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August 2015

Advancing Aboriginal Education While education has been an historical challenge for Aboriginal people entering the workforce, the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educational attainment is closing. If this trend continues it will result in better labour market outcomes for Aboriginals in NB.

Aboriginal Market Monthly �1

Supporting Post-Secondary Education

The fall semester is coming quickly. Currently there are millions of dollars in scholarships and bursaries available to Aboriginal post-secondary students.

From universities to non-profit organizations, there are hundreds of institutions and companies currently helping Aboriginal students with financial aid.

For a comprehensive list of organizations offering scholarships to Aboriginal students, click this link: http://bit.ly/1fnzzQi.

For the JEDI/Brunway Bursary click: http://bit.ly/1KxMIyZ.

ABORIGINAL MARKET MONTHLY

Aboriginal Labour Market Newsletter

NB Aboriginal University Education Comparison, 2006-2011

0%

2%

5%

7%

9%

2006 2011

9%

6%

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011

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August 2015

Educational attainment is also improving for high school completion. This improvement is noteworthy, however significant gaps remain between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educational attainment.

New Brunswick and the rest of CanadaIn July, gains in full-time employment (4,500 jobs) were offset by a decrease in part-time jobs (5,200). This resulted in a 11% unemployment rate in NB, compared to 6.8% nationally (Statistics Canada, 2015).

Career Education in Atlantic CanadaCareer education helps people to understand the current labour market and builds knowledge to make informed career decisions. It has been proven to reduce high school drop-out rates and increase student achievements (The Canadian Career Development Foundation, 2015).

In a report submitted to the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training (CAMET), the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) makes a strong case for career education for the benefit and retention of Atlantic Canadian youth.

Given the disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal high school completion rates in NB, this research could indicate that career education will help narrow that gap.

You can find the full report from the CCDF here: http://bit.ly/1TRSHDM.

Aboriginal Market Monthly �2

Did You Know?

Research shows that quality career education results in numerous economic and social benefits, including:

• increased educational attainment;

• increased worker productivity; • increased health; • decreased dependence on

social services; • decreased criminal

involvement; and, • increased tax revenues.

“Together, a 1% increase in government revenues and productivity and a 1% decrease in social costs represents over a $20 billion annual windfall for Canadian individuals…[T]o put this staggering number in perspective, this would cover the salaries of over 250,000 additional teachers…” (CCDF, 2015).

While the economic impact is important to consider, of greater importance is the mental and emotional benefit to individuals who find themselves in a satisfying career.

Population with less than high school, 2011

0%

9%

18%

26%

35%

Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal

24.6%

34.5%

Source: Statistics Canada, 2011