An exciting new workplace skills curriculum at Superior Adult Learning (formerly Program Read) offers employee training specifically targeting two of Sault Ste. Marie’s underrepresented labour groups: those with diverse abilities, and newcomers to the city.
“Skills for Success” is a tuition-free program that provides key skills needed to secure and maintain employment in our community, as well as job placement opportunities and ongoing job coaching. Participants may take part in one-on-one training with employment counselors, group workshops, or virtual learning opportunities.
The program, supported by the Governments of Ontario and Canada, also helps solve a problem many local businesses are currently facing: a lack of dedicated and capable employees who are ready and willing to fill available positions.
“I think the challenge that many employment-related services are having these days is that the labour market is very weighted to the supply side,” explains Martin Wyant, Executive Director of Superior Adult Learning. “Employers are struggling a little more with finding people. That’s a newer phenomenon in our community; as a city that’s primarily been focused on heavy industry, we’re used to cycles that go up and down based on global commodity markets. This is a different circumstance.”
To help bridge that gap, Skills for Success aims to educate and provide placement opportunities for those who are not highly represented, but bring so much to strengthen the local workforce.
“We’re focusing on two different groups: people with diverse abilities –a group that historically, hasn’t always accessed the labour market in huge numbers and we think they have lots to offer. Also with the newcomers in our community – a group that could benefit from some of these skills and be really significant contributors to the local labour market.”
Participants engage in a freetraining program that includes Communication, Creativity & Innovation, Problem Solving, Reading, Digital skills, Collaboration, Writing, Adaptability and Numeracy. Once training is complete, the individuals will receive two job placements. Sault College Employment Solutions is helping secure placements for people with diverse abilities, while Sault Community Career Centre is working to secure placements for newcomers.
Employee placement opportunities will be available in a range of sectors and industries including hospitality, retail, clerical/admin support and general labour, among others. Once a participant has been placed, Superior Adult Learning will work with the employer to ensure ongoing support and training is provided.
“We’re going to make sure there is a good training plan in place, and make sure the participant really understand the core elements of the job along with those soft skills that we’re training them in – so they have the chance to be successful as quickly as possible,” says Wyant. “We’ll have job coaching available to people once they’re placed; with supports built right into it.”
Flexible hours provide extra benefits for workers
Skills for Success is ideal for those currently receiving ODSP or other forms of social assistance, which typically leave a budget shortfall. As Wyant explains, an employee can work two or three shifts a week and contribute greatly to the workforce without affecting the amount of assistance they receive.
“I’m imagining that we’re going to be seeing some participants who just want part-time work, and that’s fine. I think many employers would be happy to get dependable people who are willing to work a few shifts a week and I think we’re going to have employees who want that. This is the perfect opportunity to retain those benefits and make the extra money they need”.
For more information or to register, e-mail martin@superioral.ca or call 705 946 3953. To learn more about Superior Adult Learning visit them online.
