Skill Development for Your Apprentice
As a small to medium employer (SME), hiring and training a new apprentice can be challenging. Apprentices don’t always have an opportunity to gain the skills they need to be job ready. This means that apprentices often lack key employability skills necessary to be successful in their training. This can lead to issues with recruitment, retention and employee satisfaction.
Remember: you’re not alone! FREE adult upskilling programs can help your apprentices build their skills.
There are also many benefits to you, the employer! Adult upgrading programs can help you to
- build a skilled workforce
- future proof your business
- increase retention
- reduce costs associated with recruiting and training new employees
- increase job satisfaction and productivity
- build positive employee-employer relationships
Literacy and Basic Skills Programs
Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs, also called “adult upgrading” or “academic upgrading”, support adults to improve their skills for apprenticeship, training and employment. Programs help learners develop a plan to meet their goals. They offer free, flexible, individualized support for as long as needed. Adult upgrading programs offer skills upgrading in
- reading
- writing
- math
- digital technology
Adult upgrading programs also help adults build important skills to be successful at work. These are the 9
Skills for Success. Improving these skills can help adults gain employability skills, also known as “soft skills for work”.
Adult upgrading programs offer a range of supports, courses and targeted training programs. These will differ based on the needs of the community they serve. Some examples include
- math for the trades
- leadership and communication
- health and safety
- G1 test preparation
- digital technology like iPads or smartphones
Adult upgrading programs are flexible and customizable based on the program and the learner. Adult upgrading programs can also help apprentices prepare for their qualifying exams, including
- exam preparation
- strategies to manage test anxiety
- practice tests
- skills assessments
When Should I Refer an Apprentice to Literacy and Basic Skills?
It’s common for apprentices to need extra support with academic and employability skills. An adult upgrading program can help remove barriers to learning and build skills to increase success. But how do you know when to refer? An apprentice might not tell you about their learning challenges. Here are some things to look for.
Refer to adult upgrading if the apprentice or employee
- wants to improve their reading, writing or math skills for work
- has difficulty completing training standards - maybe they’re falling behind due to difficulties with literacy or math
- has concerns or anxiety around test-taking
- needs more support to follow verbal or written instructions
- wants to build confidence with classroom learning - maybe they’ve had difficulty with
- passing their level 1 exam
- retaining information taught in the classroom
- moving up levels in their training
- adapting to new technologies used in school or at work
- wants to improve other key skills for work (i.e., communication, adaptability, problem solving, adaptability)
How to Connect With Local Literacy and Basic Skills Providers
To find adult upgrading programs in your community, contact your local Learning Network. The Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) is made up of 16 learning networks from across Ontario. Each network provides information, support and referrals to their local LBS providers. Your regional learning network can help you connect with local upgrading programs and resources based on your specific needs.
Contact your regional learning network.
How Can Your Apprentice Find Online Learning Programs
Between training and other daily commitments, apprentices might not have time to attend in-person programs. There are many options available for learners, including online courses and targeted training. Here’s a list of online programs, services and supports.
- offers free online resources, programs and supports for adults and literacy programs across Canada
- ABC skills hub online learning portal
- free online courses to improve your skills for work
- UP Skills for Work
- employability and life skills resources, and online courses
- free service that helps Ontarians access online literacy programs, courses and support
- studyonline.ca
- free information and referrals to online programs, courses and support services
- e-Channel
- free online education for adults, including skills upgrading courses for the trades
3) Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO)
- a provincial literacy network that serves community-based literacy programs
- CLO Skills for Success apprenticeship resources
- free resources designed for apprentices and people from equity deserving groups to improve their digital skills and skills for work.
4) Skills for Success Assessment and Training Tools
- tools to assess and upgrade skills
- Note: Make sure you set the filter to “I am an… employer”
5) Skills/Compétences Canada Skills for Success Resources
- offers a range of free assessments, activities and more Skills for Success resources targeted at tech and trades careers
6) Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA) Learning Challenges Assessment Tool (LCAT)
- identifies challenges related to language processing and provides strategies for the classroom, workplace and everyday life
Resources
How to Connect With Local Literacy and Basic Skills Providers
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