Aboriginal Job Boards and how they help youth

Aboriginal Job Boards and Canadian Youth: Jobs to Look for When Seeking to Gain Work Experience

As a young Canadian seeking employment, it can be quite difficult to know where to start. The job market can be quite perplexing, particularly for inexperienced youth trying to navigate through it. With a little guidance, however, it is much easier to get a better grasp on the different industries that particularly cater to youth and enable them to gain work experience. What better place to turn then the internet? The last few years have opened up a world of resources to young Canadians in the form of help centers, government resources, and specialized job boards. Many of these job boards are catered towards underrepresented groups. A few incredible resources that we have identified are the Aboriginal Job Board, New Canadian Jobs (a job board for newcomers to Canada, similar to other Aboriginal Job Boards), and Canada Youth Works (Also similar to the other Aboriginal Job Boards, but this one caters specifically to underrepresented youth).

The important thing for many youths to recognize is what they specifically are looking for. As a young candidate seeking employment, what is it that you expect out of the job market? What type of work experience do you wish to gain? Why? After asking these questions, you will be better able to understand which direction you want to go in when it comes to the job market.

Another important factor to consider is the type of work (e.g., full-time, part-time, piece work etc.) you are looking for and what best fits your current schedule. If you are a current student, either high school or post-secondary, a part-time position, allowing you to develop and utilize skills and knowledge within the workplace, may be a suitable option. Part-time work will help you gain work experience during your academic pursuits. Additionally, you will be able to make some money to handle your expenses.  A part-time role in retail or customer service will allow you to build on your interpersonal skills because of the communication involved in the position. In addition, these roles will help give you an understanding of workplace culture – particularly the dynamic within the Canadian workplace, including standards and expectations (e.g., punctuality, decision-making, teamwork etc.). A part-time entry level position may also be desirable because of the relative ease in which young people can find themselves being employed when applying to one. Because many retail or customer service positions do not require a great deal of prior work experience or education, they are seen as a great option for young people to get into and gain experience.

If you are a young person who has already determined the desirable field you want to pursue a career in, then perhaps finding a job related to that field is ideal. As a young candidate, it will definitely be difficult for you to land the dream career that you were looking for right away. A good idea is to gain experience and work your way up to the desired position. In doing so, you will not only gradually build your expertise within the field, but you will have optimal experience on your resume, making you a more marketable candidate for your dream career. Through co-op or work-study initiatives, internships and apprenticeships, and other similar work programs, you will be able to get break into the industry you hope to work in and have the opportunity to grow and excel.

Ways in which you can find employment opportunities include community programs, school initiatives and youth or aboriginal job boards. The Aboriginal Job Board is a specialized online employment network focused on helping youth across Canada find suitable employment. With their initiative, they seek to help all youth looking to find work.