Skilled Futures: Highlights from the World of Choices Skilled Trades Summits
September 05, 2025 National JA Canada is proud to celebrate the success of the 2024–2025 World of Choices Skilled Trades Summits, an innovative initiative designed to inspire youth to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades. As demand for trade professionals continues to rise across Canada – over 222,000 Red Seal tradespeople are needed over the next four years – these summits equip young people with the knowledge, tools, and hands-on experiences they need to confidently explore this essential sector. We’re especially grateful to RBC and Imperial Oil for their support in fueling skilled trades education and helping embed these programs into the core of JA’s career readiness offerings. A big thank you as well to Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) for their invaluable contributions as Summit Hosts and key resource partners for the JA Career Exploration Centre. Students can also dive deeper anytime through the JA Career Exploration Center, our virtual platform that supports both independent and classroom-based career discovery. Together, we’re building stronger pathways to skilled careers and empowering the next generation of talent. The summits provided a space for students to get exposed to: Industry panels led by electricians, mechanics, carpenters, and other skilled trades professionals, including women and BIPOC leaders, who shared their career journeys and offered advice from a range of personal perspectives. Interactive transferrable skills workshops helping students identify and build essential career skills: communication, problem solving, adaptability, creativity & innovation, collaboration, among others. Live demonstrations and hands-on sessions where students could explore the tools, technologies, and techniques used in various trades, igniting curiosity and sparking new interests. Networking opportunities where students connected directly with industry experts, learning about apprenticeship programs, certifications, academic pathways, and employment opportunities. Supporting Canada’s Skilled Workforce of Tomorrow The World of Choices Skilled Trades Summits are a direct response to Canada’s growing need for skilled trade professionals. By equipping youth with the guidance, tools, and real-world insights to explore these careers, JA Canada is helping build a strong, diverse, and future-ready workforce. We’re excited to expand the program’s reach, bringing summits to even more communities across the country and opening doors for more young people to discover rewarding opportunities in the skilled trades. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Opening Doors, Inspiring Futures: The Impact of World of Choices
September 02, 2025 National Each year, the JA Canada’s World of Choices program opens doors for youth across the country, helping them explore different careers and giving them the tools and knowledge to pursue them. This 2024/25 academic year was no exception with over 37,000 youth going through the program. World of Choices isn’t just about career exploration. It’s about confidence-building, mentorship, and helping students envision their place in a rapidly changing workforce. From virtual panels and in-person networking sessions to hands-on workshops and career fairs, the program offered thousands of students the opportunity to engage directly with professionals across a wide range of industries. But it’s the stories behind the numbers that truly show the power of the program. Each event is unique yet most experiences feature: Plenary Sessions and Panels: Students heard firsthand from industry leaders in various fields like professional services, finance, technology, engineering, skilled trades, manufacturing, and the arts. These professionals shared their personal career journeys, discussed challenges and rewards in their fields, and answered students’ questions. Career Mentor Sessions: Students connect directly with seasoned professionals in intimate, small group mentoring sessions. They had the chance to ask questions, seek advice, and gain firsthand knowledge from subject matter experts. Career Fair & Networking Opportunities: Youth explored a diverse range of career options during interactive career fairs while also building valuable connections with mentors and peers. Empowering Youth for the Future The impact of World of Choices events has been significant, with students across Canada reporting a stronger understanding of the career paths available to them and the skills needed to pursue those opportunities. In 2024–2025, these events continued to bridge the gap between education and the workforce. We are grateful to all the partners who support World of Choices and help make this impact possible for Canadian students. As JA Canada continues to expand this program, World of Choices has become a transformative experience for students. By introducing youth to a wide range of industries and equipping them with confidence, knowledge, and inspiration to explore their goals, these events are helping to build a more inclusive and future-ready workforce. Contact your local JA office to learn more about World of Choices events in 2025–2026 and how they’re helping prepare youth for success in the workforce. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
