THE BRIDGING PROGRAM MODEL WISE offers an individualized approach to training, needs assessment, and skill development in an environment designed to reduce the barriers to women's participation. It encompasses the development of problem-solving and goal-setting skills, and the development of support systems to facilitate the transition to further training and/or successful employment. The most innovative aspects of the WISE project are the bridging and flexibility of the training process. The project design incorporates learning modules, transferrable skills, computer assisted learning, contract learning, and small group learning. The program includes: individual assessment, individual counselling, individual and group career exploration, vocational planning, pre-technical and trades bridging, work observation stations, some academic upgrading, and introduction to computer operations. All modules and components, with the exception of the work observation stations, are located on one site and are supplemented by support and advocacy. Participants receive financial assistance equal to the provincial minimum wage rate, financial support for child care, and transportation services for children (and participants when possible). The staff team includes a co-ordinator, a counsellor, two instructors, an administrative assistant, and a van driver. The van driver provides transportation for participants' children from the WISE program to and from their respective schools and daycare programs. Despite the fact that WISE has advertised only twice in the local newspaper and has the financial capacity to accommodate only twenty-five women at a time, over five hundred women have attended the WISE information sessions. Applicants attend an initial counselling session where an assessment is completed. The selection of appropriate candidates is determined by the counsellor and co-ordinator. WISE has had four intakes of participants since February 1988 when the program began. |
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