DURHAM REGION LOCAL AREA PLAN UPDATE NOVEMBER 2002


Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
1. Increase awareness of importance of basic and employability skills (raise literacy level of the labour force in Durham Region) Literacy Network of Durham Region, HRDC, CHEX TV, Durham College, All Program Providers, Local Training Board 1. Hold a community literacy fair or information day around themes "use it or lose it" and "everyone fits on the continuum" June, 2000 -raise awareness for those who recognize need to increase their basic skills of the many supports available in the Durham community -fair held June 21, 2000 in Oshawa
-estimated 200+ attendees, 30+ exhibitors
-survey results favourable
-valuable feedback for future events
  Literacy Network of Durham Region, HRDC, CHEX TV, Durham College, Local Training Board, All Program Providers 2. Develop an ongoing public awareness campaign to promote literacy; include access to self-administered assessment of basic skills Ongoing -increase in calls to "Hotline"
-increase numbers of students in programs
-assessment form produced and disseminated
-since campaign began in April 2000, calls to "Hotline" have increased
-1,154 marketing units distributed (April 2002 to present)
-numbers of students in classrooms continue to increase slightly
-return rate of assessment forms has been lower than anticipated
-Literacy Network, through support of HRDC, continues to air commercials on CHEX TV
-the Network has been leveraging the Ontario Literacy Coalition's "What Did You Learn Today" campaign with support of KX96 and CHEX; other media sponsors are being developed
  Literacy Network of Durham Region, School Boards, Children's Aid, Ontario Works, National Literacy Secretariat 3. Develop a family literacy package January 2001 -feedback from community that suggests willingness to use tools -launch event took place October 6, 2000 in Oshawa
-over 650 family literacy packages have been distributed to date
-webboard added to Literacy Network's internet site for practitioners and community members to post messages outlining experiences, ideas or new initiatives related to family literacy

1. Increase awareness of importance of basic and employability skills (raise literacy level of the labour force in Durham Region) Literacy Network of Durham Region, Trillium Foundation, Local Training Board, John Howard Society, Literacy Council of Durham Region 4. Conduct a broad literacy service needs assessment of the Municipality of Clarington May-October 2001 -better understanding of real and perceived literacy needs in this rapidly growing Durham East community
-use results to decide on marketing and public awareness strategies
-Trillium Foundation grant secured in April, 2001; survey instrument and methodology approved by project steering committee
-research completed, results analyzed, and final report prepared and distributed in October, 2001 to all programs
-a Clarington inter-agency working group has been formed to action recommendations; initial meeting took place March 6, 2002
-now meet quarterly, with guest speakers, sharing of best practices
  E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre, META Vocational Services, Durham Unemployed Help Centre, Durham College, Local Training Board, Jobs 2000, Northern Lights Vocational Services, Vocational Pathways, HRDC, MTCU Adjustment Services 5. Undertake a pilot research project to investigate issues affecting older, "experienced" workers (45 years of age and older) in Durham Region January 2000-April 2001 -to raise awareness among employed and unemployed "experienced" workers of importance of maintaining and improving their employability skills
-to educate employers as to the value of "experienced" workers and benefits of maintaining a balanced work force
-three focus groups took place in Pickering, Oshawa and Beaverton on November 29, 2000 to validate survey responses from 427 "experienced" workers
-external analysis of survey results completed
-local Cable TV campaign initiated
-web site created; community employment services brochure ("Paths to Re-Employment") and "Durham Region Employers' Resource Guide" published and distributed throughout the Region in January, 2001
-best practices report prepared
-final report including recommendations to government sponsors issued April, 2001
-a lead organization in Durham representing the "experienced" worker, who will action recommendations (including coordination of service to meet unique training needs) has been identified (see Action 16, Page 15)

