Participants in the Newcomers to the Trades project are well into their classroom and hands-on training at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) where they are learning three trades and preparing for their Alberta Apprenticeship Industry (AIT) entrance exam. Participants are very excited to …
Newcomers to the Trades: A Journey from the Classroom to the Workplace
As we approach the end of the year, we want to recognize the hard work that participants in the Newcomers to the Trades project have put into overcoming the challenges that the pandemic has presented since they began their journey in the spring. Participants adapted …
Guided Pathways: Training Design and Development
As we near the end of 2020, we are one step closer to rolling out our training component for the Guided Pathways project. Starting in winter 2021, we will provide training to 900 career development practitioners (CDPs) across the country to integrate essential skills resources …
Taking the Screen: Cannexus 2021
We are happy to announce that we will be (virtually) returning to CERIC’s annual career development conference, Cannexus, in 2021! To fit next year’s theme, Career Development for Public Good, AWES will present on Guided Pathways: Integrating Essential Skills into Practice. This project focuses on …
Guided Pathways: Meet the Advisory Committee
The Guided Pathways project is thrilled to introduce an exceptional group of professionals who have joined our Advisory Committee. This committee will serve to give expert advice into the Guided Pathways project in the areas of essential skills, adult learning, and career development. This group …
Skills for Work – Webinar
AWES invites you to a 30-minute webinar to introduce you to our online workplace training. The Skills for Work series is designed for immigrants who speak English as an additional language.
Skills for Work
Created in partnership with TIQ Software, AWES is excited to announce our just released and very first ‘gamified’ training series! Our team has been working hard over the last few months to get the pilot ready for Skills for Work, a new 18 course online …
Updates from AWES
June 2020
Guided Pathways: Survey results
As many of you have experienced, COVID-19 is bringing challenges that could never have been predicted. At AWES, we are working to find solutions to ensure our development and training continues to reach all of our partners and clients. For the Guided Pathways: Integrating Essential Skills research …
Insights and Updates
February 2020
Cannexus 2020
The Executive Director of AWES, Cindy Messaros, had a chance to share a bit more about the project at the federal Cannexus conference. Click here to see our latest communication regarding recruitment.
Final Survey Draw
Thanks to all of you who took the time to complete the Guided Pathways: Integrating essential skills survey. The final winners for the weekly were drawn December 16th and they are: Rebecca McKee, Victoria Keya Bhattacharya, Burnaby Lily-Ann Kodzin, Yelowknife Meredith Cunningham, Surrey Cherry Kwan, …
Careerwise Guest Blog
In January, you will find AWES at the Cannexus conference in Ottawa. We had a chance to share a bit more about one of our successful prior projects with career development practitioners in their newsletter. Find it here: https://careerwise.ceric.ca/2019/12/02/career-development-and-essential-skills-how-do-they-go-together/.
Week 3 Winners
Career development practitioners are asked to complete the Guided Pathways: Integrating essential skills survey. The third draw for gift cards happened December 8th, 2019! We’re excited to announce this week’s winners: Noor ul ain Asif, Burnaby -$100 Susanne Urbina, St. Albert – $100 gift card Shifana …
It’s December and we have exciting news!
We know that December is a busy month but we want to make sure that we hear from all the career development practitioners we can so… The survey will be open for an extra week! Since it is now December, and in the spirit …
Week 2 winners!
Career development practitioners are asked to complete the Guided Pathways: Integrating essential skills survey. The second draw for gift cards happened December 2nd, 2019! We’re excited to announce this week’s winners: Linus Leow, Vancover Warren Munroe, Owen Sound Kristine Snider, Owen Sound Francine Maurice, Penetanguishene …
First week winners!
Career development practitioners are asked to complete the Guided Pathways: Integrating essential skills survey. The first draw for gift cards happened November 25th. We’re excited to announce this week’s winners: Sarah Yerhoff – Enderby, BC Pamela Jadischke – Kitchener, ON Kimberley Dart – Calgary, AB …
Career Development Practitioner National Survey
AWES has been funded to implement Guided Pathways: Integrating essential skills, a national project working with career development practitioners to incorporate essential skills tools into their practices. AWES has released a survey to gather information on the sector and is asking for members of the …
Working Faster, Working Safer – CLB 1-2 Animated Videos
These videos were designed to support CLB 1-2 level learners interested in working in the hospitality field. They were created in response to research completed with employers in the hospitality industry. They are designed to be used with the Working Faster, Working Safer workbook. Working …
Working Faster, Working Safer
2019 This resource is written at CLB 1-2 and was built to develop language competence, intercultural communication skills, and workplace essential skills by incorporating authentic workplace documents and tasks. AWES offers training on the use of the materials and an accompanying facilitator guide. Contact us …
Curiosity leads to a national training project
By Sue Oguchi, lead curriculum developer and trainer for AWES Where it started “It would have been helpful for me to know about the essential skills framework when I was working as an employment counsellor.” – AWES workshop participant This seemingly simple comment piqued my …
Guided Pathways: Project phases and opportunities
Find AWES at ATESL 2019
We are pleased to be presenting the final version of our well received Working Faster, Working Safer resources and videos at the ATESL conference in Calgary in October. Looking forward to seeing you there. Find more information here: https://www.atesl.ca/conference/welcome/
Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies Conference 2019
AWES is pleased to be presenting at AAISA Conference 2019. Our workshop is called Workplace Integration: Beyond language. Find more information here: https://aaisa.ca/aaisa-conference/
Guided Pathways: Integrating essential skills
Check out our new project here. More news coming soon.
