9. Why Developed / Problems / Issues Targeted

It was developed to address the gap in “essential” or “employability” skills between what young new employees are demonstrating and what employers say they need. WorkStart spent six months trying to find engaging programs which addressed these skill gap issues and made the decision to develop their own when their research could not find adequate resources.

These “essential skill” areas were recently highlighted as areas of continuing concern by the Honourable Perrin Beatty in a speech to the Canadian Bureau of Education’s annual conference in November of last year.

10. Key Features / Content

• Innovative
• Effective
• Promising

WorkGo shows a number of entry level work scenarios. Animated characters are faced with situations where they need to decide on the best approach to specific work issues or problems. The consequences of their actions are also explored in the video. Viewers watch the characters in a variety of work situations and can choose various actions for the characters to take and see the result of their choice. Commentary on these choices is provided by a narrator. Viewers then have an opportunity to build on the skills demonstrated in the video through workbook exercises.

The objective of the program is to make youth aware of the importance and impact of work attitudes and behaviours. WorkGo uses an interactive, engaging and non lecturing approach.

WorkGo has two modules; Attitude & Service. The Attitude module covers the following topics: a positive approach, being on time, keeping focus on work, doing your best, accepting guidance and instruction, being flexible, keeping emotions under control, staying substance abuse free, being honest. The Service module covers: doing more than expected, putting in extra effort, treating other well, handling difficult situations, effective communication, dealing with customers, being professional, putting customers needs first, learning to listen, ask questions and make suggestions.