Embedding strengths-based learning in career development for trades students

Exploring how strengths-based learning can improve confidence, engagement, and career readiness for students in trades and technology programs

Sara McLinden and Shari Walsh, School of Interdisciplinary Studies

About the project

This pilot study examined the impact of integrating the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment into a career development course for trades and technology students at Conestoga. The research explored how a strengths-based approach could support academic success, career planning, and overall student engagement.

The challenge

Students in applied and hands-on programs often focus heavily on technical skill development, while opportunities to build self-awareness, confidence, and career planning skills may receive less attention. The project sought to understand whether a strengths-based framework could help address these needs.

Approach

• Integrated CliftonStrengths into the delivery of a career development course
• Collected quantitative and qualitative feedback from participating students
• Evaluated the impact on academic confidence, career clarity, and engagement
• Examined how students applied their strengths in academic and workplace settings
• Assessed the feasibility of expanding the approach to other programs

Results

• Increased student confidence, self-awareness, and understanding of personal strengths
• Improved clarity around academic and career decision-making
• Demonstrated strong student engagement with the strengths-based approach
• Created a scalable model for embedding strengths-based learning into curriculum
• Generated insights to inform future student success and career development initiatives

Why it matters

This research highlights the value of strengths-based learning as a tool for student development and success. The findings support:

• Greater student confidence and engagement
• More effective career planning and goal setting
• Enhanced support for student retention and success
• Broader adoption of personalized learning approaches
• Future initiatives focused on equity-deserving and underrepresented learners

Get started with your next project

This project draws on research supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.