Language and Skills for Careers in Food Processing
2019 This resource is designed to support newcomers in the food processing industry with information to help with workplace attachment. AWES developed this material based on industry orientation training and an extensive needs assessment. AWES offers training on the use of the materials. Contact us for …
Spring brings new projects
May 2019
Starting your Career in the Food Processing Industry: An online course
We are excited to offer this new opportunity for newcomers wanting to access jobs in the food processing industry. The online course is easy to access and allows for self-registration. Click her for more information.
Working Faster, Working Safer
AWES has developed some new materials for CLB 1-2 learners and we are heading out to various locations in Alberta to share these materials at a no-cost workshop. Link to flyer Locations include: Grande Prairie, Hinton, Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat. For those in the CALP …
Language and Skills for Careers in Food Processing
Exciting training opportunity – no cost! This course is for immigrants who want to improve their language and workplace skills in food processing occupations. Click the following link for more information. AWES language and skills March 2019
New Ideas from AWES
January 2019
Application of Essential Skills to Curriculum Development
In this three-day advanced essential skills workshop, you will practice the concepts you learned in the Introduction to Essential Skills. Participants will work with content to embed essential skills at the appropriate levels of complexity, allowing learners to increase their skills and transfer their knowledge. …
Introduction to Essential Skills
This one-day workshop is for practitioners, curriculum developers and government. It will provide an introductory understanding of essential skills and complexity levels. Participants will learn about the components that go into creating an integrated curriculum and how to measure success. The workshop will provide an …
Skilling UP: THK Case Study
Read about the exciting results we got with our essential skills training. THK Rhythm Automotive Canada THK Rhythm Automotive Canada is a parts manufacturing plant located in Tillsonburg, Ontario. At the time of the project, THK supplied parts to 10 countries, 34 customers, and 56 locations. The company …
Ah Ha! Moments: An instructor’s experience with Skilling UP
By Carolyn Rasiuk, a lead trainer for Skilling UP An instructor’s perspective When I first heard about the pilot project to bring Skilling UP’s Workplace Essential Skillsprogram into a manufacturing environment, I was definitely intrigued. I have more than two decades of experience …
Skilling UP: Cosmetica Case Study
Read about the exciting results we got with our essential skills training. Cosmetica Cosmetica Laboratories operates in Ontario and most of their employees at the time of the project spoke English as a second language. The company has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Click the image below to …
Online Self-Study Resources for Newcomer Integration: An annotated guide
2018 This resource was developed as part of a project which introduced employment counsellors to the essential skills framework. During the research phase we learned that many English language learners don’t have time for or access to face to face training. This was created as …
Playing to our Strengths: Ensuring success in essential skills training
By Sue Grecki, Manager of Training and Development, SkillPlan SkillPlan specializes in workplace skill consultation and training for construction trades, mining, LNG, educators, & Indigenous groups to improve productivity and efficiency in Canada. A partner’s perspective The Skilling UP project framework was a …
Skilling UP: Chapman’s Case Study
Read about the exciting results we got with our essential skills training. Chapman’s Chapman’s is Canada’s largest independent ice cream and frozen yogurt manufacturer. The company is family owned and has been operating in a small town in Ontario for more than forty years. Click the image below …
From the Factory Floor – One company’s experience with Skilling UP
By Annamaria Rocco, Director, Human Resources, Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. was a participant in the Skilling UP project and was the employer with the highest percentage of workers born outside Canada, and the highest percentage of workers who had a first language other …
Skilling UP: Putting the customer first
By Cindy Messaros, Executive Director, Alberta Workforce Essential Skills The Original Skilling UP Model Skilling UP was originally conceived for two purposes: To examine the effectiveness of a Social Finance model in increasing essential skills in the workplace To better measure the potential return …
2018 ATESL Conference
Join us at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton from October 12th to 13th where AWES will provide an overview of an exciting new resource targeting CLB 1&2 learners hoping to enter the workforce. https://www.atesl.ca/conference/welcome/
Skilling UP Interim Report
The initial data and impacts of the Skilling UP project can be found in this report published by the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC). Link to report
Newcomers and the Workplace: Video series
These videos were created to support newcomers seeking work in Canada. They were developed to respond to language, essential skills and intercultural gaps for employment seekers. These videos support the Workforce Participation workbooks. Newcomers and the Workplace: The First Day at a New Job Newcomers …
Welcome to the AWES Blog
You may have noticed some changes to our website recently which include this added blog. We’re looking forward to using the blog to share some of the exciting things we are up to as well as sharing some of the news and information that move …
Language and Skills for Careers in Food Processing
Exciting training opportunity This training will be held in Lethbridge and Calgary. Three different workshop dates available in the fall of 2018. Click here for more information.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR Career and employment counsellors serving immigrant clients
The following workshop is available: Red Deer September 6th and 7th, 2018
