Earlier this week, I attended and had an exhibitor booth at the BC Career Education Society (CES) Conference in Vancouver. Along with ASPECT board member and 2018 David Hutson Leadership Award recipient, Peter Bailey of Free Rein Associates, we promoted the work of ASPECT, our new Values Based Leadership program, and looked for ways to build bridges between high school educators and what ASPECT service providers. It makes perfect sense to me that everyone who works at preparing people for the workforce should be working together or at the very least, be aware of what the other is doing.

The conference is in its 42nd year and draws nearly 500 delegates from all over the province. I was delighted to see several ASPECT members and partners as exhibitors there, as well. The lower mainland WorkBC centres shared an exhibitor booth and staffed it with representatives from several service providers. We had a good discussion about the adjustment to the new contract and the services available. I know, from my conversations with some of the conference delegates, you'll likely be hearing from a school teacher or administrator in your community, reaching out to the services that you offer. 

Also, there at one of the exhibitor booths was one of my favourite people, Seanna Quressette of Douglas College. Douglas College is working to attract and educate the next generation of Career Developers. Frequent ASPECT Conference Exhibitor, ASTTBC was also there along with staff from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training representing the WorkBC.ca website.

What we learned at the conferences is there is room for ASPECT to work with the CES, especially as we enter into the unique labour market. The relationships we make with other organizations with similar mandates as ASPECT and the ties we develop on your behalf will better prepare the employment services sector for the future.