Who Are Career Development Professionals?
“Career Development Professionals help individuals navigate learning and employment transitions across the lifespan. They help individuals to manage learning and employment, acquire and enhance skills, seek and create employment, and access community services that support personal and professional growth in an increasingly complex, interdependent and changing world.”
The 2024 CERIC report Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector, developed by Challenge Factory, identifies key contributors to this sector who assist individuals in navigating employment and career opportunities.
There are an estimated 20,000 people working in and supporting Ontario’s career development ecosystem.
The Career Development Sector Scoping Model, created by Challenge Factory, categorizes professionals into personas based on their responsibilities and influence. This model emphasizes that career professionals go beyond traditional front-line employment counsellors, encompassing educators, employers, HR specialists, and industry leaders who play a crucial role in workforce development, policymaking and shaping labour market dynamics.
Challenge Factory is an internationally trusted advisory and research firm that supercharges talent across organizations, industries, and economies. As a certified B Corporation, Challenge Factory delivers evidence-based, innovative solutions that meet the needs of all interest holders—across organizations, industries, communities, and economies.
CDPOntario welcomes members from across this ecosystem. Our aim is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, provide professional growth and development, and enhance the visibility of career professionals, ensuring they receive the support needed to shape a thriving workforce.