Work-based Certification for Production Workers              

The Canadian Labour Congress and Canadian Manufacturer’s and Exporters were collaborating on a certification program for managers, supervisors, lead hands, and production workers in the manufacturing sector. Regional Coordinators worked with unions and companies to document evidence of the knowledge and experience that had been gained through shop-floor learning. The evidence (workplace documents, testimonials, interviews, photos, training certificates) was assembled in portfolios that reflected nationally-developed standards, and were assessed by trained assessors who had themselves created portfolios.

Joint Program Development 

A new program was needed to create pathways between two post-secondary institutions, University of Winnipeg and Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. After initial research into programs conducive to collaboration at both institutions, two faculties – one from each institution – were identified as “bridging” partners. Teaching staff from the two faculties were brought together for a two-day strategic planning session to brainstorm innovative new programming ideas, and to analyze and map out program content to see where natural bridging may occur. Working groups were formed to dovetail admissions requirements and processes, to manage financial aspects of the project, to ensure consistent communication internal and external to the institutions, and to market the new program. At the end, a project report was generated to summarize research findings, provide a curriculum overview, and make implementation recommendations.

Tourism Training Materials for Manitoba’s North

A tourism specialist was developing a training program for northern community-based entrepreneurs, and wanted a literacy/EAL perspective for the training guide and delivery. The draft guide was collaboratively edited for plain language and cultural sensitivity, and then feedback was provided for training delivery in Rankin Inlet.

Online Program Development

University of Winnipeg wished to move its nationally-certified EAL instructor training online. The project was to design an engaging, interactive four-course training program that would allow participants to become TESL certified EAL instructors. Research was conducted into international teacher training programs, key themes were extracted, and a curriculum framework was developed. Once the framework was approved, ten online modules were written for each of the four courses, complete with learner guides, instructional content, online videos and audio, readings, and assessment activities.

Collaborative Curriculum Development

Opaskweyak Cree Nation was working with the Apprenticeship Branch and University College of the North to design and implement trades-related preparatory Essential Skills training for aspiring carpenters. Over the course of several meetings, the carpentry instructor, math instructor and literacy instructor collaboratively analyzed their respective curricula and identified opportunities for weaving together learning from each of the three areas, as well as integrating Aboriginal teachings. An integrated curriculum was developed to teach literacy and numeracy alongside introductory carpentry skills, and was used to guide one year of preparatory training for trades programming.