Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Aug 14/98) - Anyone about to enter the workforce in the 1990s should be prepared to enter a number of occupations, professional photographer Wayne Williams told a group of students at the Deh Cho Friendship Centre during a career choices discussion on Wednesday.

Having served in several previous positions himself, Williams, was speaking from experience. His former occupations include driving trucks, a special needs assistant, a personal care attendant and working with the Catholic school board.

The average person makes six career changes in his or her lifetime, according to Williams, who started off toiling in a commercial bakery while in high school.

"To this day I cannot look at a butter tart," he joked.

Williams acquired some post-secondary training to move into the printing industry. It was, admittedly, somewhat of a "high tech" job at the time, he said. However, it's even more technical today and having been away from the business for a number of years has rendered him a "dinosaur," he said.

"Things are progressing so fast it's hard to keep up," he noted, adding that he's been told new computers become obsolete in about 18 months.

The reality of downsizing and cutbacks means that most employees can become expendable at any time, he added. Williams has twice been the victim of budget cuts in the past.

"It's an employers market right now," he said. "The days of working in the same field for 20 years are gone."

Regardless, he emphasized that education and training are still essential. Professional athletes, for instance, are now keenly aware of the importance of education for their post-sports careers, he said.

At the very least, a high school diploma is a requirement. Employers usually aren't looking for specific courses, such as geography, Williams pointed out. What they want is proof of work ethic and dedication, he said.

The students at the Friendship Centre are gaining summer work experience through painting, cleaning and working with computers. Among the careers they have interest in are: welding, mechanics, chiropractor, carpentry, waitressing, counselling, computer technician and office administration.

The Career Path Planner program can help students figure out if they're suited for specific occupations and the necessary training.

If they are considering running their own small business, they'll have to consider issues such as zoning, labor laws, business licences and book keeping.

Anyone looking to register in a trade school could consider the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology or Fairview College, said Williams. He advised that students carefully scrutinize the training programs in which they enrol because some are not as highly regarded.

In the end, it's imperative that "you get into something you like... and keep your options open," Williams advised.