Bridging the Gap: From Education to Employment - "A Practical Example of Linking Community, Social and Economic Development"
Abstract:
If there was a way to link adults with academic challenges to skills training and then to employment opportunities, many issues could be resolved. Bridging the Gap: From Education to Employment is a model designed to provide a training program that is sensitive to the needs of adults with academic challenges, that is more individually based, and that is directly linked to a work placement.
Phase I of this model was delivered with a resounding success in terms of providing academic skill sets as well as gainful employment. Phase II of the model is scheduled to test the applicability on a pan provincial basis by delivering the project in 5 different social, cultural and economic regions of the province.
A unique adaptation of WebCT (a communications, learning and sharing online tool) has been implemented to assist the Community Learning Networks in the administration of the projects.
Presenters:
Michelle Brown
Ed LundriganMichelle Brown has been a Community Economic Development (CED) Worker since 1992 and has committed her work to assisting in the development and enhancement of rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Before commencing her work with the Random North Development Association in 1993, she worked with the Port Blandford to Winter Brook Development Association as the Social and Economic Development Co-ordinator. Michelle received her post-secondary education through the Newfoundland and Labrador Career Academy, Keyin College, and the University of Waterloo. Michelle through her work with Random North has designed a community-based model that links adults with academic challenges directly to employment. This model, entitled: Bridging the Gap: From Education to Employment has been tested with a community-based team and an employment partner in the local area. The finally outcome successfully proved that human resource development can be integrated with social and economic growth. Michelle is currently working on Bridging the Gap, Pilot Phase II with five other geographic regions of the province. Michelle has presented the Bridging the Gap concept nationally and in October 2001, received the Innovations in Education Award from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Michelle happily resided in the small rural community of Musgravetown, located on the east coast of Newfoundland with her husband, Tony and little boy, Stephen.
Ed Lundrigan has been employed in the post secondary system since he began his career in 1990. Employed at the Headquarters Office of Eastern College as a Statistician, he provided research and statistical support to the senior executive of the College. His work involved projects such as needs assessments, graduate employment surveys, satisfaction surveys, quality audits, program reviews, etc.
Ed has held his current position of Community Relations Officer since January 1998. His primary role is the coordination and delivery of Contract Training and Community Education initiatives in the department of Community & Corporate Services. Part of his responsibilities is to establish contacts with local industry, businesses, unions, government departments, and professional and trade associations to make them aware of training services available through the Campus or College.
Ed has a Bachelor Degree in Economics, a Bachelor Degree in Vocational Education as well as a Certificate in Business Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He also holds a Diploma in Microcomputer Business Applications from CompuCollege School of Business. Ed is a Certified Program Planner (CPP), a designation awarded from Learning Resources Network (LERN) - a US based training company specializing in professional development in the field of contract training. Ed is currently a candidate for the Master of Education program at Memorial University of Newfoundland.