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
1. Increase awareness of importance of basic and employability skills (integrate employability skills training into content of training programs) HRDC, Durham College, Labour Council, Local Training Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge School Board, E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre, City of Oshawa and Scugog Economic Development 6. Develop and promote strategies to encourage businesses to train and support their employees in soft skills such as customer service Ongoing -increased commitment to training by employers
-wider employer recognition that investment in training makes good business sense
-broader understanding of training resources available to employers in Durham region
-Local Training Board facilitated community partner meeting in June, 2000
-documented what is currently being done to address issue, issues related to employers, what more could be done at the community level, possible organizations to involve, and a preliminary action plan
  MTCU Literacy and Basic Skills, HRDC, Literacy Network of Durham Region, Local Training Board 7. Make a "Hire Value" information package available to assist Durham employers in identifying suitable employees for entry-level positions March-Ongoing -heighten awareness among employers and business associations of workplace preparation programs
-use of essential skills guide in employee selection
-1,000+ "Hire Value" kits in community by April 2003
-1,000 packages produced
-over 770 "Hire Value" kits have been distributed
-Job Connect providers providing copies to employers, as are various job developers
-CHEX TV campaign renewed
  Literacy Network of Durham Region 8. Undertake employer research project regarding workplace literacy needs September 2001-January 2002 -develop strategies to market workplace literacy training to inform programs and aid in decision-making
-identify sector-specific workplace literacy issues
-research project completed in February 2002 to determine how to best market on-site literacy training to workplaces in Durham
-research has been used to inform the provincial literacy marketing cluster group organized by MTCU and Ontario Literacy Coalition
  Local Training Board 9. Survey Durham manufacturers to identify leaders in workplace training and recognize these leaders for their accomplishments July 2001-January 2002 -recognize training "champions" in manufacturing sector
-share "best practices"
-advance postcard mailed to over 700 business addresses
-272 telephone contacts made
-37 local employers recognized in a public event, "In Celebration of Training", by the Local Training Board on May 29, 2002

1. Increase awareness of importance of basic and employability skills (integrate employability skills training into content of training programs) School Boards, Durham College 10. Develop strategies to integrate employability skills into school curricula, courses and projects Ongoing -create awareness of expectations through the development of destination courses (work, apprenticeship, college, university) -employability skills have been identified as one of the core competencies for students under new elementary and secondary school curriculum
-Conference Board's "Employability Skills 2000" listed in District School Board's new "Annual Education Planner"
-students developing portfolios as evidence of their acquired transferable skills, integral to completion of their "Annual Education Plan"
  SMART Inc., Maple Grove P.S., Centre for Individual Studies KPRDSB 11. Develop a three week basic skills training course in Bowmanville for women on employment assistance Ongoing -promote opportunities for vulnerable groups
-offer participants pre-employment assistance, computer and literacy skills training
-program has begun; no report on results
  Northern Lights Vocational Services 12. Develop corporate training program incorporating customer service, True Colors, survivability, and team-building skills Ongoing -insight into career strategies for new world of work including importance of technical literacy, positive attitudes, self-marketing, communication, consultative problem-solving, creativity, entrepreneurial initiative, and self-management -programs ongoing
-training can be brought to employer's workplace
  APWACL, Durham College, Central Seven, DREN, Challenging Directions, Northern Lights, MCSS-ODSP, various local automotive dealerships and body shops 13. Develop a nine-week program, with a six-week work placement, for persons with barriers to employment, to meet market demand in auto detailing May-August 2002 -increase employability skills and employment opportunities for individuals with significant employment barriers -eight individuals began program at Durham College in May 2002
-first course completed with eight successful graduates
-second course due to start January 19, 2003

