Formative Evaluator's Report: Bridging the Gap, Phase II

6.8 Literacy/Workplace Skills Training (Delivery)

  • The time required to deliver the training component should be dependent on the industry requirements. A standard 40 week program may not best suit the needs of every site.
  • The one–on–one interviews with the training participants should be alternated with Focus Group Sessions and written testimonials. This variety may help the participants find their easiest method of communication.
  • It is necessary to document students' progress both academically and practically. These lists can be periodically reviewed with each participants so they can see their progress throughout the program.
  • It is important to allow the participants to take ownership of the training component. They can help determine potential areas for training and make recommendations to the Skill Set Design Team.
  • 60/40 practical to academic components would have been better than 50/50 would have been better. Some of the academics probably weren't necessary. We needed more practical.
  • Knowledge of what is required of the health and safety stuff up front.

6.9 Evaluation

  • There should be more regional representation on the Pan Provincial Evaluation Team above and beyond the Coordinators.

6.10 Communications

  • Communication and support at all levels is key to the successful implementation of the Bridging the Gap Model.
  • Another recommendation is that we need to ensure that each person involved in Bridging the Gap knows what their role is from the beginning.
  • We should have more media coverage? It is a good news story that people will enjoy reading and learning about.

6.11 Bridging the Gap Co–ordinators

  • Bridging the Gap Co–ordinators should have a strong combination of education and experience in coordination. They should also have excellent interpersonal skills.
  • One co–ordinator could do two projects if they were close together geographically, had staggered start dates, dealt with the same CLN team and the same HRE and HRDC officials.
  • There was way too much co–ordination.
  • It is important that the CLN not supervise the Co–ordinator, nor should the employer or the College. The third party sponsorship (the project sponsor) is an important part to ensure the best interests of the participants. (Not the employment partners or the College)