Workplace Education in Nova Scotia Presented by Catherine Arseneau, Manager Skill Development Skills and Learning Branch

1)Skills and Learning Branch 2)Regional Context 3)Workplace Education in Nova Scotia 4)Skills Development Approach Presentation Overview

Operating Structures Skills Nova Scotia Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Workforce Skills Labour Force Planning Comm. Partners’ Advisory Council on Workforce Skills Skills and Learning Branch Labour Market Partnerships Adult Education Apprenticeship Training and Skill Development Youth Services Labour Market Development Secretariat Labour Market Information Secretariat

Regional Context Globalization and international competition Rural nature of the region Ageing workforce Predominance of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)

Objectives of Workplace Education To create a lifelong learning culture in Nova Scotia. To help the Nova Scotia workforce meet the challenges of the new workplace. To partner with business, labour and workers to deliver essential skills programs.

Program Management Tri-partite provincial advisory committee 7 regional Skills Development Officers On-site project teams Workplace education grant program Association of Workplace Educators of NS Program Evaluation

Defining Essential Skills Essential skills are the foundation for learning. They help people participate more fully at work, home and in the community. When essential skills are addressed, training can be more effective.

Essential Skills Reading text Document use Numeracy Writing Oral communication Working with others Computer use Thinking skills: –problem solving –decision making –critical thinking –task planning/organizing –significant use of memory –finding information Continuous learning

Program Initiatives Workplace Education - provides on-site programs for employed workers customized to the workplace Workforce Adjustment - assists displaced workers who require transition support to search for and obtain new employment One Journey-Work and Learn - provides job- specific training to clients in receipt of income assistance who upon successful completion move into employment with an industry partner

Program Initiatives Apprenticeship Essential Skills - assists apprentices in the technical portion of their training Small Business Essential Skills - ensures that the essential skills needs of small and rural businesses are met Sector Liaison Program - promotes human resource planning and development in partnership with key stakeholder organizations. Seeks to promote the development of a learning culture through capacity building at the sectoral level.

Workplace Education programs were established at 45+ work sites employees benefited from Workplace Education.

Skills Development Individual Development uachieve individual potential umaximize personal career potential umake successful transitions uenhance individual skills Organizational Performance udevelop innovative capacity uleverage organizational capacity uincrease productivity

Thank You Discussion