FANSHAWE

PROGRAM STRATEGIC PLANNING

Scheduling is based on the examination of monthly and yearly stats. Currently programming is offered days and evenings on a full and part time basis. The increasing number of employed learners in programming may result in weekend delivery. Development of the Essential Skills Resource Centres was in response to an identified need. Content of courses also depends on student goals and prior experience.

Because each location has distinct client groups and needs, the program delivered varies from site to site. In Alymer, the program is seasonal based on the Mexican Mennonite client base. In Simcoe, there is a large number of individuals referred by the Employment Resource Centre and the Ontario Works offices. The LBS program provides intake, assessment and referral services for Ontario Works. In London, because OW recipients are the largest group, an LBS staff person is at OW one day a week to provide information and referrals.

Fanshawe analyzes stats monthly and also uses CSC Provincial and Regional analysis in the planning cycle. These reports serve to alert administrators to changes or confirm current activity.

For younger learners who have plateaued, LBS provides help in conjunction with Job Connect. For older students, a similar arrangement has been made with the Unemployed Help Centre.

Essential Skills and NOC are playing an increasing role in Training Plan Development. In the past, Fanshawe had a job shadowing initiative (2 week placement) but had to discontinue as a result of inadequate funding. With appropriate funding, Fanshawe would reintroduce job shadowing.

In addition to the stats available through the LSP process, Fanshawe subscribes to a number of other sources for labour market information especially Sector Council newsletters, community and local stats available through OW, Services Canada, and the LTAB. A major focus is to identify local employment opportunities then go to national profiles to develop meaningful learning activities and demonstrations for the classroom. All this local labour market information informs how the delivery is to be tailored, how students should be grouped, and helps determine partnerships required ( e.g. Call Centre training)

LSP identifies training needs and materials and approaches for sharing. This year the Network is hosting training in October. Fanshawe will provide an Essential Skills workshop.

Hands-on opportunities have been provided in conjunction with other college divisions. The hospitality division provided upgrading students with an occupational overview and practice activities in math and communications; for example, costing of items for a menu. Students interested in this occupational sector return for a second more in depth day. There are plans to expand this activity to other divisions especially technology, apprenticeship and health.

MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS

Fanshawe partners with local employers through the London Economic Development Corporation, an organization mandated to support local industry by helping maintain current activity and by introducing new industry. The results of the Experienced Worker Project will shortly be available on their web site. This committee is particularly promoting older workers as one strategy to address skills shortage, and includes Essential Skills. Fanshawe also partnered with 2 of the local Call Centres to develop curriculum. Graduates were linked to employers. Employers provided feedback on curriculum. Similarily CCAC assisted with development of the PSW course and provided space for the training. In Simcoe, a partnership has been formed with a trucking company in which they will deliver trade specific skills, and the College will provide upgrading opportunities as required. (This will link specifically with the TOWES Trucking Sector National Project and the potential to pilot Bow Valley's higher end activities.) Participation on these committees takes considerable time, but the information gathered is ultimately of benefit to students.