1. Increase awareness of importance of basic and employability skills (integrate employability skills training into content of training programs) Literacy Network of Durham Region, CHEX TV, KX96 14. Participate in provincial advertising campaign, "What Did You Learn Today", spearheaded by the Ontario Literacy Coalition Ongoing -increase requests for information and referral from general public, especially concerning employment programming -over 150 campaign posters distributed across region to date
  E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre 15. Offer class to prepare individuals with low literacy skills for entry into Personal Support worker (PSW) training program Ongoing -students unable to gain entry to PSW program because of low literacy skills have opportunity to acquire knowledge and qualify
-increase numbers of PSW grads for labour force
-program successfully piloted in 2001 and now running full-time throughout the week in Oshawa
-13 students have graduated from program, with another 30 currently in class
  HRDC, Durham Unemployed Help Centre, Experienced Workers Advisory Group (Local Training Board, Northern Lights, Vocational Pathways, Jobs 2000, CDI College, Cornerstone, Durham College, John Howard Society) 16. Establish a central regional "presence" to promote and represent the interests of the "experienced" (45 years of age and older) worker in Durham, that will investigate issues and develop recommendations for new, innovative programs to assist those 45+ to upgrade, retrain, or refocus their careers January 2002-February 2003 -create single point of access to information and referral for "experienced" workers and employers
-coordination of future service provision to meet unique training and adjustment needs of "experienced" workers
-Durham Unemployed Help Centre (DRUHC) contracted to be lead agency and central presence
-"Paths To Re-Employment" brochure updated and re-distributed
-web site expanded and public awareness campaign underway
-survey to identify barriers and analysis of results underway
-local Cable TV campaign planned
-research on best and worst practices underway
-final report to HRDC due February 2003
  Literacy Network of Durham Region, Durham College, School Boards, John Howard Society, Literacy Council of Durham Region 17. Develop a workplace literacy committee, working with actual employer forms and materials April 2003-March 2004 -full implementation of a regional workplace literacy strategy -in progress
  Scugog Public Library 18. Offer an introduction to computers course and internet training to public Ongoing -greater computer literacy -positive reaction; waiting list

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
2. Increase awareness of occupations with growth potential and corresponding skill requirements (present information relevant to specific groups on the labour market, present and future job opportunities, and employment requirements) Ministry of Education, School Boards, HRDC, Durham College 1. Create interactive, multi-media, CD-ROM for students in grades 7-10 and their parents to provide information on school to work pathways and career opportunities March, 2000 -connect education pathways to emerging, predicted career opportunities in local community
-profile specific careers
-provide links to useful Internet resources
-completed ("J.J.'s Guide to...Jumpstarting Your Job Trek!")
  Ministry of Education, School Boards, School Boards, HRDC, Durham College 2. Create interactive, multi-media, CD-ROM to assist students in grades 10-12, their parents and teachers in understanding the process of educational and career planning leading to college and work September, 2000 -increase understanding of the pathways from secondary school to college and work
-provide links to Internet sites and access to relevant, current and comprehensive career information
-completed ("Get A Life! A Guide to Channelling Your Future")
-project and funding extended to distribute resource across Ontario
  Durham College, HRDC 3. Conduct series of professional development sessions for employment counsellors and case workers on labour market trends, demographics February-April, 2000 -increase awareness of labour market trends and opportunities among community service providers, who are expected to provide current relevant information to clients completed (two sessions held in February and March, 2000)
  Durham College, Local Training Board, HRDC, School Boards 4. Form a committee to evaluate resources currently available and develop communication strategies Not yet determined -increase awareness in local community, including parents and educators; in service by print media about employment opportunities in Durham, for use in grades 6-12 -lead organization to be identified
-need to discuss outcomes of Career Info Fair 2001 and Employment Expo 2001

2. Increase awareness of occupations with growth potential and corresponding skill requirements (present information relevant to specific groups on the labour market, present and future job opportunities, and employment requirements) HRDC, Ajax Public Library, E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre, District School Board, Local Training Board, Durham Access to Care, Lakeridge Health, Durham College, Durham Region Attendant Care, Pickering Public Library 5. Hold a Career Info Fair, with a focus on Pavilions providing a profile of the skills necessary to achieve success in various economic sectors, and interactive displays to showcase job search and Internet skills February-April, 2001 -broaden access to and awareness of range of resources, programs and services available under federal government's Youth Employment Strategy
-create links to community partners and private sector employers to give youth access to information on work experience opportunities and occupations in demand
-fair held April 26, 2001 at Ajax Community Centre, during officially declared "Career Week"
-an estimated 3,000 people attended event
-more than 100 exhibitors were present
-Pavilion clusters included health care, skilled trades, science and technology, environmental services, finance, police and military services, modelling and esthetics, and transportation and logistics
-Speaker's Corner featured presenters from various industries and the education sector
-extensive print, radio, TV pre-event coverage throughout Durham

