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The GAP Program 2010 In our community there is a significant population between the ages of 30 - 54 who are facing very real employability barriers. Either under or unemployed these people are caught in the "gap" - an interstitial point in their lives where the individual is unable to find employment because of a lack of employment related skills, inadequate education and limited life (soft) skills. Regardless of the reason, extended periods of time away from the workforce is a problem that compounds itself. At the point where these people are ready to re-enter the job market their skills are lacking in many areas. Overcoming these obstacles seems unapproachable and re-entering the workplace near impossible. What is the GAP Program? The GAP Program, developed by the Nova Scotia Department of Labor and Workforce, is a unique approach that addresses this serious socio-economic issue. Its focus is to build on the skills the clients already have, educate and develop new skills and interest, and redirect clients back into the mainstream workplace. The GAP Program increases participant's employment potential from both a practical and academic standpoint by teaching life skills, adult learning (ALP curriculums II and III) and work experience to integrate participants back into the work force. The GAP Project is a Unique Approach Programs that address these employment issues individually are good but as a solution are incomplete for the target demographic. Typically time gaps in between programs causes a loss of focus, and other adult issues arise to become barriers to progress. Persons caught in the GAP dilemma typically require a much broader scoped approach to prepare them for the workplace. The GAP Project is unique in that it addresses these employability issues as a complete package. According to The Conference Board of Canada there are main skills grouped as either 1. fundamental skills, 2. personal management skills and 3. teamwork skills, that affect employability. GAP is a comprehensive delivery of life skills, adult learning and practical work experience that is formulated according to these skill groups that addresses the specific needs of the client.. The GAP approach is to isolate and target deficiencies, teach new skills and builds on the knowledge the client already has. Other Unique Benefits of the GAP Program It is difficult to quantify the potential benefits of the GAP program because of the magnitude of the issue, but the contribution it will make to our community cannot be understated. It is sufficient to say that the following benefits are only a précis of the impact this program will have. Other GAP project Benefits include: The program is driven by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development so the scope of enrollment is greater than with other programs. The educational component follows the curriculum as laid out by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. This allows clients to further persue other educational avenues (including GED) if desired. Clients get new, documented skills such as conflict resolution, customer service, food handling, WHMIS, OH&S and others. These are certificate programs that augment their current resumes. Clients learn how to effectively interact and communicate between colleagues and employers, study employer expectations and workplace etiquette. Peer support between clients and instructors possible only in a class environment. Weekly debriefing meetings between client and instructors. The GAP Program Conclusion Concluding the work placement clients will engage in a one week job finding workshop. A job search plan will be developed for each participant, interview skills will be polished and resumes/portfolios updated during this time. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development has through study predetermined the need for the GAP Program. CALA because of its focus on adult learning and outstanding track record has been chosen to implement this program as a pilot project in Colchester County. Ultimately the GAP project will improve the employability of our clients, improving their own lives and increasing their contribution to our community. For More Information For more information on the GAP Program please contact: Thomas Falle - gap@colchesteradultlearning.com GAP Program Coordinator Colchester Adult Learning Association Tel/Fax: (902) 956-9599 See Also: CALA Directory GAP Program Blog Contact GAP Other CALA Programs: Adult Learning Program Computer & Training Skills English - Second Language Family Literacy Program GED Classes Outreach Classes Donate On-line: Contact Us: Colchester Adult Learning Association 36 Arthur Street Forrester Hall, Room 127 Truro, Nova Scotia CANADA B2N 1X5 Tel/Fax: (902) 895-2464 E-MAIL CALA

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