tuition for those living in communities across the province who are studying practical nursing, paramedical training and medical lab tech skills, for example. Applications for 2024 will open this spring. Already in school? You can still apply after you’ve started a course, as long as you do so 60 days before you finish your studies with an approved institution.

    The government is providing $61 billion in funding to be divided among all applicants between now and Spring 2026. The key stipulation here is that you must agree to stay and work within what the province defines as an underserved community after graduation. Grey Bruce and Simcoe counties, for instance, have described the Ontario Stay and Learn Grant as a way to address the many health-care jobs it will have to fill over the next decade.

    Ontario Graduate Scholarship 

    The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS) is similar to the Canada Graduate Scholarship, but is offered at the provincial level. OGS is a merit-based scholarship that assesses applicants based on the ranking criteria of the school you’ve been accepted to attend. In other words, participating schools, which include Queen’s University, Western University, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo, and others, will determine who receives scholarships. 

    The scholarship amount awarded is based on the number of consecutive terms you’ll be enrolled up to a maximum of six consecutive terms. Up to $10,000 is available for two consecutive study terms or $15,000 for three consecutive study terms. Check for other equivalents to OGS in B.C., Alberta and other provinces. 

    Corporate and non-profit funding for school

    If you’ve exhausted government funding options or want to go that extra mile to secure dollars you can invest in your education, then there are plenty of corporate scholarships worth considering. The RBC Future Launch scholarship offers $1,500 to those aged 15 to 29 who are taking short-term courses, workshops or certification programs. And BMO Funding Futures Scholarships is a four-year, renewable scholarship that has recently focused on Black Canadians and provided $500,000 to 150 students.

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    Robert Furtado

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  • Fashion Bulletin: Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown auctions stylish wardrobe for good cause

    Fashion Bulletin: Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown auctions stylish wardrobe for good cause

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    Legendary California politician Willie Brown, the brash liberal with a devilish grin as wide as a $100 bill, will be remembered as not just a powerbroker and master fundraiser, but also as a clothes horse with few peers.

    “I’ve spent more time in the closet than any straight man in San Francisco, but that’s just to choose my wardrobe,” the dapper former mayor of the city says in his 2008 memoir, “Basic Brown.”

    Brown, 89, whose popularity was due, in part, to his mere presence on stage, in powerhouse restaurants, and the innermost circles of Democratic party leadership, recently donated a portion of his wardrobe to San Francisco Bay Goodwill.

    “We are honored to have Willie Brown as a supporter of the good work we do,” Andy Simons, associate vice president of e-commerce for the charity organization, said in an interview on Saturday.

    Proceeds from the “Willie Brown Collection” will help fund Goodwill’s mission to provide job and career training for people in need of a second chance. The clothes are up for sale on eBay.

    “Own a Willie Brown fashion piece by shopping the exclusive collection online, while supplies last!” the nonprofit announced on Thursday, along with opening prices ranging from $24 to more than $300.

    The 7-day auction, which lasts until Wednesday, features a taupe Kiton overcoat, a black Salvatore Ferragamo pea coat, a brown Brioni silk single-breasted blazer, and a multicolored hoodie with images of Brown printed on it.

    If anyone was destined to wear $6,000 Italian suits, it was Brown. A great-grandson of Southern slaves, the Texas-born Brown never let anger get in the way of his determination to live large and for a purpose.

    Over the course of his improbable life story, he was a two-term mayor of San Francisco after becoming the longest serving Assembly speaker in California history.

    Through it all, Brown cultivated his image as connoisseur of the high-life whose daily fashion choices generated a steady stream of fashion bulletins in the media. His snap-brim fedora, for example, triggered a San Francisco-wide run on men’s dress hats.

    “You really have to have more than just a good heart,” he told 60 Minutes correspondent Harry Reasoner in a 1984 interview. “You also have to have some style.”

    “California is an image state. California is where it happens. You really — you really have to project something.”

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    Louis Sahagún

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  • United Airlines and National Aviation Academy Launch Career Pathway Partnership Offering Recruitment Opportunities and More to Aviation Maintenance Students

    United Airlines and National Aviation Academy Launch Career Pathway Partnership Offering Recruitment Opportunities and More to Aviation Maintenance Students

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    National Aviation Academy (NAA) and United Airlines have teamed up to offer students a pathway program to aviation maintenance careers, among other benefits, expanding opportunities for new technicians and individuals seeking rewarding hands-on work.


    TAMPA, Fla., October 25, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    National Aviation Academy (NAA) and United announced today a partnership to offer aviation maintenance technician students the opportunity to enter a direct pipeline to United through the carrier’s new Calibrate Technician Pathway Program. NAA holds the distinction of being one of the inaugural Part 147 schools certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to collaborate with United on the new program.

    “Launching this new program alongside highly regarded institutions whose high-quality training and aviation education will help us to reach our United Next and maintenance technician hiring goals,” said Simone Drakes, Managing Director of Calibrate. 

    Once accepted into the Calibrate Technician Pathway Program, students must maintain a high GPA and strong attendance record to remain in the hiring pool after graduation. United will host interviews, open houses, and career fairs at NAA.

    In partnership with United’s talent acquisition team, students will be invited to apply and interview at the airline’s Tech Ops Recruiting Center in Houston as a final step after completing all necessary certifications on their own. Participants will have priority screening consideration and benefit from United’s large ecosystem, including access to mentorship opportunities with seasoned maintenance technicians and its 42 domestic Technical Operations stations. In the future, the airline plans to expand the program to also include its United Express carriers and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul partners.

    Pam Van Sant, NAA’s President, adds, “Industry demand directly reflects the vital importance of aviation maintenance technicians and their work, and the need to establish pathways connecting quality training to these in-demand careers is critical. It’s an honor to partner with United knowing the impact the Calibrate Pathway will have for National Aviation Academy students.”

    The Technician Pathway Program is separate from the current Calibrate Apprenticeship Program and focuses on bringing in fully certified new hires. In November of last year, United Airlines, in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Federal Aviation Administration, launched Calibrate, an in-house apprenticeship program designed to enhance its pipeline of maintenance technicians. Starting in 2024, United will begin accepting external applications for apprentices, extending the program to its global employee base and external candidates, thereby increasing access to aviation careers.

    Over the next 20 years, an estimated 690,000 new aviation maintenance technicians will be needed by commercial fleet operators and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers, as forecasted by Boeing’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook. Career pathways like Calibrate help prospective technicians obtain the requisite training and experience to meet the demand and service the aviation industry.

    To learn more about NAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technology course and how you can benefit from the Calibrate Technician Pathway Program, visit NAA.edu/United

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    Source: National Aviation Academy (NAA)

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