Research Reports

CCDF undertook a research project to examine the impact of tailored labour market information and targeted professional advice on client outcomes.

Working in partnership with the governments of Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, this rigorous study has demonstrated not only statistically significant, but also clinically important results. The study was duplicated, this time in career/employment service delivery agencies serving French-speaking clients in New Brunswick. It will compare the impact of client use of LMI used either independently or with practitioner support and “scratch the surface” of the client’s experience using LMI. Focusing on adult workers seeking assistance with career decision-making or job search, this study added to the data gathered in the English-speaking study.  The research reports are publish on the Canadian Research Working Group website, see Measuring the Impact of LMI.

In Canada, we have had virtually no data on the career development sector – its hiring practices, training/professional development trends, human resource challenges, composition and needs of clients it serves or the extent to which jurisdictions are applying competency profiles such as the Canadian Standards and Guidelines for Career Development Practitioners (S&Gs). The FLMM CDSWG undertook to fill this void, engaging CCDF to map the career development sector across Canada. Highlights and recommendations for action are included in the executive summary.

This report highlights an initial inventory of current Canadian practices, programs and policies aimed at improving school-to-work transitions for school-leavers (both from secondary and post-secondary groups). The report provides a situational analysis of Canadian youth in transition and highlights the elements that make up successful school-to-work initiatives. It also points to the need for a more consolidated and collective school-to-work strategy endorsed by all levels of government and makes 12 recommendations for further action.

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of background research conducted by CCDF, consolidating and extrapolating key themes from this research to the development of the Future to Discover Grade 12 curriculum. A secondary purpose of this paper is to open the door to further exploration of the potential application of the construct of resilience to career theory and practice.

A research paper published by the Canadian Policy Research Networks and the Canadian Career Development Foundation shows that most young Canadians don’t have adequate access to career development services to help them choose the best paths to a successful working life. It found that career development services can reduce the drop-out rate, especially for disadvantaged youth, and change attitudinal barriers that limit career choices.