Indigenous Career Pivot Program

Connecting Indigenous Peoples to the ocean economy

The Indigenous Career Pivot Program facilitates meaningful work placements for mid-career Indigenous Peoples wishing to explore and pursue careers in ocean-based industries. The program mobilizes a network of 460+ maritime organizations and companies, from coast to coast to coast, to support Indigenous employment in this key sector of the Canadian economy.

The opportunity

Indigenous participants embark on a 12-month placement support program focused on creating full-time positions. Through their placements, the candidates acquire hands-on experience in maritime-related industries, build new competencies, and strengthen existing knowledge by mobilizing their skillsets and natural aptitudes.

The program offers competitive compensation packages as well as a range of professional development opportunities to the Indigenous workforce, including:

  • Full orientation and onboarding process
  • A work-integrated learning plan
  • Online development courses
  • Career building conferences and workshops
  • Mentoring support provided by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and the hiring organization
  • Intercultural Competency Training
  • A peer support network

Both Indigenous Peoples looking for a career in ocean-related industries and Ocean Supercluster member organizations looking to hire Indigenous talent can enroll in the program.

How to apply

Indigenous candidates

The program is open to Indigenous Peoples across Canada seeking a new career opportunity in the ocean economy. It is ideal for individuals looking to advance or shift their careers, re-enter the workforce after a leave or an injury, or find their place in the maritime sector. Indigenous Peoples from all backgrounds and levels of education can apply.

Apply Now

To ensure strong employee-employer matches as well as meaningful and long-lasting placements, successful candidates will participate in a pre-employment assessment. A wide range of employment opportunities in fields such as administration, business, marketing, project management and software design are offered as part of the program. Placements may require on-site or remote work.

Hiring organizations

The program is open to all Ocean Supercluster Associate and Industry Members interested in expanding their teams and hiring Indigenous talents. Interested organizations that are not yet members of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster can apply to the program, but will be required to become members if they are selected. Organizations looking to fill multiple positions are invited to submit one application per open position.

Enroll My Organization

To learn more about the program, contact Ralph Eldridge or visit: clearseas.org/en/programs/indigenous-career-pivot-program/

Watch participants’ journey in the Pilot Project: 

Career Pivot – Episode 05 – Indigenous Career Pivot Project

Career Pivot – Episode 04 – Indigenous Career Pivot Project

Career Pivot – Episode 03 – Indigenous Career Pivot Project

Career Pivot – Episode 02 – Indigenous Career Pivot Project

Career Pivot – Episode 01 – Indigenous Career Pivot Project

Follow the journey of mid-career Indigenous professionals as they explore new careers in ocean. This monthly web series features employers and employees from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster’s Indigenous Career Pivot Project.

Indigenous Career Pivot Project Announcement – September 21, 2020