Careers for Teens

QUANTUM LEAPS- Every two years, KAST hosts Quantum Leaps "Girls Talk Tech," a science & tech careers conference for girls in Grades 10-12 from school districts 8, 10, 20 and 51.

A total of 127 remarkable girls attended Quantum Leaps 2011 at Selkirk College on October 20, presented by Teck and CBT. 

The students travelled from all corners of KAST's region, stretching from Midway to Creston, Kaslo and Nakusp, to experience first-hand the many science & tech-based learning and career opportunities available right here at home in the Kootenay-Boundary.

Thanks to the efforts of a handful of amazing instructors and college students, the girls got to tour Selkirk's aviation, geographic mapping and chemistry departments - handling a plane in the flight simulator, learning to map the diffusion of disease, and making mirrors from scratch in the ever-popular chem lab.

Internet entrepreneur and KAST business coach Amber Hayes kicked off the evening with an upbeat and inspirational keynote on the incredible opportunities for "rural" girls today.  

Selkirk provided fabulous food.

And 10 awesome local panellists volunteered their time to share  personal career stories and answer questions about some very cool, locally available jobs: graphic designer, sustainability advocate, metals technician, forensic scientist, environmental scientist, filmmaker, IT health wizard, engineer, green building specialist and entrepreneur.

KAST's gratitude goes out to all who made 2011 Quantum Leaps possible, from School Districts 8,10,20 and 51 who bused students to the event, to the 10 dedicated teachers/chaperones in attendance and the many other educators who wrangled students and schedules. Selkirk's spectacular staff. Our awe-inspiring young women panellists and, of course, the girls themselves, whose positive energy and apreciation made the evening. 89% deemed the Quantum Leaps activities either "good" or "great," and they closed the evening with a wave and some welcome silliness. (see pictures)

Other Career Resources for youth:

WorkBC: Get a handle on what careers are trending using the BC Jobs Ministry's online resource: http://www.bcjobtrendtracker.ca/lmf/

Find out what career you're suited for with the "Build a Career" smartphone app:  http://www.buildacareer.ca/

APEGBC: Explore the World of Engineering and Geoscience: http://www.apeg.bc.ca/students/elementaryhighschool/index.html