Authentic Workplace Tasks/Materials Speeds ES Coaching

By Laura Ruddock

Hired in administrative roles by a non-profit organization set in a rural community, two female workers soon found themselves overwhelmed by job tasks that included planning events and writing reports for their Board. In short order, their Executive Director recognized that training was required and the call went out to the Interlake Adult Learning Association and the Workplace Education Manitoba Steering Committee (WEMSC), who agreed to provide Essential Skills training.

Margaret Chambers, a rural coordinator for WEMSC, says “When we asked these two women what aspects of their jobs they found most challenging, they agreed it was managing data related to the events they managed and writing reports to the board.” An Essential Skills coach was hired who would eventually deliver a total of 80 hours of Essential Skills training.

Areas of need identified during the assessment phase included computer skills, oral communications, writing reports, problem-solving and organizational skills. To make the training plan as effective as possible, it was developed in consultation with the workers and carried out using authentic workplace tasks and materials. “Involving the employee in setting up their learning plan is really important. Getting them to do something that isn’t generic also makes it something they can apply to their job tomorrow,” says Chambers.

Practice using authentic workplace tasks and materials focused on:

• Developing an appropriate process and format for organizing information
• Setting up and entering information into a spreadsheet and database
• Using a computer to write reports and store data
• Organizing tasks and setting timelines
• Coordinating work with others
• Resolving problems that arise
• Writing reports

With training concluded and the women feeling much more confident in their positions, Chambers expects the future event planning and reporting to be well organized, effective and much less stressful. “Now they’re ready to do it!”

For more information on Workplace Education Manitoba, please visit http://www.wem.mb.ca/.