Bridging the Gap Pre-Employment Training Program Pilot In the last edition of the Update, SARC reported on its pilot pre-employment training program called Bridging the Gap, which was meant to address recruitment needs within SARC Member Agencies by tapping into our province’s underemployed demographics.
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The pilot program, funded jointly by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, was 12 weeks of training to prepare individuals for a career as a Direct Support Professional supporting people with disabilities, and had an ultimate goal of those individuals obtaining employment in our sector. The pilot, held in Saskatoon, had 14 students enrolled. These individuals received the equivalent of minimum wage for the 12 weeks of classroom training and practicum experience at a SARC Member Agency. The program focused on attitude and professionalism; essential workplace skills, such as oral and written communication, document use, numeracy, and computer skills; safety training such as Food Safe, CPR/First Aid, WHMIS, and Health and Safety issues in our sector; skills specific to a Direct Support Professional; workplace culture; and job search skills (résumé building, interview skills). The training began on March 21 and finished on June 13 with all 14 students successfully completing the program. We are very happy to report that seven students have already received job offers in the disability services sector. Feedback from our Members that accepted a practicum student was very positive. These individuals felt prepared coming in for their practicum experience, which speaks to the strength of the classroom training component and the students’ commitment to learning. SARC would like to congratulate all 14 individuals for successfully completing Bridging the Gap and thank the SARC Member Agencies that participated in the practicum. SARC is now preparing final reports for both funders. Based on evaluation of the program, we hope to be able to discuss opportunities to extend Bridging the Gap throughout the province.
The Bridging the Gap Pilot Program Graduates Back Row (L to R): Steven Weyo, Alicia Moosomin, Tegan McKay, Michelle Tootoosis, Debbie Millar, Adam McDonald, Darren MacDonald. Front row (L to R): Karen Symak (Instructor) Sandra Dibb, Amritjit Ball, Amanda Van Der Auwera, Rheena Pana, Bertha Asapace, Portia De Asis, Lisa Malowany (Instructor). Missing: Lee Ledoux 4 SARC UPDATE - Summer 2011 Edition