Career Professionals of Canada News Feed
Skilled trades are the backbone of Canada’s economy, yet they remain among the most misunderstood and underserved sectors of workforce development. Across the country, industries rely on skilled trades professionals to build infrastructure, support economic growth, and sustain essential services. From construction and manufacturing to transportation and service sectors, these roles are critical to Canada’s present and future. Despite this importance, there is a growing disconnect between labour market demand and access to certification and employment pathways, especially for internationally trained professionals. In fact, skilled trades are consistently identified as…
With a deep commitment to turning barriers into opportunities for skilled trades workers, Eman Ismail-Elmasri founded and is the CEO of Skilled Trades Prep Inc., a Canadian-registered organization that supports internationally trained skilled trades professionals in navigating Ontario’s certification and licensing processes. A member of Career Professionals of Canada, Eman holds certifications as a Certified Career Strategist (CCS), Certified Employment Strategist (CES), Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS), and Certified Résumé Strategist (CRS). She is a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) and holds a Certificate in Human Resource Management. Finally, she is…
Most career practitioners have had this experience. A session that started reasonably well begins to feel awkward. The client grows quieter, or becomes vague, or oddly compliant. The practitioner works harder — explaining more, encouraging more, offering more options. By the end, both people are tired, and progress feels less certain than it did at the start. Without anyone doing anything wrong, something shifted. It is worth understanding why. The System Sets the Stage In 1980, I was a financial assistance worker with the BC Government. My first client was…
As career development professionals, we are trained to empower clients to move forward: align a résumé to a job, activate the network to identify opportunities, and prepare for interviews with impact. But for many clients, job loss is not simply a transition to navigate. It is a loss to process. This distinction is important to recognize. When grief is present (whether acknowledged or not), it can significantly shape a client’s ability to engage in job search activities. Without space to process the loss, even the most well-designed strategies can bump…
Michelle Schafer is an ICF-certified career and leadership coach, a certified grief companion, author, and facilitator who helps professionals navigate career transitions with confidence and purpose After experiencing two unexpected restructurings early in her career, Michelle discovered her true path: supporting people to move from job-search frustration into work that energizes them. As founder of Michelle Schafer Coaching, she partners with clients across federal and municipal government, high tech, financial services, and not-for-profit sectors, helping them clarify career direction, craft compelling personal brands, and land roles where their values align…
Every year, on the Wednesday of the last full week in April, we recognize the immense contributions made by administrative professionals by celebrating Administrative Professionals Day. This day reminds us to pause and recognize the people who keep our workplaces running smoothly. Administrative professionals are often the quiet but essential backbone of an organization. They have skills in many areas of the business. But their contributions go far beyond organizing and record-keeping. They are problem-solvers, anticipating issues before they arise and stepping in with practical solutions. They are relationship-builders, creating welcoming…