MTCU Field Support
Again this year, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities was able to provide some extra year-end Field Support funding to literacy agencies. This year’s funding was directed to furthering the Ministry’s Rapid Reemployment Initiative. MTCU is committed to training that helps unemployed or laid-off workers retrain or improve their skills so they can get back to work.
Funds were announced at the end of January and had to be spent by March 31, so it was quite a scramble. Some of the funds were used to upgrade equipment and office furniture, and to purchase work-related learning resources.
Literacy Plus was able to collaborate with Base Petawawa to provide some basic upgrading for soldiers who want to pass military aptitude tests or to write the GED (high school equivalency) exams, qualifications they need for their jobs. Tutors Michael Wendt and Mark Branecki each spent a week working with the soldiers on reading and writing skills, and on math and science.
Literacy Plus also sponsored a panel discussion for job seekers, organized by Chris Hinsperger and held at Magelly’s Restaurant in Eganville. The panel of six was made up of local employers representing different sectors of the economy, who answered questions from attendees on what they look for from successful job applicants.
The panelists for each sector were Charlotte Gebhart, Serendipity on the River, for retail sales; Claudia Van Wijk, Owl Rafting and Madawaska Kanu Centre, for tourism; Marilyn Alexander, Comfort Inn, for hospitality; Shawn McHale, Ottawa Valley Glass, for manufacturing; Don Bishop, Bishop Aquatic Technologies, for technology; and George Pezoulus, Frisco’s Restaurant, hospitality and food services.
The panel stressed the importance of putting your best foot forward in your resume and cover letter, dressing appropriately for the job you seek, having good communication and good team skills, and having a friendly, helpful manner for dealing with the public.
The evening was a success for all who participated. Literacy Plus was pleased to be able to connect employers and job seekers, both students and adults, and to make closer links with the business community.
Year-end Statistics
At the end of March, we tally up our program
statistics for the year just ended to see, in
numbers, who we have served and what we
have achieved.
- Overall, from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008, Literacy Plus delivered training to 179 students for a total of 7,092 hours. Another 303 hours were spent on information, referral, and follow-up services.
- This year nearly a third of our students were men, up from a quarter last year. Our largest age groups were 25 to 44 years (50 students) and 45 to 64 years (99 students).
- These are the prime working years, and 82% of our students cited employment skills as their main goal for training at Literacy Plus. Nearly 40% (70 students) were already employed but came to improve their skills or learn new ones.
- 76 computer students spent 2,700 hours in class and another 645 hours in on-line courses and other supported learning.
- Thirteen students spent 1,420 hours improving their reading, writing, math and work skills in the upgrading class.
- Volunteers provide essential services to Literacy Plus. Thirty-one volunteer tutors delivered 930 hours of one-to-one training and another 400 hours of classes and workshops to 55 students.
- Thirteen board members spent 784 (recorded!) hours on board and committee work as well as fundraising to support the organization. Thank you, volunteers.