Formative Evaluator's Report: Bridging the Gap, Phase II (Appendices)
  • The company must not be relying on Government Funding for financial stability or potential growth. This dependence on a third party gives such an organization a higher risk factor for future employment potential.
  • The success of the entire model hinges on successfully implemented this link. The overall goal of this program is to create sustainable employment for the participants. This goal with not be achieved without choosing the most appropriate industry partner.
  • Although, the BTG model focuses on creating a skilled labour pool for a chosen industry partner, it must also be noted that there is an overlap of responsibility to the general business practices. A co–dependant relationship is created between the industry partner and the BTG project. The industry partner is dependant on the program for the labor resource and the program is dependant on the industry partner to succeed in business to ensure the future employment of the labor force it will create. This co-dependancy makes it necessary that both parties work together for their common goal: long term success and in turn, employment.
  • Employment partners have to be a private sector business. Before a Community Learning Network selects their employment partner, it is critical that an interview process be conducted, the business/company fully understand the Bridging the Gap concept and their contribution to the program, and a meeting with the employment partner is held. Bridging the Gap is not about the employment partner, it is about the participants. The anticipated outcomes as a result of the interventions with the participants will be positive and beneficial for the employment partners.
  • It is recommended to review the screening/selecting process for selecting the employment partners. Take the necessary time required to meet with potential employment partners to discuss the objectives of the Bridging the Gap Program, their contributions, and overall outcomes. It is essential to always maintain ongoing communication between the selected employment partner and other Community Learning Network Team members. Anything involving safety issues, we need to make sure that the safety inspections are done upfront.