Dal certificate positions aim to boost equity and inclusion in career services

The Nova Scotia Career Development Association (NSCDA) has sponsored 10 seats in Dalhousie’s certificate for career practitioners to address underrepresentation of African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, and new-to-Canada communities in the field of career services.

The Certificate of Professional and Leadership Studies for Career Practitioners offered by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development (OLCD) was re-designed last year in partnership with the NSCDA to keep pace with the new and complex demands facing career development practitioners.

“The NSCDA is excited to be partnering with Dalhousie to support the continued growth of the Career Development profession in Nova Scotia,” says Connie Corse, training manager with the NSCDA. “The ability to offer training and education to individuals entering career development will directly impact and increase the level of services offered to Nova Scotians who are seeking career and employment support.”

Culturally responsive

The funding offered by NSCDA aims to build more capacity for career services in communities that need them the most.

“The programs we offer at the Faculty are only as good as our efforts to put them into the hands of people and communities who could benefit from the training,” says Dianne Tyers, dean of OLCD. “We’re navigating a rapidly evolving world of work and it’s important we train people in career services who can offer resources to those who are trying to take the next career step or simply become employed.”

The certificate includes six courses that are fully online and span 12 weeks each. The courses are designed for anyone employed in career services from job coaches to HR professionals. Learners will come away with a better understanding of how to support people through career transitions, job loss and grief, and learners will explore the concepts of diversity and inclusion by reflecting on their own unique lived experiences.

“As a Certified Career Development Practitioner and a strong advocate for lifelong learning and access to education, I am excited to assist in developing culturally responsive support for underrepresented groups to access opportunities. The NSCDA partnership with Dalhousie is notable and exciting for the field,” says Carley Gloade, chair of the NSCDA and councillor with Millbrook First Nation.

The application process is open to those who are new to the field of career services (within five years) or who are looking to enter the field. For more information on how to apply, click here.