NB 206
Feb. 20, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - N.B. Career Surf, a new career-planning website, is now online as a resource for young New Brunswickers. Carmel Robichaud, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, announced the launch of the website today.
"N.B. Career Surf has been designed as a one-stop resource for all New Brunswick youth and their parents," Robichaud said. "Not only will this website make career planning much easier for young New Brunswickers, but also it will provide more information on career options for them to choose from."
The Women's Issues Branch of the Government of New Brunswick developed N.B. Career Surf in co-operation with the New Brunswick Advisory Council on Youth and the Department of Education.
"There are big questions facing high school students, such as, 'What post-secondary institution to attend?' or, 'Which career is best suited for me?'"Education Minister Kelly Lamrock said. "Helping our province's youth make informed decisions about their future is important to our government. N.B. Career Surf is an excellent source of information and resources that will assist students in making such important decisions."
N.B. Career Surf features information, tools, and opportunities for funding and scholarships, as well as links to many other employment- and education-related websites. It also features inspirational stories of New Brunswick women and men who have pursued careers that each gender hasn't traditionally undertaken in the province.
The new website is also a key component of New Brunswick's Five Year Wage Gap Action Plan, the goal of which is to reduce the wage gap in the province.
Currently, more than one-third of all New Brunswick women are employed in only 10 occupations. Robichaud said this is a form of job clustering, which is a contributor to the wage gap in New Brunswick.
"Every young New Brunswicker should have the opportunity to explore all options for his or her career and education," Robichaud said. "By presenting a wide range of non-traditional career information to young New Brunswick women and men, N.B. Career Surf will help to broaden their horizons, limit the impact of job clustering and reduce the wage gap."
Jocelyn Ball, acting chair of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on Youth, said the council is pleased to have been involved in the development of N.B. Career Surf.
"This website will provide information that will help users discover their interests and skills, which are important when choosing a career path," Ball said. "We invite all youth in New Brunswick to visit this website, and to start making plans for their future today."
07/02/20
MEDIA CONTACT: Craig Chouinard, Communications New Brunswick, 506-444-2519.
07/02/20
