NVIT: Employment Skills Access Certificate Program

Which Essential Skills are covered by the initiative? Reading Text Document Use Numeracy Writing Oral Communications Working with Others Thinking Skills Computer Use Continuous Learning

How are the Essential Skills integrated into your initiative?

EMSK-041 – Cultural Orientation– introduces Aboriginal culture and personal wellness using a holistic approach. Examines the impact of cultural activities and mores (eg: residential schools). Activities in this course enhance self esteem, cultural identity, and oral traditions in relation to healthy lifestyles within the home, community, and workplace.

EMSK-042 – Personal Development – further develops the student’s self-awareness, self-management and self-development. Using ‘Guiding Circles’ curriculum the students examine their roles and responsibilities in relation to personal and professional boundaries. They explore goals and practice prioritizing and time management

EMSK-043 – Workplace Essentials– assists the learners in developing workplace essential skills. Topics include: time management, thinking, working with others, continuous learning, resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. Students explore professionalism, practice job interview techniques and research job opportunities.

EMSK-044 – Career Exploration and Networking – provides students with the opportunity to network, research, and explore various career choices. Using the ‘Guiding Circles’ workbook and ‘Inclusion Works,’ students research career opportunities and develop a career plan. They explore and practice effective communication with co-workers and employers.

EMSK-045 – Math in the Workplace – enhances the learners ability to use and understand numbers by developing the following skills: basic math, budgeting, calculations, measurement, handling money, banking, and creating schedules.

EMSK-046 – English in the Workplace– enhances the student’s reading, writing, document use, oral communication, and vocabulary for essential skills development as required for success in the workplace. It highlights reading, thinking, and continuous learning, as well as developing group work and team building skills. The English curriculum is based on the nine Essential Skills as identified by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

EMSK-047 – Introduction to Workplace Computer Skills – Learners are introduced to the computer by learning related computer concepts and terminology, identifying the parts of a computer, computer care, software programs, buying a computer, keyboarding skills, searching the internet for job opportunities, and an introduction to Microsoft Office Word and Excel.

EMSK-048 – Essential Skills Practicum – The Employment Skills Access practicum is a collaborative effort between the institute, the student, and an employer, to maximize the student’s acquisition of skills and experience. The coordinator and workplace supervisor assess the students based on criteria set out by all parties; This course offers 70 hours of work

What are the components of the initiative? Academic upgrading Occupational certifications and/or licensing Work-integrated learning (i.e., internships, co-ops, work placements, etc.) Life skills Career and/or educational planning Job search services Cultural, language, and tradition awareness and/or training Other

How was Indigenous culture integrated into the program content or delivery?

All students in the program take the Cultural Orientation course. This 30 hr. course introduces Aboriginal culture and personal wellness using a holistic approach. Students examine the impact of cultural activities and mores (eg: residential schools). Activities in this course enhance self-esteem, cultural identity, and oral traditions in relation to healthy lifestyles within the home, community, and workplace. Course topics and activities include identifying different aspects of Aboriginal history, culture, and traditions; and the creation of a cultural artefact.

Courses use resources and approaches specific to Indigenous learners such as Guiding Circles, Inclusion Works, An Anishnaabe Look at Exploring Measurement, and the Medicine Wheel.

What do you think are the most important competencies and attributes for staff involved in this initiative to have?

Relevant BA and Master Degrees