Beta-Test Curricula
Six of the 11 beta-test sites developed curricula for their training delivery. Each of the sites had different delivery models, topics and training materials.
In 2022, those curricula were refined and prepared for use by other organizations and learners.
The six sites that delivered curricula are:
Next Steps helps job-seekers identify their skills and build confidence for job search
The Next Steps program was developed by Community Learning Alternatives to support job seekers in the Bay of Quinte region of Ontario, a strong manufacturing area, which had several closures prior to the pandemic.
CLA’s Next Steps program helps job-seekers identify and develop the skills they need to be competitive in today’s job market. The online program is completed over four weeks and includes training that focuses on goal setting, portfolio development, identifying transferable skills and improving digital skills for employment. Learners also receive a Soft Skills Solutions© certificate for the portion of the course that covers communication skills, teamwork, personal management, professional development, problem-solving and critical thinking. Guest speakers from employment services assist learners with cover letters, resumes and interview preparation.
Next Steps focuses on new skills for the modern workplace, so participants can move on to new opportunities or new career paths. CLA is appreciative of the support from Decoda Literacy Solutions for this new and interactive program.
Materials include a learner workbook, portfolio template and slide decks.
The Moving Forward Workbook
The Moving Forward Program was developed by Lethbridge Public Library – Read On Adult Literacy and Learning (Read On) to help people understand one of the most important parts of getting and keeping a job – workplace expectations. As workplace expectations can be difficult to understand and unclear for many, conflict in the workplace often occurs. The Workbook evolved from experiences gained during the two cohorts of the Moving Forward Program.
In the Moving Forward Workbook, the twenty expectations that community employers, employees and newcomers felt was important when they were asked about working in Canada, are described. Each is sure to promote ample discussion, as program participants draw upon their own workplace experiences. These discussions are an opportunity for participants to keep building and practicing active communication skills. The Moving Forward Program Workbook could easily be used as a follow-up to work preparation programs, or used on its own.
The Read On team hopes that by sharing what we have learned, we can help people looking for work, and help them to keep them moving forward in the workplace.
The Gathering Together: Introduction to Community Small Business Startup
This curriculum contains a facilitator guide, worksheets and editable PowerPoint slides. We have included web resources for your reference. The curriculum could be customized to your communities, and we encourage using local examples to ensure the learning is relevant to your learners. The program is designed to introduce small business concepts to your learners, and the worksheets allow for a highly personalized experience for learners.
DEPP Class 5
DEPP (Driver Education Preparation Program) Class 5 enables students to work through the content of ICBC’s driver’s learner manual at their own pace so they can prepare for the knowledge test. The manual (as distributed by ICBC and testing locations) has been transferred to PowerPoint slides.
Every aspect of the manual has been broken down into explanations using visuals, examples, voice-over and, where appropriate, short animated lessons. Each section of DEPP Class 5 covers one chapter of the learner manual and the content has been adapted using clear language design.
The curriculum has been explained in a literacy-friendly way, but it was important to keep the keywords and phrases the same so the learner would recognize the vocabulary when it appears on the test. We did not want to compromise the test-taking experience by using language participants would not come across in the knowledge test.
Each section has voice-over and is read aloud to the participant as they move through the slides, although participants can choose to read through the slides without the voice over by turning off the volume. DEPP Class 5 can also be used by a facilitator in a small group setting. The facilitator can use the slides to work through the content with participants.
This is a learner-friendly curriculum; ideal for participants with low literacy or those needing extra study time and comprehensive explanations. This resource was designed to be used without internet connectivity and can be accessed here, then downloaded and saved to any computer for use.
Connect4Work introduces job seekers to using technology to find work
The CONNECT4WORK Introduction to computers for job seekers program was developed by the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society in response to a need for people in North Vancouver Island communities to be able to find and apply for jobs online, but who have little or no experience using a laptop computer or technology.
The six-week program curriculum includes 12 lesson plans, printable lessons for the learner, presentation slide decks, plus promotional materials and ideas – ready to use and print, and/or editable to customize.
The Connect4Work Facilitator Guidebook provides steps for planning a Connect4Work program from intake forms to assessment, with lots of tips for setting up a successful classroom, hardware and software needs, estimated costs, tips for teaching adult learners, overcoming barriers and incorporating guest teachers to introduce local online and in-person services and organizations.
Technology and Personal Skills Training for the Workplace project
The Technology and Personal Skills Training for the Workplace project was developed by the Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society to address the whole learner. This six week program expands participants’ opportunities to get employed by improving their technology and personal skills. It focuses on job preparedness and personal learning, offering digital literacy training, employment skills, and workplace safety tickets. There is dedicated time spent on social-emotional learning, mindfulness and personal development for healing and self worth.