2. Increase awareness of occupations with growth potential and corresponding skill requirements (present information relevant to specific groups on the labour market, present and future job opportunities, and employment requirements) HRDC, E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre, Durham College, Ajax Public Library, Pickering Public Library, Durham Region Employment Network, Ontario Disability Support Program Employment Supports 6. Hold an Employment Expo with a focus on recruiting and career opportunities, to include an interactive display of assistive device technology for persons with disabilities March-May, 2001 -applications received for full-time, part-time and temporary work
-heightened awareness of federal employment programs, workplace supports to reduce barriers to employment
-Expo took place May 16, 2001 at Metro East Trade Centre in Pickering
-an estimated 8,000 people attended event
-more than 80 exhibitors were present
  Landscaping-Horticulture:
Durham Chapter Landscape Ontario, School Boards, Local Training Board
7. Identify sectors facing serious skill shortages (i.e. landscaping-horticulture, health care, agriculture); bring community partners together to address needs and consider outreach options Ongoing -develop strategies to address current and future needs based on current information
-communicate industry trends and growth occupations with corresponding requirements to educators students and their parents, and counsellors in the community
Landscaping-Horticulture:
-initial meeting took place in August, 2000 at Landscape Ontario in Milton
-issues such as seasonal nature of work were discussed
-President of Durham Chapter of Landscape Ontario attended Apprenticeship Partners meeting in August and presented at November 29, 2000 "lunch and learn" session for educators regarding opportunities in the industry
-exhibited at Career Info Fair and Employment Expo 2001
co-operative education program has been launched at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic S.S. in Oshawa
-horticulture and arborist co-op program has been developed at G.L. Roberts CVI in Oshawa
-Durham Chapter of Landscape Ontario will be participating as a full project partner on the steering committee for proposed project "Skilled Trades in Durham Region: COLLABORATIVE ACTION TO MEET MARKET DEMAND"

2. Increase awareness of occupations with growth potential and corresponding skill requirements (present information relevant to specific groups on the labour market, present and future job opportunities, and employment requirements) Health Care Advisory Group:
Durham Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Council, Durham College, Local Training Board, Durham Access to Care, Durham Region, ComCare, V.O.N., Lakeridge Health, Community Advantage Rehabilitation, Central Park Lodge, Colborne Community Services, Durham Region Attendant Care, Lovell Drugs
7. Identify sectors facing serious skill shortages (i.e. landscaping-horticulture, health care, agriculture); bring community partners together to address needs and consider outreach options Ongoing -develop strategies to address current and future needs based on current information
-communicate industry trends and growth occupations with corresponding requirements to educators, students and their parents, and counsellors in the community
Health Care:
-two exploratory meetings, facilitated by the District Health Council, took place in April and May, 2000
-a report, "Health Human Resources in Durham Region", was produced and distributed to Durham Region Health Care Group outlining issues and potential actions
-first of a three-part initiative (needs assessment survey) approved in March, 2001
-information regarding composition of labour force, recruitment and retention, and training practices was requested from 232 employers; study focused on 40 selected health care occupations -focus groups with students, employees (union and non-union) and educators in field took place
-telephone interviews with key stakeholders completed
-advisory group of representatives from various health sectors met July 24, 2001, February 26, 2002, and again on March 28, 2002 to review results of study and discuss potential strategies to address needs
-final report "Human Resource Study of the Health Care Sector - A Call To Action" produced in May 2002 and presented to Durham Region Health Care Group in June with a communications strategy and action plan

2. Increase awareness of occupations with growth potential and corresponding skill requirements (present information relevant to specific groups on the labour market, present and future job opportunities, and employment requirements) Agriculture: Scugog Township Economic Development, Royal Bank, School Boards, Local Training Board, Ontario Agri-Food Education (OAFE), OMAF, Durham Farm Fresh Association, Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee 7. Identify sectors facing serious skill shortages (i.e. landscaping-horticulture, health care, agriculture); bring community partners together to address needs and consider outreach options Ongoing -develop strategies to address current and future needs based on current information
-communicate industry trends and growth occupations with corresponding requirements to educators, students and their parents, and counsellors in the community
Agriculture:
-initial survey of community partners completed in January 2001
-need for co-operative education opportunities for students has been identified
-need to incorporate agriculture messages more effectively into new elementary and secondary school curriculum
-Scugog Learning Partnership group has been formed to pilot OAFE materials in North Durham schools

