Updated December 2022

Who exactly are "at-risk" youth? Definitions vary, but this term generally refers to young people whose health, safety, and future prospects have been seriously compromised by situations beyond their control.

These situations may include abusive home environments, mental illness, or addiction—and lead to criminal behaviour and/or dropping out of school.

Overall, at-risk youth are less likely to transition successfully into adulthood by finishing school, entering the workforce, maintaining good mental health, and becoming contributing members of their communities. Their lives are often cut short by suicide and violence, or derailed by incarceration.

Community services workers who specialize in youth work help troubled teens map out a better future and take the often challenging steps needed to get there.

Considering becoming a youth worker after CSW training? These are some of the challenges you'll be helping clients face and the special skills you'll need to counsel and support at-risk youth.

Collaboration doesn't always come naturally to children (or adults, for that matter!) But that's what the preschool or daycare classroom is really all about: teaching kids how to learn those communication and teamwork skills that each of us needs to thrive, both in school and in life.

Updated December 2022

Considering training for a job in payroll? Wondering what it's really like to work in this field and how strong your local job prospects are? You've come to the right place!

In this post, we're focusing on everything payroll-related, from training requirements to typical workplace pros and cons to the latest job market stats for Manitoba and Winnipeg.

Updated January 2023

Death and dying are everyday realities for personal support workers. Many PSWs care for seniors in their homes, or in long-term care facilities, where an estimated 20 per cent of residents pass away each year.  

PSWs often provide end-of-life care, where they specialize in helping clients (and their families) with life's final transition. But despite all of this direct experience, personal support workers still struggle with loss when a client dies.

Ever felt so fed up with a uncooperative piece of technology that you wanted to just crush it, toss it, or scream in frustration? We've all been there. And in many ways, this kind of experience is inevitable.

We're totally reliant on technology, but most of us have minimal (or zero) knowledge of how our most trusted systems and devices actually work! When things go wrong, it doesn't take long for panic to set in, particularly if you need that piece of tech for work.

Updated January 2023

Naturally drawn to working in an office environment? Feel you would do well in a structured setting where organizational, communication, customer service, and teamwork skills are highly valued?

Let's say you're also interested in a career where you can help others and feel that you're actually contributing something positive to your community. If you're pulled in this direction, it's quite possible that you're torn between a medical office and business office admin program.

After all, these work settings (and training paths) have quite a lot in common. Which one will ultimately suit you best and be most rewarding?

Updated January, 2021

Know you want to pursue a legal career, but can't decide between paralegal and legal assistant training?

If you live in Ontario, there are several important differences between these two legal careers. In this post, we cover four of the most significant distinctions: training requirements, typical responsibilities at work, career options, and provincial licensing rules. 

After exploring what sets these two professions apart, we hope students will have a clearer sense of which path suits them best.

Updated March 2023

Considering becoming a health care aide (HCA)? The personalized support HCAs offer patients makes this career path particularly rewarding—and increasingly important.

As Canada's population ages, demand for in-home and daily health care support is on the rise. But working as a health care aide is challenging. It takes resilience, physical and emotional stamina, and a clear understanding of how to provide safe and effective patient care.

Read on to discover 10 of the most important hard and soft skills you'll need to succeed in this career.

Updated January 2023

Enrolled in PSW training and nearing the end of your diploma? It's likely you're looking ahead to your employment options after graduation, and for support systems to help get your career rolling.

If you live in Ontario, you've probably heard of the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association—OPSWA.  It's an organization new grads and experienced PSWs can join to get professional support, and push for greater recognition for PSWs across the province.

But what exactly does OPSWA do, how might you benefit from joining the network, and what does it take to get a membership?

Updated October 2022

Paralegals in Ontario enjoy a broader scope of practice than their peers in other provinces.

They are allowed to represent clients in small claims court and before various administrative tribunals—and often set up private practices that specialize in certain areas of the law (such as landlord-tenant disputes, immigration services, and disability appeals).

In order to regulate the expanding paralegal profession, and maintain high standards of professional practice, the Law Society of Ontario requires all would-be paralegals to complete a rigorous licensing process.

What exactly does this process entail? Here are five facts students should know about preparing for and successfully earning a paralegal license.