2018 National Apprenticeship Conference
2018 National Apprenticeship Conference Join us at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montréal, QC from June 10–12 for the 2018 National Apprenticeship Conference. The 2018 conference will highlight initiatives, programs and strategies that contribute to Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system. Innovative on-the-ground approaches that reflect how …
AWES Workplace Essential Skills Assessment Tool
The AWES Workplace Essential Skills Assessment Tool is an online assessment that can be used in the workplace, and in the classroom to assess skills, develop targeted training, and measure progress. AWES believes in the importance of ongoing assessment so invested in this tool as …
Workplace Resources for English Language Learners: An Annotated Guide
2017 The annotated guide is a collection of selected materials that address language, essential skills, and intercultural competence related to the workplace including information and instructions about how and when to use the resource. It provides a look at the most relevant resources to support …
Workforce Participation Workbooks 1 and 2
2017 These resources are written at different language levels and are built to develop language competence, intercultural communication skills, and workplace essential skills by incorporating authentic workplace documents and tasks. AWES offers training on the use of the materials and an accompanying facilitator guide. Contact …
Bridge to Project Management
2016 This course helps ESL employees gain project management skills through a focus on language, intercultural and Workplace Essentials Skills. The course consists of four online learning modules and four full-day workshops. Participants will explore project management concepts that can be applied to any job …
Intercultural Intelligence – Working with Cultural Diversity in the Community Disability Services Sector
2015 The purpose of the materials is to develop organizational capacity in the disability services sector, through training and Workplace Essential Skills (WES) development, to increase the engagement and effectiveness of a diverse workforce. Target Audience: Employees within the Disability Service Sector Train the Trainer …
English for Workplace Safety
2015 The English for Workplace Safety materials were designed to increase the understanding of Canadian standards. There are four-modules to support English language learners in building a strong foundation in workplace safety and to bridge them into conventional safety training for their current and future …
Bridge to Leadership
2015 Bridge to Leadership is a four module course that was developed using a blended learning model. The four modules are a combination of content knowledge opportunity, language development and intercultural competence building. Target audience: Immigrant workers who are moving into supervisory positions. Bridge …
Giving Safety Talks: A guide for the construction sector
2014 This set of resources helps supervisors and trainers learn to give effective safety talks. The resources can be used in a workshop setting or for self-study. The Safety Posters have a large visual on the front to explain the safety point and teaching tips …
The Skilling Up project is announced
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, announced the project in his keynote speech at the Social Enterprise World Forum in October 2013.
Workplace Integration Series
2013 The resources explain common challenges newcomers experience as they integrate into Canadian workplaces. They provide practical advice, learning exercises and activities to support and accelerate workplace integration. Target audience: Newcomer professionals and their managers and mentors. A Guide for Managers and Mentors | Desk …
Construction Safety Training System Study Guide
2013 This resource provides strategies to help newcomers take the CSTS-09 course. It is designed for non-native speakers of English, as well as those with literacy and essential skills challenges in reading and computer use. Target Audience: ESL or low literacy learners required to take …
WorkUp!
2012 WorkUp! was a project that was designed to increase capacity for Workplace Essential Skills in Alberta by training facilitators. Included here are a series of materials developed to educate and inform. They include a report on the project, fact sheets, a practitioner guide and …
Best Practices for the EWP Trainer: English in the Workplace
2012 This resource lists 72 best practices specific to trainers and an additional 17 best practices for centers providing workplace language, intercultural and related integration training. The best practices were collected from EWP specialists in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. The …
Working in the Canadian Workplace Series
2012 This handbook and the accompanying workbook will give immigrants a better understanding of an employer’s expectations for them. It also gives practical ways to achieve those expectations. This learning will support language, intercultural and other integration-related needs. Target audience: Recent immigrants to Canada who …
Working with Newcomers: Tips for culturally diverse Canadian organizations
2012 This set of resources gives Canadian-born employees practical tips on how to work more effectively with recent newcomers to Canada. They can be used in a workshop setting or for self-directed study. Target Audience: Canadian employees working with immigrant workers. Facilitator Guide | Participant …
Integrating Workplace Essential Skills into Curricula: A process model
2005 This resource outlines the six steps to introduce workplace essential skills into existing curriculum. It includes identifying possible stakeholders, understanding the occupational goals of the learners, utilizing the resources available to identify common tasks, incorporating the tasks into the curriculum, gathering authentic document and …
Sectoral Needs Assessment: A Process for Essential Skills Analysis
2000 This guide provides a framework for performing a sectoral needs analysis. It overviews a systematic process of identifying needs in an industry, based on information drawn from a representative sample and an examination for other contributing variables. Target Audience: EWP practitioners working with industry …