2026 Summer Career Development Skills Conference

Fri, June 26, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST

(=11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST | 12:00–1:00 PM CST | 1:00-2.00 PM EST | 2:00–3:00 PM AST | 2:30 - 3:30 PM NST) 

Preventing long-term unemployment is easier than reversing it once motivation, identity, and labour market confidence decline. 

This session explores upstream strategies within employment programs that help Career Advisors design proactive systems that spot clients at risk of long-term unemployment before files stall. 

Participants will learn how to build simple structured risk profiles so key indicators are captured consistently rather than informally. You will also see how to plug these indicators into basic automated task lists so reminders, check-ins, and re-contact attempts are triggered instead of relying on memory. By the end, participants will have practical design ideas to shift from reactive case management to proactive, tech-enabled prevention of long-term unemployment.

Fri, July 10, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST (=11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST | 12:00–1:00 PM CST | 1:00-2.00 PM EST | 2:00–3:00 PM AST | 2:30 - 3:30 PM NST) 

Many long-term unemployed clients withdraw quietly from job search as a self-protective response to repeated rejection, low control or anticipated failure. Re-engaging them requires more than scheduling appointments or urging them to try again. 

This session explores motivation theory and basic brain science to help Career Advisors understand why disengagement happens and how to rebuild autonomy, confidence, and labour market momentum. 

Participants will learn how to use supportive language, low-pressure outreach, and small digital touchpoints to reduce overwhelm and invite discouraged clients back into the job search process. You will also see examples of micro re-engagement activities that help clients regain early wins without demanding full workshop attendance or high cognitive load. By the end, participants will have practical re-engagement strategies that feel respectful and supportive.

Fri, July 17, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST (=11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST | 12:00–1:00 PM CST | 1:00-2.00 PM EST | 2:00–3:00 PM AST | 2:30 - 3:30 PM NST) 

Often long-term unemployed clients return to the job search with low energy, fragile confidence, or unclear direction, making full workshops feel too demanding or cognitively heavy. Lifting these clients requires formats that create small wins without overwhelming them. 

This session introduces “micro hybrid” sessions—short, low-pressure activities that blend brief in-person or phone touchpoints with light digital tasks. 

Participants will learn how to choose formats that support gradual reactivation of job search behaviour, rebuild labour market confidence, and create early momentum. You will also see examples of micro activities that are better suited to clients who are unsure where to begin, yet still benefit from structure and accountability. By the end, participants will have practical ideas for supporting discouraged clients through small, achievable steps.

Fri, July 24, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST (=11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST | 12:00–1:00 PM CST | 1:00-2.00 PM EST | 2:00–3:00 PM AST | 2:30 - 3:30 PM NST) 

Long-term unemployed clients often find themselves needing to exit industries that are shrinking, consolidating, or undergoing technological or policy disruption. For these clients, re-employment is not just a job search problem—it is an occupational transition problem involving identity loss, skill mismatch, and labour market disbelief. 

This session explores strategies Career Advisors can use to help clients understand sector shifts, surface transferable skills, and evaluate adjacent occupational pathways with stronger demand. 

Participants will learn how to support clients in mapping compatible roles, identifying realistic skill-bridging needs, and rebuilding labour market confidence during transitions. By the end, participants will have practical ideas for guiding clients into new sectors or roles that align with current labour market realities.

Fri, July 31, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST (=11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST | 12:00–1:00 PM CST | 1:00-2.00 PM EST | 2:00–3:00 PM AST | 2:30 - 3:30 PM NST) 

Layered skill gaps have become a significant barrier for many long-term unemployed clients, particularly when foundational workplace skills, job-specific functional skills, and emerging digital and AI competencies are all required for modern roles. As workplaces evolve, employers are increasingly adopting digital and AI-enabled tools to streamline workflows, meaning candidates who lack these skills may be perceived as slower, harder to onboard, or less prepared for modern work environments—even when they have strong underlying experience. 

This session explores how Career Advisors can identify and bridge stacked skill gaps without overwhelming clients or overburdening programs. 

Participants will learn how to map foundational, digital, and AI readiness skills to real workplace tasks, recommend accessible upskilling pathways, and integrate confidence-building steps that prepare clients for AI-influenced hiring and work environments. By the end, participants will have practical ideas for supporting clients through manageable upskilling.

Fri, Aug 14, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM PST (=11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST | 12:00–1:00 PM CST | 1:00-2.00 PM EST | 2:00–3:00 PM AST | 2:30 - 3:30 PM NST) 

Securing employment is only the midpoint for many long-term unemployed clients—sustaining it often requires support as they navigate new performance expectations, workplace communication, scheduling, and the return to routine. Early workplace challenges can trigger threat responses related to uncertainty, belonging, or fear of failure, making onboarding feel more stressful than expected. 

This session explores how Career Advisors can incorporate post-hire counselling techniques grounded in motivation and brain science to help clients interpret workplace feedback, rebuild competence and autonomy, and maintain confidence during the first 90–180 days of employment. 

Participants will also learn how to identify common post-hire friction points, support supervisor communication, and provide targeted wraparound supports when practical barriers (childcare, transportation, financial strain) threaten retention. By the end, participants will have practical ideas to support employment stability and workplace attachment.