Are students ready for what comes next? Take on the future growing collaboration between industry and community to close the skills gap in Alberta.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Val McCarty is in the business of helping organizations visualize, communicate, and execute strategy in real time. Her studies were acquired at both University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University, and encompassed Management, Education, and Human Services, with an aim to continue learning. Her previous experience includes the Financial Sector, Fitness Sector, and Early Childhood Education.  When Val is not at work you can find her outside with her grandkids, or looking forward to the next live jam.

Guest: Dan Olesen is working with Alberta schools to connect students to employers for paid internships, in areas of skill shortages. A work integrated learning model that puts experience before post-secondary training.

As a passionate Albertan (born and raised), and a client focused resource professional in process development and program delivery; he has a proven track record in advancing education initiatives with social responsibility. In turn, works with participating partners to effectively engage youth into internship opportunities, as part of Alberta high school off campus education initiatives.

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Show Quotes:

"so what do students really need? They need the people with the same values that resonate within the rainforest social contract. They need those people to step up and say hey, I wanna give you my time and show you what I do, and maybe give you a taste for what it is so that you can make better career educated decisions."

"The biggest risk around students is employers treating them like children. And when they do that, they usually have a harder time. When we start to embrace the professional side of students, it's amazing how quickly they step into that role and they're willing to engage. But when we keep them counting Popsicle sticks, they don't feel valued."

 

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan