Lights, camera, solve the labour shortage

Video project shows workers discussing the challenges and accomplishments of their jobs

The federal government has launched a program aimed at getting young Canadians interested in careers which are facing, or will soon be facing, labour shortages.

The program is producing a video library showing employees at work. The program, known as VECTOR — video explorations of careers, transitions, opportunities and realities — shows Canadians at work, describing the nature of their job and conditions of their workplace.

“Viewers will hear (workers) speak with passion about the challenges and accomplishments they realize through their work and each individual will highlight the key skills that are important in their occupational area,” according to a press release from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

So far, 120 occupations have been produced identifying careers and occupations that will be in demand in the future.

“(The program) will help to ensure that young Canadians can make effective career decisions and develop the skills that will enable them to build a successful future,” said Jane Stewart, the Minister of HRDC.

HRDC has contributed more than $1.3 million to the development of the project, which has seen 15 youth production teams across Canada, from colleges and universities, working under the direction of professional mentors. Nearly 90 youths have been directly involved in production of the videos.

An Ontario junior producer for a segment of the VECTOR project said, “the experience fresh out of school was extremely helpful towards building a career.”

Gary Rabbior, president of the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE), said the project is a great tool to reach young Canadians.

“Youth today face a world full of extraordinary career choices,” he said. “Yet most young people are unaware of the many occupational options available to them.”

The VECTOR project is a collaboration of HRDC, 16 sector councils, CFEE, educational institutions, teachers, students, workers and employers. The segments are being put on DVD, CD-ROM, videos and the Internet.

The program is also using other resources and links to organizations that can help youth with career exploration and planning. VECTOR will be on the Internet (www.vector.cfee.org) starting on Nov. 25.

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