The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has expanded its Career and Education Advisor (CEA) program in the 2021-22 school year.

The CEA program provides specialized education and career advice to Grade 9–12 students and school-aged youth across the Northwest Territories (NWT).  The program is designed to meet the unique needs of NWT students, youth and their families, as well as educators. This year the program welcomed five more advisors to its team, for a total of nine CEAs. This means there is now a CEA based in every NWT region.

CEAs start working with students and youth as early as Grade 9 to help them identify skills, strengths and options for their future. Connecting with youth one-on-one, CEAs help them explore what they’re interested in, and how their strengths can align with education and employment possibilities.

The diverse team of CEAs work directly with students in their schools, as well as school-aged youth who are not currently attending school. They connect students with people who are doing work that interests them, and with learning opportunities they can participate in while still in school. 

CEAs provide practical support, including how to write resumes and cover letters and how to complete applications for work, post-secondary programs, Student Financial Assistance, bursaries, grants or scholarships. They also provide information to youth about NWT jobs that are in demand to help them make informed choices about their future.

Quote(s)

“The GNWT recognizes that students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Providing support to students as they navigate their education and work toward long-term goals is an important part of improving student outcomes and ensuring success for all NWT students. Career and Education Advisors provide vital, practical advice to youth that can lead to employment and further education. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to expand this crucial program as we strive for all NWT residents to have equitable access to education, and support for their long-term goals.”

- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• School pilots were initiated in all regions from March to June 2019 in 20 schools. Almost 500 Grade 9 to 12 students met with a CEA and learned about NWT jobs in demand, the importance of post-secondary education and training, and how to navigate their best academic path from classroom to career.
• Though limited due to COVID-19, the 2020-21 school year saw CEAs travel to Fort Simpson, Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, and work with students in Yellowknife.
• The CEA program expanded in the 2021-22 school year; in addition to the existing four positions in Yellowknife and Tłı̨chǫ regions, five positions were added in the other four regions: two positions in Inuvik/Beaufort Delta; one position in Norman Wells/Sahtu; one position in Fort Simpson/Dehcho; and one position in Fort Smith/South Slave.
• Grade 9–12 students and school-aged youth across the NWT represent the largest resident resource for labour supply, with up to 11,000 students graduating by 2030.

Related links

Information on the Career and Education Advisors program

For media requests, please contact:

Briony Grabke

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Government of the Northwest Territories

briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca

(867) 767-9352 ext. 71073