'World of Choices' event aims to encourage career excitement for youth

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE
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As part of an educational opportunity to inform students in grades 10, 11, and 12 of future career paths and opportunities in the community, YouLaunch, a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) in partnership with Junior Achievement – Peterborough, Lakeland, and Muskoka (JA-PLM), is hosting the first ever World of Choices event in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

The event will take place at the George Leach Centre at Algoma University, on May 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Throughout this roundtable career forum, students will have the opportunity to meet with career professionals to ask questions while understanding career decisions for their future. President and CEO from the Junior Achievement – Peterborough, Lakeland, and Muskoka program, John McNutt explains that the overall goal is to inspire youth to be more educated about creating their own individual success plan, and aid students who are planning to immediately enter the job market or enroll in a college or university after high school.

Over 100 students are invited and more than 30 local mentors from a variety of different career industries including agriculture, engineering, finance, law, media, real estate and more will be in attendance. As one of the professional mentors who will be attending, Karen Milton, from the Information Technology department of OLG states why she believes the World of Choices event is not only important for youth, but for the growth of the community.

Karen explains, “World of Choices provides our youth with the opportunity to build connections, network and ask questions about potential career choices they may or may not have considered for their future. These kids are forced to make important decisions at such young ages. Opportunities like this mentorship program will provide insight and knowledge about the career choices that exist in our community.”

During the morning RBC will proceed with opening remarks, while the afternoon will conclude a career readiness panel made up of representatives from the Algoma region. Panelists will include, Algoma University, Sault College, the Community Career Centre, Employment Solutions, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie to speak on behalf of the resources available to build and develop career opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie, in addition to the variety of educational options available locally. The intention is to provide youth with information about how building a career in Sault Ste. Marie can have a significant impact on the community.

John Prgomet, Business Development Manager at SSMIC is excited for the event as he explains, “World of Choices provides students with an opportunity to learn about a variety of careers and occupations available in Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma. It is delivered by a group of people recruited from the local public who offer a unique perspective into potential employment opportunities locally.”

World of Choices is organized by YouLaunch and sponsored by RBC, Algoma University YouLaunch, The Sault Ste. Marie Community Career Centre, the Sault Ste. Marie Community Development Corporation, and MorningStar Hospitality Services Inc.

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