When the phrase labour market information (LMI) comes up in discussions about planning for careers, it can sometimes create confusion and a sense of anxiety. To many, it may sound complicated, but in actuality, it is not. While data and statistics shape LMI, there is so much more to it that can be used to benefit and inform the future of jobseekers and students.
To help demystify LMI and break down barriers for accessing and effectively using LMI, the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training (CAMET) has launched a new website to assist students, families, educators and influencers on their journey of understanding LMI and supporting youth as they enter the workforce and transition between jobs. The website (careersatlanticcanada.ca), while targeting Atlantic Canada, contains videos, information and resources that can support and guide jobseekers and students across Canada.
What is LMI and why is it important?
In the simplest terms, labour market information is information about jobs and who does these jobs. As a career professional, you can support students in middle/ senior high school or post-secondary and youth seeking new job opportunities by introducing them to LMI, reinforcing its importance in helping them understand how the labour market functions. Career professionals can guide students to:
- access and effectively use LMI to learn about jobs that are available right now and ones that may be available in the future
- identify the expertise, skills and education or training expected to enter a given field
- develop the skills necessary for success in the workforce
- understand the importance of reflecting on skills and interests to better prepare them for career decisions and transitioning in an evolving world of work
(This introductory video on the Careers Atlantic Canada website can help jobseekers and students “Make Sense of Labour Market Information.”)
Who should access and use LMI?
Anyone preparing for entry into the workforce or a change in careers should investigate LMI to help them make a good decision about the type of work they see themselves doing, where they see themselves working and living, and the lifestyle they wish to lead.
LMI exploration does not need to be done in isolation. There are many individuals (family members, teachers/ school counsellors, community mentors, career advisors, etc.) who can help jobseekers and students navigate LMI to prepare them in making the best career decision for them.
Tip: Talking about and reflecting on LMI should not be left until that very last minute when the individual needs to find a job is directly on the horizon. Jobseekers and students should begin exploration of LMI early so that discussing and learning about skills, interests and career goals become their norm.
Introduce jobseekers and students to the benefits of their LMI support system
There are many individuals who can help jobseekers and students prepare for career decisions, assist them in understanding their options and guide them in developing a plan for achievement of their goals.
“Anyone preparing for entry into the workforce or a change in careers should investigate LMI …”
As a career professional, you are integral to this support system. With your expertise, you can offer advice, resources, counselling, and tools to help prepare those in the support system for their roles. You can ensure the information they are using is relevant and timely. You can also prepare them for how to offer guidance in challenging times and how to be advocates for jobseekers/ students to ensure their individual needs are being met.
Families (and other influential adults) play a significant role in empowering youth in their career journey. By accessing and understanding LMI, families can be better prepared for career conversations and the types of support they can offer. Being informed can help families engage with youth in a positive two-way conversation, anticipate the types of questions that can be asked, work together to problem solve, and find answers that align with the youth’s interests and goals. It’s also important for families to have age– and developmentally appropriate career conversations with their children at a fairly young age such as through play and exploring opportunities in their own communities. This will help make the career planning process in high school and post-secondary less daunting.
Educators can support youth in career conversations by staying up to date on the most current LMI. How often do teachers hear, “Why do I need to learn this?” By making connections between what students are learning in the classroom and their interests, skills and career goals, students will be able to see the relevance in their learning and start to use the information and experiences to inform their career decisions.
School counsellors, community mentors and employers need to stay on top of LMI so they are prepared for jobseekers and students who come to them for expert advice. Knowing where relevant and meaningful information can be found is very important. Credibility can and should be given to having discussions with individuals directly employed in the type of work they may have an interest in. This provides them with valuable insight and a reality check on what they can expect if they choose to pursue that career.
Career advisors can be found on post-secondary campuses and in employment centres throughout your communities. They have access to reliable LMI resources that can prepare jobseekers and students for their transition into the workforce. These individuals are also prepared to help youth understand that career planning is a lifelong process, a journey that consists of twists and turns and one that requires resilience, flexibility and continuous learning.
The decision jobseekers and students will be faced with about education, training and careers are some of the most important decisions they will ever make. As a career professional, you can help them see their potential and what the future could hold for them.
In your role, you can show them how to use LMI to their advantage to develop a career plan that is tailored to meet their needs and achieve their goals.