2025 Canadian Company of the Year Championship
July 23, 2025 National Over the past few weeks, JA Company Program teams have been competing in the Canadian Company of the Year Championship. We’re delighted to share that this year’s champion is Top Shelf from JA Central Ontario. Category Sessions During the week of July 7th, nine teams from across Canada competed in one of the category sessions: Technoogy Social Enterprise Manufacturing & Retail The top team from each category was invited to participate in the Championship event as a finalist. This year’s finalists included: Top Shelf from JA Central Ontario – Manufacturing/Retail Finalist Hearts & Heritage from JA Manitoba – Technology Finalist Cherish N Care from JA South Western Ontario – Social Enterprise Finalist Congratulations to all of this year’s teams. The judging panel was impressed with the presentations this year making the judging process difficult. It’s wonderful to see so many great JA Company Program teams highlighted this year. 2025 Championship Event – July 17, 2025 This year’s championship event took place virtually. We were delighted to have JA Alumnae Rachel Bruce from JA PEI as the event host and MC. Before any of the team presentations started, JA Alumnae Mia Cvetkovik from JA Central Ontario participated in an engaging fireside chat where she shared her experience with JA as well as how she’s further developed her career and built strong skills in leadership. Each of the three finalists had prepared a strong presentation about their company and JA program experience. Following their presentation, each of the teams also participated in a Q&A session with our judging panel. Congrats to all the teams for a job well done! Thank you to our Supporting Sponsor, The Rossy Foundation, for your support of this event. If you missed the event, you can see the recording below! Watch on YouTube Love0 Share Share Share Pin
For Immediate Release: Junior Achievement PEI receives Scotiabank gift to help build financial literacy skills among Island youth
July 09, 2025 Prince Edward Island Press Release For Immediate Release July 9, 2025 Junior Achievement PEI receives Scotiabank gift to help build financial literacy skills among Island youth Charlottetown, PEI – Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI) is proud to announce a generous gift of $75,000 from Scotiabank to promote a shared commitment to building financial literacy skills and economic resiliency among Island youth. Scotiabank’s support is provided through its ScotiaRISE community investment initiative, which aims to help individuals and communities thrive. Scotiabank employees selected JA PEI to receive this ScotiaRISE donation, supporting efforts to build economic resilience by helping people adapt to change, overcome barriers, and fully participate in the economy. JA PEI expressed gratitude to the team at Scotiabank for this record-high one-time donation. JA PEI will use this donation to expand the reach of their programs, providing youth with the essential skills they need to define personal success, prepare for the workforce, ensure strong money management, and pursue their dreams. It is the aim of JA PEI to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. “It is an honor to be recognized by Scotiabank employees for this donation,” said JA PEI President & CEO, Sheryl MacAulay. “We always enjoy working with the team at Scotiabank. They are dedicated JA volunteers who use their expertise to help deliver our programs. We are excited to continue to work with them in this new capacity and are grateful for their continued support.” “Through ScotiaRISE, we recognize the importance of education and training in helping open doors to a brighter future,” said Stephen Van Wart, District Vice President, East New Brunswick and PEI, Scotiabank. “Through ScotiaRISE and with the support of Scotiabank employees across Atlantic Canada, our partnership with Junior Achievement PEI is helping equip individuals with the financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial skills they need to reach their full potential.” To learn more about JA PEI and how you can donate, visit japei.org. To learn more about ScotiaRISE, visit https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/responsibility-impact/scotiarise.html Photo Details: Pictured (left to right): Chelsea Neill – Branch Manager, Scotiabank; Sheryl MacAulay – President & CEO, JA PEI; Stephen Van Wart – District Vice President, Scotiabank About JA Prince Edward Island Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI) helps Island youth build transferable skills in the areas of work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. JA PEI collaborates with educators, volunteers, and organizations across the Island to deliver nearly 7000 hands-on and immersive learning experiences to students in grades 3-12. JA PEI’s mission is to inspire and prepare students to succeed in a global economy. About ScotiaRISE ScotiaRISE is Scotiabank’s $500 million community