Willow Creek Community Adult Learning Society executive director Kate Glover accepts a cheque for $30,000 from Caitlin Gajdostik, grants co-ordinator for the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. The grant is funding the new Education and Employment Readiness Opportunity workshop series.
Fort Macleod residents who want to improve their education and employment will get the help they need this winter from the Willow Creek Community Adult Learning Society.
The adult learning society is offering the Education and Employment Readiness Opportunity, a series of 34 workshops from Feb. 6 to May 30 to help people with personal development, adult learning skills and strategies and to meet their education and employment goals.
“It is for anybody,” adult learning society executive director Kate Glover said of the pilot program. “We’re really looking for people who are unemployed, under-employed or getting back to work.”
Willow Creek has partnered with the Pincher Creek Community Adult Learning Program to offer the workshops.
Lee Holfeld will facilitate the two-hour workshops, which will be offered twice a week at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Macleod and on-line.
The registration fee is $50, but subsidies are available from Alberta Advanced Education.
The workshops are designed to make it easier for people who want to get their high school diploma, improve their job skills or who are entering the workforce.
“It can be intimidating for an adult learner to get back in the market on their own,” Glover said.
The workshops begin with a student orientation and then address topics such as getting unstuck, growth mindset, limiting beliefs, identity, confidence and motivation, boundaries, learning styles, trauma and learning, the employment journey, a colours workshop, vision board, goal-setting and follow through.
There is a personal coaching day, as well as two workshops on how to be an adult student.
Workshops also cover topics such as stress management, problem-solving, communication, accountability, conflict, homework, study skills, writing and reading for the workplace and interview skills.
Glover said it is not necessary for people to attend all 34 workshops.
“We want to encourage a commitment to the program but they don’t have to attend them all,” Glover said.
Toward the end of the workshops learners will have the chance to connect with people from Columbia College and Red Crow College, along with the Taber Community Adult Learning Program, which offers basic adult education and high school diploma options.
The program concludes with a final presentation, keynote speaker and celebration.
Training Inc. will find people three-month work experience placements to help make connections in the community.
Glover said people will find the atmosphere welcoming, inclusive, and flexible.
“We’re meeting their needs,” Glover said. “They don’t have to meet our needs.”
For more information or to register contact Kate Glover at 403-53-4106 or at the Willow Creek Community Adult Learning Society office in Urban Core.
