Updates in Workforce Development

What do Academic Upgrading, Contract Training, Co-op Services/Work Placement Services and Northwest Employment Works (NEW) all have in common? They are part of one department here at Confederation College – the Workforce Development Department. In the past two years, this department has undergone several changes. The most recent change is the move of NEW and Co-op Services/Work Placement services to the Sibley Hall Residence Building. This fall saw the completion of this brand-new employment center that will serve the community, as well as our own college students, all under one roof.

With locations in Thunder Bay, Dryden, and Marathon, Northwest Employment Works is an Employment Ontario Assessment Centre offering a variety of programs & services geared to helping job seekers & employers achieve their job search & recruitment & training goals.

Co-operative Education provides students with an opportunity for full-time employment while completing their program of study (note that co-op is an option in only a few programs at this time). In the workplace, there is general exposure to different work settings and progression in work experience.

Work Placements are integrated learning experiences and are often scheduled during the final semester of a post-secondary program that offers a Work Placement. Work Placements provide an excellent opportunity for students to bridge academic skills and theory to continuous learning in the workplace. Successful completion of the Work Placement is the final step towards graduation and professional employment in many programs.

Academic Upgrading has been a part of the College for the past 35 years, it is offered in Thunder Bay on the main campus and downtown at the Thunder Bay District Services Administration Board. It is also offered in Greenstone and Marathon. Confederation College’s Academic Upgrading program helps students get ready for the Academic & Career Entrance (ACE/grade 12 equivalency) program. The program delivers courses in math, English, science, and computers.

Finally, the Contract Training Division delivers a wide range of training and consulting services to industry leaders, municipal, provincial, and federal government agencies, First Nations and foreign clients. The success of the division is based on the ability to work with clients to determine needs, develop appropriate training programs and deliver programming in a manner that suits the client’s scheduling.

These divisions have reported to several different departments over the years. Now they are all under one department managed by Carol Cline. Carol has been with the College for a number of years, with many different titles over that time. She started out as the Manager of AU before becoming the Chair of WFD. As part of the recent restructuring this fall, it was determined that this portfolio required yet another title change – please join me in acknowledging Carol as our Dean of Workforce Development. I am confident that this new title captures the academic work that each of these areas accomplishes and contributes to Confederation College.