Updated January 11, 2023

  • Learners: New instructor-led CONNECT4WORK programs are running in North Vancouver Island communities September 2022-June 2023.
  • Learners: Lessons are available to use on your own.
  • Teachers & Organizations: Curriculum is available for free to use to run your own program plus a Facilitator Guidebook to help you plan your class. There are also free Train-the-Trainer sessions!

Contact: mwliteracynow@gmail.com

CONNECT4WORK: Introduction to computers for job seekers

Course Description:

Workers who have been displaced from their jobs will have hands-on learning in a small class environment. Students will start from the basics – turning on a pc, using a mouse, understanding technology vocabulary – and build on their skills over 6 weeks.

  • The course covers internet searches and safety, creating basic documents, using email, using online learning platforms like Zoom, and an introduction to a variety of online resources from government and health services to banking and library services.
  • Guest teachers will demonstrate using online services like banking, Vancouver Island Regional Libraries, Government Services, Health Services, NIEFS services, Community Futures and North Island College ‘intro to’ various programs.

*We supply the laptop computer for the 6-week term during class and to practice at home.

Course Length

36 hours. 12 3-hour classes (with a break), twice weekly, for six weeks.

Goal: Introduce workers to using technology to:

  • look for work
  • access online health, government and other services
  • pursue continuing education
  • connect to family and community

On program completion, students will be able to:

use a laptop to search for and apply for work, take online classes to upgrade their skills or explore new careers, use a conferencing/learning platform like zoom, communicate effectively through email, and become familiar with Word to edit or create a resume and cover letter, and access online services for banking, libraries, health and government services.

Costs

  • Free – no tuition!
  • If you need transportation support, please talk to us, we may be able to help!

Join a CONNECT4WORK program in 2022 and 2023 in a North Vancouver Island community

In July 2022, we were one of five communities in Canada to receive funding to pilot test our CONNECT4WORK Introduction to Computers for Job Seekers program.

We have three CONNECT4WORK programs in 2022 and 2023.

  • Port Hardy – September 8 – October 18, 2022
    Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Details
  • Port McNeill – January 31 – March 9, 2023
    Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Details
  • North Island Town #3 – April 2023

To register or for more information about upcoming CONNECT4WORK programs, contact our program facilitator Nickka Hutton at 250-902-7149 or email connect4work@hotmail.com

Learn on your own using our lessons.

If you have some computer experience, you can download all 12 of the CONNECT4WORK lessons and work through them on your own!

Lead a CONNECT4WORK program at your organization.

You’ll find all the materials to coordinate and deliver the CONNECT4WORK Introduction to Computers for Job Seekers program – even if you’re not a computer expert! – in our Program Facilitator Guide.

Everything you need: Class outlines, lesson plans, printable lessons for the learner, presentation slide decks, promotional materials and ideas are all included – ready to use and print, and/or editable to customize.

Plus, the in-depth downloadable Facilitator Guidebook guides you step-by-step direction plus costs and funding information, technical and classroom considerations, tips for teaching adult learners and overcoming learner barriers, and promotional ideas and materials.

Visit our CONNECT4WORK Program Facilitator Guide to access all the training materials.

CONNECT4WORK Train-the-Trainer in 2023

*New! Train-the-trainer sessions are coming in 2023.

Learn how to use our materials to deliver CONNECT4WORK at your organization.

For more information or register for a Train-the-Trainer session in 2023, contact our program facilitator Nickka Hutton at 250-902-7149 or email connect4work@hotmail.com

Sponsor and partnerships

We’re also looking for sponsor and partnership possibilities to run future CONNECT4WORK Introduction to computers for job seekers programs in North Island communities.

Please contact us if:

  • your organization or company is interested in hosting or sponsoring a CONNECT4WORK program
  • your organization has a funding opportunity that would fit CONNECT4WORK
  • you know someone who would be interested in taking this program.

How will it work? We provide the curriculum, instructor and laptop computers for participants to borrow during the program (usually 6 weeks). Your organization provides the instructor’s salary and classroom location (we may be able to help with a location).

There is also potential to adapt the program for general digital literacy, without the employment focus. Talk to us if you have ideas!

For more information about Connect4Work contact mwfamilyliteracy@gmail.com

Background

In 2021, the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society beta-tested a new digital literacy/beginner’s computer program for workers who have been displaced from their jobs.

The program was developed as part of the Enhancing Displaced Workers’ Literacy and Essential Skills project.

Participants: Workers in Port Alice, Port Hardy & Port McNeill who have lost a job due to:

  • Workplace moved or closed
  • Job or shift was cut
  • Natural disaster
  • Covid-19

Location: Port Alice June-July 2021; Port Hardy September-October 2021; Port McNeill November-December 2021; Port Hardy September-October 2022; Port McNeill January-March 2023;

Timing: 36 hours of class time over 6 weeks

Cost: Free

Participant Requirements

  • Commit to attend/participate in at least 10 of 12 classes.
  • As part of the program and the study, participants will be expected to complete a pre- and post- assessment of their computer skills and an evaluation of the program.
  • Agree to allow us to record information for the purpose of the study.
  • Read the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society Privacy Policy and sign the Participant Consent Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to be unemployed? No. If you are looking for a better job or a new job, you can take the program.
  • Am I eligible if I am on EI or social assistance?  Absolutely.
  • Does it cost anything?  No, the program and materials are all free.
  • What if I’ve never used a computer at all?  That’s perfect! We’ll be starting at the beginning!
  • Will there be tests? No! The goal is to learn at your own pace the information you need to do what you want to do online.
  • Is there homework? No! But you are welcome to practice what you learn at home.
  • Do I get academic credits for this class?  No. But it’s a great item to add to a resume.
  • How many hours of class time? Class time is a total of 36 hours, including breaks. 
  • What if I don’t have a laptop? We have laptops available to loan to you during the 6-week program. You will be able to take it home between classes to practice on.
  • What if I don’t have wifi internet access at home?
    We will help you find available locations with wifi to practice from.
  • What about COVID-19 precautions? If in-person classes are allowed, all precautionary procedures will be followed, including wearing masks and distanced and sanitized workspace.
  • What if classes can’t be held because of pandemic restrictions? We will work with you, one-on-one, to get you set up and ready to continue to learn through an online platform. It’s easier than you think!

CONNECT4WORK is coordinated by the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society and supported by Decoda Literacy Solutions and the Government of Canada.