Michael Emery
A Holiday Message from Executive Director Kelly Hoey
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on an extraordinary year for HIEC—one filled with milestones, achievements, and exciting new beginnings.
This year marks 35 incredible years since the Halton Industry Education Council was established in 1989 with a vision to bridge the gap between education and industry. What began as a small but determined effort has blossomed into a national resource, impacting thousands of lives and empowering young people to explore and pursue meaningful career paths.
Throughout this remarkable journey, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering belief in the power of collaboration and community. This shared commitment continues to drive us forward, sparking new ideas and opening doors for the next generation.
This year, we also celebrated 20 years of our Women as Career Coaches mentorship program. Over the past two decades, this initiative has empowered countless young women and created a ripple effect of inspiration and mentorship.
It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to lift each other up.
We also marked 25 years of ApprenticeSearch.com, connecting skilled trades employers and job seekers across Ontario and beyond. Thanks to initiatives like the Skills Development Fund, we’ve been able to provide the wraparound supports that apprentices need to thrive in their careers.
To top it off, we launched our most ambitious project to date: the Career Coaching Initiative, which aims to bring career coaching to every Grade 9 and 10 student in Ontario. Supported by the Ministry of Education, this groundbreaking initiative—the only one of its kind in North America—underscores our commitment to building brighter, more inclusive futures for youth.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, stakeholders, and community champions. From our founding partners—including Halton’s school boards, local chambers of commerce, Sheridan and Mohawk Colleges, and Halton Region—to the countless educators, parents, and employers who have joined us over the years, your contributions have made all the difference. Together, we’ve created programs like the Career Awareness Program, Virtual Career Lab, ApprenticeSearch.com, and Gateway to the Trades, which have changed lives and strengthened communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited about the possibilities. There is so much work to do, but with your support, we’re ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to 35 more years of empowering youth, building bridges, and inspiring growth.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Warm regards,
Kelly Hoey
Executive Director, HIEC
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