2. Increase awareness of occupations with growth potential and corresponding skill requirements (present information relevant to specific groups on the labour market, present and future job opportunities, and employment requirements) Northern Lights Vocational Services 8. Offer a three-day program to provide information on labour market trends, and allow participants the opportunity to examine their past experiences and adjust their job search strategies; also "The Employment Advantage" workshop open to anyone looking for work, to highlight the employment services offered by the community Ongoing -participants will identify their transferable skills and realistic options to gain employment
-exit "The Employment Advantage" workshop with an individual action plan
-program ongoing
  Local Training Board, Health Care Sector Representatives 9. Profile 20 health care occupations in demand, outlining nature and responsibilities of work, education, training and certification required, potential earnings, typical workplaces, working conditions, employment outlook, personal qualities needed, entry requirements for further education, where training is available August-December 2002 -inform students, their parents, educators and community counselors of various health care career opportunities and industry requirements
-attract students and others to employment in the health care field
-Request for Proposals tendered in July 2002, and consultant hired to conduct research into first 20 occupational profiles
-first drafts will be validated by health sector representatives in November, then approved for presentation in print and on-line through the Local Board's web site
  E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre, Region of Durham Ontario Works 10. Offer program giving OW clients practical experience in property maintenance, with a co-operative job placement component December 2001-Ongoing -students gain practical work experience, secondary credits
-lessen reliance on social assistance
  Durham District School Board, Lakeridge Health, Local Training Board 11. Offer a one-day health care careers awareness day, featuring speakers from a range of health care occupations, to students in grades 11 and 12 who have expressed serious interest in the health field November 2002 -encourage further education and recruitment into health care sector
-heighten awareness of multitude of opportunities and range of occupations
-participants will present what they have learned to a Career Studies (grade 10) class back in their home school
-scheduled to take place at the Education Center in Whitby November 22, 2002

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
3. Continue to promote apprenticeship (increase awareness of the skilled trades as a viable career option to young people and in particular to women) Durham College, Local Training Board, Women's Reference Group, MTCU Apprenticeship 1. Conduct a "Women and Apprenticeship" Town Hall meeting April, 2000 -greater appreciation among women of career and training opportunities in the skilled trades -Town Hall event, attended by over 110 women, took place April 6, 2000, at Durham College's Skills Training Centre in Whitby
    2. Hold a trades career fair showcasing the skilled trades, youth internship and apprenticeship opportunities; encourage parent participation April, 2001 -see Action 5, Page 18 -see Action 5, Page 18
  Durham College, District School Boards, Local Training Board, HRDC, MTCU Apprenticeship 3. Develop marketing and communication strategies to continue efforts to inform young people and their parents of careers in the trades Ongoing -greater interest in apprenticeship opportunities
-higher registration levels
-increased knowledge among educators of what is happening in the trades, current industry trends, and resources available
-two community partner meetings facilitated by the Local Training Board took place in June and August, 2000
-a series of four "lunch and learn" workshops, "Building Champions for OYAP in Our Schools", took place in Ajax in November, 2000; over 200 secondary school teachers attended; featured construction, manufacturing, network cabling, automotive, hairstylist, welding and landscape-horticultural trades
-follow up series of two workshops, "Building Champions...Still Building..." took place in Ajax in November 2001; over 100 teachers attended; focus on creating apprenticeship culture in schools, featuring presentation "Mission Possible: I Coulda Been Somebody"

3. Continue to promote apprenticeship (increase awareness of the skilled trades as a viable career option to young people and in particular to women) School Boards, Local Training Board, Durham College, MTCU Apprenticeship, HRDC 4. Create program to recruit, train and sustain a thriving, regional skilled trades labour force by coordinating community action; secure funding to implement project "Skilled Trades in Durham Region: COLLABORATIVE ACTION TO MEET MARKET DEMAND" August-December, 2001 -creation of a single point of access and referral to information, programs, services and resources to benefit employers, job seekers, trainers, and broader community
-increased awareness and recognition regarding career potential in the trades
-increased industry participation and commitment to apprenticeship training
-increased access to apprenticeships
-greater collaboration between community stakeholders
-Hamilton's Industry-Education Council presented background and results of their community's strategies and outcomes to a group of Durham stakeholders August 24, 2001
-a working group of community partners developed project proposal, "Skilled trades in Durham Region: COLLABORATIVE ACTION TO MEET MARKET DEMAND", targeting actions to be taken over a twelve-month period to build on and expand efforts to meet current and future market demands for skilled tradespeople in region
-project steering committee partners and advisory committee members include representatives from local industry committees (precision metal machining, hairstylist, culinary arts, motive power), landscaping-horticultural, construction, labour, MTCU, HRDC, Ministry of Education, DREN, Durham Region Manufacturers Association
-proposal accepted in principal for funding by MTCU Adjustment Services, subject to HRDC funding
-proposal submitted to HRDC in October 2002, with proposed implementation January 1, 2003