investment initiative designed to help people in three focus areas: improving high school and post-secondary participation, removing career barriers, and supporting newcomer economic inclusion. ScotiaRISE also invests in programs that address reclamation of Indigenous language and culture as well as urgent and basic needs, such as improving access to basic supports like food and water, shelter and medical care. Since its launch in 2021, ScotiaRISE has invested over $150 million and partnered with over 300 organizations worldwide to provide the tools people need to reach their full potential. For Further Information Contact: Sheryl MacAulay, President & CEO | W: 902.892.6066 | C: 902.940.6802 | smacaulay@japei.org Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Celebrating the JA Career Exploration Centre: Powered by Partners, Driven by Students
June 18, 2025 National JA Canada is proud to spotlight the Career Exploration Centre, our virtual, open-access learning platform that supports students aged 13–18 as they navigate future career possibilities. With interactive tools and sector-specific content, the Centre empowers young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their futures. This powerful resource continues to grow and thrive thanks to the incredible support of our partners. Their commitment to youth education and career readiness is driving meaningful impact and helping build a future full of possibility for young Canadians. The JA Virtual Career Exploration Centre Curious what’s inside? Keep reading to explore the three career rooms technology, skilled trades, and energy each packed with interactive experiences, videos, and real-world insights to inspire students across the country. Visit the Career Exploration Centre today and help prepare the next generation for success. Together with our partners, we’re opening doors to brighter futures. Interested in Sponsoring a Sector? Connect with Us Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Introducing the Alumni Excellence Award to Celebrate 40 Years of Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership on PEI
February 26, 2025 Prince Edward Island Junior Achievement Prince Edward Island (JA PEI) is proud to announce the launch of its Alumni Excellence Award, commemorating 40 years of fostering entrepreneurship and business leadership across the Island. This award recognizes outstanding JA PEI alums and represents a milestone in JA’s commitment to fostering business leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. The successful candidate will embody the following values: Embraces the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Serves as an inspiring role model for future entrepreneurs and Island youth Ability to overcome challenges, commitment to continuous learning, potential for future growth, and positive influence on PEI’s Business Landscape Approaches work with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence Committed to the betterment of PEI and the communities they serve Anyone, including oneself, can submit a nomination for the JA Alumni Excellence Award. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM via the nomination form. The successful recipient will be selected by the JA PEI Board of Directors and honoured at the JA PEI Business Hall of Fame Gala on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Love0 Share Share Share Pin
Press Release: JA Canada, Coke Canada Bottling and the Coca-Cola Company Partner to Advance Youth Employability in Canada
January 30, 2025 National TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 /CNW/ – Junior Achievement Canada (JA Canada) together with Coke Canada Bottling and The Coca-Cola Company are proud to announce a new partnership offering skills, experiences, and support to help Canadian youth overcome barriers to employment. In May 2024, Statistics Canada reported an approximate 30 per cent increase in unemployability rate among youth ages 15-24, a reality attributed to increased competition for less jobs and lack of experience. The initial findings from the RBC Young People and Economic Inclusion Longitudinal Study highlight the shortage of work-integrated learning opportunities for youth, which would inherently allow them to integrate in the workforce more successfully. Recent studies, highlighted by The Conversation, show that mentorship has the potential to improving social and economic outcomes for underserved youth. Moreover, a study by Être, indicates mentorship boosts confidence among teenage girls. Through this new partnership, Coke Canada Bottling employees will engage in career mentorship sessions with youth aged 14 and up across the country, sharing their personal knowledge about what it takes to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving job market. These sessions will take place through JA’s World of Choices events and a new program, called Pouring Potential: A JA Job Shadow Experience at Coke Canada, being piloted at select Coke Canada facilities and designed to provide opportunities for their manufacturing, distribution, merchandising, and warehouse employees to participate. World of Choices, JA Canada’s flagship work