Omamo


	GETTING TO WORK training program What is the Getting to Work program? Who should use this program? Why the focus on youth? What are the expected outcomes of the program? Delivery strategy History of the project How are the materials organized? What is the Learning Model used? How can I obtain the manuals? Is there a trainer available? What is the Getting to Work program? The Getting to Work program is a set of three manuals and a workbook/working portfolio designed to help young people, ages 16-24, who are making a transition from school to work or post-secondary education. It was developed with funding from HRDC and is available for free from OMAMO. Your only costs will be the costs of reproduction and the usual costs of training (facilities, use of a trainer etc.). Note: OMAMO can provide you with a trainer for this program. Youth in transition are, by definition, at a turning point in their lives. Learning about work and life management are important aspects of that transition. At this stage in their lives, they need positive social and work experiences, and role models. They also need a range of skills, competencies, and personal qualities to succeed in the workplace. They need to be able to describe clearly and in detail their achievements, to sell themselves with confidence and to perform competently on the job.This program will help them do that. Who should use this program? Community organization and groups (churches, clubs) working with young adults (between the ages from 16-24 years of age) in transition from school to work, seeking a job, or seeking to continue training and education for specific skills as they explore career options. Schools working with senior students Colleges and other training institutions preparing people for work Employment centers preparing youth for the job market Young adults at the post-secondary level who would find the Workbook/Working Portfolio section useful for independent learning These manuals have already been used by several Toronto groups and it can be easily adapted for use anywhere in Canada. Some organizations that have used the manual, to date, include the York regional office of HRDC, a youth employment service in Willowdale, the Ismaili community, the Halton Multicultural Association, the Malvern Youth Club, a St. Catherine’s Youth Group and several other organizations. (get quotes if possible) Why the focus on youth? Youth are facing greater challenges in the labour market. Entering the labour force, they face high levels of competition from experienced workers due to the demand for higher-skilled workers. Youth in transition need particular kinds of help. They need to feel empowered. They need help to enter and perform competently in the work force or make a commitment to on-going learning. They need to know what employers want and what they must be able to do to be employed. They need job search skills. These transitional needs and tasks may be complicated by the experience of cultural discontinuities, gender bias, age differences, and the need to learn new skills in unfamiliar settings and under differing conditions. A program like this, that enlists the help of parents, community leaders and business, may help them with those hurdles by providing support, wisdom and realistic discussion of issues. What are the expected outcomes of the program? After working through this program, participants should be able to: demonstrate new and identifiable skills, competencies, and personal qualities that are observable and measurable have a better understanding of themselves feel comfortable and confident in pursuing goals have a better sense of personal empowerment in making decisions, assessing risks, and estimating outcomes. Delivery strategy This program has been designed to be delivered using collaboration between parents and community leaders to increase learning options and ensure significant and reality-based learning. Partnerships between institutions and community organizations and groups will also help ensure that information and strategies for learning are up-to-date and relevant. Co-operation with businesses will ensure that skills and competencies are workplace-based, applicable and understandable and that opportunities for work become known and accessible. History of the project The need for material of this type was identified through various encounters and dialogues with community leaders, young people in formal and informal groups and organizations, and with key leaders in schools and other institutions offering continuing education options.The project was developed with support and encouragement from the York Regional Office of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) thought its job creation program, and in partnership with the Ontario Multicultural Association Multiculturelle Ontario (OMAMO). The project began in 1998 and was completed in draft form by March 1999. How are the materials organized? The manual is organized around a ten-step process of learning about the world of work and getting ready to work. The ten steps include the study/examination of: Labor market trends and employment prospects Employment readiness Self-assessment Planning and decision making Occupation exploration Job search Getting and succeeding on the job Developing the knowledge and skills for workplace and life management Support Structures Access and Participation. Within each of the 10 steps there are several units with two to seven lesson plans. The lesson plans are organized for easy of delivery each with: An Introduction Objective Enabling Outcomes Approach Materials Activity Guide Exit Outcomes Resources The lesson plan format should make the content readily understandable and usable with groups of 10 to 15 people. It is expected that each lesson will be 45 to 90 minutes in durations. Overheads, worksheets and supplementary resources are included. The workbook is organized as a working portfolio and draws upon the worksheets, overheads and handouts. The workbook highlights the theme of getting to work and is organized around ten essential questions, which reflect the ten-step process of the manual. Note: The workbook could be used as an independent unit of study by more advanced learners. What is the Learning Model? In putting the lessons together, attention was given to selecting and sequencing the activities in a manner that would encourage learning. Each lesson is organized as the presentation of new information or as an opportunity to explore, more fully, familiar areas of knowledge.The activities encourage examination and/or application of new knowledge, skills and competencies, and/or reference to previously observed or experienced learning. The themes and topics are included because of their significance to worker roles and responsibilities, goals and expectations. Each lesson is built on the premise that learners will be able to use the new knowledge and/or learning experience to further understanding about themselves and about the nature of work; performing on the job; building a career; and balancing career, work, and personal responsibilities. How can I obtain the manuals? Please call 416-686-4686 and leave a message. Or fax your request to 416-686-4687 to obtain information and order the project binders. Is there a trainer available? You can contact a workshop trainer at the numbers above if you would like advice or assistance in delivering this workshop.