Submitted by Melanie Gallagher, CCNB Mentor
Since the beginning of April, francophone high schools have had the opportunity to get more information on the Wage Gap Action Plan Scholarship, non-traditional programs offered at CCNB and general information on the wage gap.
“Wow, I didn’t even know that a scholarship existed for going into the trades, and it actually pays my tuition? That’s cool,” was one remark I received from a student who was happy to find out that she was eligible for the wage gap scholarship.
A kiosk was in place during lunch periods for students, teachers and staff. The goal of these high school tours is to inform students on the wage gap and on the tools available to help them succeed in their quest for a post-secondary education.
The tools range from information on the diversity of career choices, myths and realities of working in a non-traditional occupation, to financial assistance.
At one school, I noticed a student looking at the kiosk from a distance and walked away. A few minutes later, she came back to the kiosk and asked me what I was doing there! I explained that I was at the school to provide students information on non-traditional programs offered at CCNB, the possibility of receiving a scholarship, and most importantly, receiving support from our mentor program. While explaining this to her, she looked at me and said “That is great, not only do I have a chance for a free education in a field that I want, but I also get support while attending that program. I like this.”
Students visiting the kiosk walk away with information on the Wage Gap Action Plan Scholarships, the wage gap and the N.B. Career Surf website, a one-stop career planning website for youth.
While talking to students, it is clear that many have put a great deal of thought on their post-secondary education. Compared to previous years, I noticed there have been a lot more students seeking information on non-traditional careers. The greater interest may be a result from the scholarship program and the projected employment opportunities in the trades in the next five to ten years.
One school employee mentioned that “It is great to see students wanting more information on non-traditional careers. This information will help them to make better decisions on what career they choose to pursue, may it be traditional or not, at least they now have information on both career paths.”
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MENTOR’S CORNER is a new feature that we're adding to the eNews to introduce our Wage Gap mentors, Kate McLean (Mentor for NBCC) and Mélanie Gallagher (Mentor for CCNB). They will be reporting news from the frontline on the various issues, activities and events that they are involved in. If you're interested in contacting the mentors for story ideas or with any questions on pursuing non-traditional careers, email them at Melanie.Gallagher@gnb.ca or Kate.Mclean@gnb.ca.
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