readiness program, is an interactive initiative designed to annually equip over 7500 high school students, with essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for future career success. Over 30 per cent of participants come from underrepresented and underserved communities. Pouring Potential: A JA Job Shadow Experience at Coke Canada offers youth with a unique job shadowing experience. These custom-designed events at select local Coke Canada facilities offer students an immersive opportunity to gain insights into the industry, develop career skills, and learn directly from professionals in the field. Both programs have been designed to shape the next generation’s career journeys, helping them realize their full potential and contribute to making a positive impact in local communities. Quotes from Leadership “We are thrilled to partner with Coke Canada to support the next generation of Canadian leaders,” said Scott Hillier CEO of JA Canada. “Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities that empower our young people to develop the skills they need to thrive in their careers, aiding to a stronger and more resilient workforce.” “We have a role to play in helping Canada’s youth be better enabled to gain employment through career mentorship, skill building, and work readiness. This new partnership allows our employees to share their unique work experiences and the skills necessary for their career success. We are excited to see this partnership come to life with our teams coast-to-coast.” – Todd Parsons, CEO, Coke Canada Bottling View Full Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin
The Canadian Business Hall of Fame and Junior Achievement of Canada Announce the 2025 Inductees to the Order of the Business Hall of Fame
December 10, 2024 National Ryan Beedie, Jacynthe Côté, Pierre Lassonde and Larry Tanenbaum will be honoured with induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, May 22, 2025. TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2024 /CNW/ – Each year, The Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) honours and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Canada’s business leaders for their vision, leadership, national and global economic impact, community engagement and philanthropy. Today, the CBHF is pleased to announce its 2025 Inductees to the Order of the Business Hall of Fame: Ryan Beedie, O.B.C., President, Beedie Jacynthe Côté, F. ICD, Chair of the Board, RBC Pierre Lassonde, O.C., GOQ, Chairman Emeritus, Franco-Nevada Corporation Larry Tanenbaum, O.C., Hon LLD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kilmer Group of Companies These distinguished Canadians will be formally inducted at the 2025 Canadian Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 22, 2025. “As Chancellor of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, it is my pleasure to congratulate Ryan Beedie, Jacynthe Côté, Pierre Lassonde and Larry Tanenbaum,” said Jim Leech. “We celebrate these industry titans for their business achievements, philanthropic impact and visionary leadership, and for serving as role models. Larry, Pierre, Jacynthe and Ryan inspire us!” The Canadian Business Hall of Fame was established in 1979 to recognize business leaders for their contributions to the economic development and prosperity of Canada. Each year, nominees are reviewed and chosen by an independent selection committee convened by Korn Ferry, the official CBHF Selection Partner. The annual CBHF Induction Ceremony and Celebration is the signature fundraising event for Junior Achievement of Canada (JA Canada). Proceeds support JA Canada’s mission to develop and deliver financial health, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs that equipping youth with the skills and mindset for success. “At Junior Achievement Canada, we are thankful to the Companions of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame who serve as role models to the next generation of ambitious young Canadian entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders” said Scott Hillier, CEO JA Canada. “Our 2025 Inductees join an exceptional group of individuals who have made a significant impact on Canadian economy.” JA welcomes members of the business community and leaders from across the country to the CBHF Induction Ceremony and Celebration event in May. Sponsorship, tickets and the opportunity to donate in honour of the Inductees are now available. For more information regarding sponsorship and participation opportunities, please visit www.cbhf.ca or contact info@cbhf.ca. About The Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) The Canadian Business Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding achievements of Canada’s most distinguished business leaders. Since 1979, more than 200 business leaders have been inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Celebrating the leaders of today and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, the CBHF Induction Ceremony and Celebration is the signature national fundraising event in support of JA Canada. For more information, please visit www.cbhf.ca. View Full Press Release Love0 Share Share Share Pin