An important aspect of evaluation is feedback from learners. Staff conduct end-of-year surveys to determine learner satisfaction with the program. The surveys cover a broad range of topics, including both curricular and extracurricular activities, and learning materials. This approach provides the program with in-depth qualitative data from the learners’ perspectives. Learners are often quite forthright about changes that are needed: they are always listened to. Many of the positive changes that have been made to the program, such as the development of teams, result from learners’ suggestions. Partner organizations that support work experience placements provide feedback on that aspect of the program.

In terms of quantitative data, staff keep track of:

• Overall enrolments each semester
• Learner retention numbers and reasons for learners leaving
• The numbers of men and women that enroll each year
• Learner attendance
• Follow up statistics, such as the numbers of program participants who get a job following their training
• Learner progress or coursework
• Learner work experience hours completed
• Learner achievements, awards, certificates, etc.

In 2003-2004, 65 potential learners applied for the program. Forty-four eventually enrolled. Of these, 29 learners were still attending in May 2004. Those who left gave the following reasons for leaving: