During National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to recognize Justin Lawson a dedicated Career Education Consultant with the Pembina Trails School Division, based at Fort Richmond Collegiate, and a long-time champion of Career Trek.
Through his ongoing support and volunteerism with our Wonder of Work program, Justin helps bring early career education to life for equity-deserving students in the Pembina Trails School Division, creating opportunities for them to explore, discover, and imagine their future with confidence.
Why Early Career Education Matters
For Justin, one of the biggest challenges is that career exploration often comes too late—introduced when students are already in high school, at a point when decisions feel urgent and pressure is high. By then, many students are balancing demanding coursework while trying to figure out what comes next.
As he shares, “As they near graduation… students feel the pressure; what am I going to do? What is the right pathway for me?”
Justin believes career exploration should begin earlier—when students have the space to explore freely, without the stress of making immediate decisions. “There’s a time when students are younger for them to explore without pressure or anxiety around making choices.”
This belief is what makes Career Trek’s work so impactful, especially for students who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
Through Wonder of Work, students are introduced to a wide range of careers—not just through information, but through hands-on activities that bring those careers to life.
“Students learn about careers, the pathways to get there, and then tie it all together through hands-on experiences.”
Each session helps students build a clearer picture of what their future could look like—what Justin describes as a “filing cabinet” of possibilities. For equity-deserving students, this kind of exposure is especially meaningful. It creates access, builds understanding, and provides a safe environment to explore before important decisions need to be made.
What It Looks Like In Action
One of the clearest signs of impact is the way students show up.
“It’s pretty impressive to see students running through the door on a Saturday.”
They’re choosing to be there—not because they have to, but because they want to. Students are engaged, curious, and excited—connecting with peers, learning from mentors, and gaining experiences that feel different from a typical school day.
“They recognize the benefits. It’s fun… and they’re gaining valuable experience.”
The impact doesn’t stop when the session ends. Justin has seen how these experiences carry into students’ homes, sparking conversations that wouldn’t normally happen at such a young age.
“It’s not typical for Grade 5 or 6 students to be talking about career paths at the dinner table.”
But through Career Trek, they do.
Students begin sharing what they’ve learned—what excites them, what doesn’t, and what they’re starting to imagine for their future. These conversations create a ripple effect, helping families feel more connected, informed, and engaged.
“The benefits don’t just end on Saturday… there’s a ripple effect that lives with the students.”
Research supports what Justin sees firsthand: early career exploration helps students make more informed decisions about high school courses and post-secondary pathways, leading to stronger outcomes over time.
Why This Work Matters
Justin’s belief in this work is unwavering. “There’s magic in Career Trek… watching students have these lived experiences and seeing their wheels turn as they piece together what their future might look like.” For him, this isn’t just a valuable program. It’s essential.
“This is a program that belongs in every school division.”
Within Pembina Trails, that belief is shared.
“We’re proud to embrace the Wonder of Work program and the impact it’s having on our students and families.”
Justin’s commitment reflects a broader culture of care, one rooted in doing what’s best for students. Week after week, he continues to show up, not just as a volunteer, but as an advocate for early career education and equitable opportunity. Because at its core, this work is about giving young people the chance to explore, discover, and believe in what’s possible.
As Justin puts it best:
“Career Trek is one of those things that is just so good for kids.”
Thank You, Justin
Because of volunteers like Justin, more young people are able to:
- Explore diverse career paths early
- Understand the education and training required
- Build confidence in their future choices
And most importantly, begin to see what’s possible.