Challenges of the program include

• Broad range of academic skills
• Pressures of home life and drug and alcohol addictions
• Self-esteem
• Awareness of industry moving in (causes fear and excitement) Janvier and Conklin up until a few years ago were sleepy little towns with no industry;

In Conklin, 10 out of the 12 participants went into these trades after graduating. Industry collaborated to customize the program for employment opportunities within the area and provided work placements plus hiring commitments. Most graduates will not have to leave their families to find work although they will have to come in to Fort McMurray to complete their apprenticeship training.

The Safety and Workplace Reading program offers 6 strategies to participants to enable them to be in the moment when it is necessary. The workshop is a 4 day jump start to help the participants feel less stressed with upcoming reading tasks ( in the pre- apprenticeship programs) It is not the only reading component and it is not a diagnostic reading assessment but a strategy based workshop to create awareness. It is not for beginner readers.

In 1997, in response to demand from participants in the reading program, Keyano again partnered with Syncrude to develop SAM – Syncrude Applied Math. We call it WAM - Workplace Applied Math when we offer it outside of the Syncrude workplace. The program is designed, using relevant workplace examples, for employees who have been out of school for a while, or didn’t do well in math at school or need to refresh skills for an apprenticeship exam.

Hildy Hanson