3. Continue to promote apprenticeship (increase awareness of the skilled trades as a viable career option to young people and in particular to women) Beaverton Community Employment Resource Centre 5. Hold a skilled trades open house in Brock Township November, 2001 -increased awareness of youth in many different trades and varying career opportunities
-make information available concerning registration and school programs such as OYAP
-event took place November 7, 2001 in Beaverton
-14 local exhibitors representing various motive power, industrial, construction and service trades were present
-30 to 40 people attended
  Local Training Board 6. Update and expand the "Catalogue of Skilled Trades in Durham Region" to include all apprenticeable occupations, and customize to Region Not determined -update valuable reference tool for use in schools and the community
-incorporate suggestions to improve February 1999 edition based on external evaluation
on hold, pending decision on proposed "Skilled Trades in Durham Region: COLLABORATIVE ACTION TO MEET MARKET DEMAND" project proposal (see Action 4, Page 25)
  Durham Unemployed Help Centre, MTCU Apprenticeship 7. Create an apprenticeship package to promote, facilitate, and support young adults in their career choice of skilled trades Summer 2002 -promote apprenticeship and skilled trades as an excellent career choice -apprenticeship resource manual completed and available at the Unemployed Help Centre
  Valentino's Hair Salon, Durham District School Board, Hairstylist Local Industry Committee, Local Training Board 8. Present "The Hair Show", an interactive demonstration of current hairstyling techniques February 2002 -raise awareness among secondary school students of career opportunities in the trade and OYAP -event took place at Central Collegiate's Career Academy in Oshawa February 18, 2002
-over 50 students from several local secondary schools attended
  Durham College, MTCU 9. Pilot a new, thirty two-week Parts Counterperson program for those wishing to upgrade their entry level education to grade 12 equivalency and complete basic level apprenticeship training April-December 2002 -students gain practical experience needed to work in vehicle dealerships, repair shops, marinas, and after-market parts distributorships -15 students participating in the initial offering of the program
-referrals being accepted from Ontario Works

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
4. Achieve better co-ordination of training services throughout the Region (improved continuum of service between training providers and consumers) All Community Partners 1. Continue efforts to encourage community partnerships and offer opportunities to meet, network and share information about programs and services Ongoing -increase community capacity, build synergies
-avoid duplication of effort
-schools can provide relevant information to students as they leave school for their next destination
-growing numbers of partnerships point to continued collaboration in the Region
-examples include Community Access Program joint proposal spearheaded by DREN, the "Experienced" Workers Advisory Group, Durham Funders Network, Skilled Trades proposal, etc.
  Local Training Board, Service Providers 2. Update on-line inventory of programs and services (IPS) leading to training and employment in the region Ongoing -increased awareness of the many supports available throughout Durham Region Local Training Board
-increase public access to information about available programs and services
-increased traffic to Local Board's web site
-193 agencies, representing 275 programs and services now listed for Durham
-new contacts added on an ongoing basis
-web traffic has increased steadily since April 2002; now averaging 180 visitors a day
Ontario WorkinfoNet, Local Training Board 3. Create a web portal linking local, provincial and national internet sites for information ("iWIN") November, 2001 - Ongoing --provide comprehensive information about career planning, job opportunities, labour market information, education and training, self-employment, etc. -new links added continually
-site adapted to meet needs of visually-impaired
-web site attracting heavy traffic
-advertising efforts continue

4. Achieve better co-ordination of training services throughout the Region (improved continuum of service between training providers and consumers) District School Board, DREN, United Way of Oshawa-Whitby-Clarington, Junior Achievement of Durham Region, Bell Canada, Johnston Montgomery, Local Training Board 4. Develop concept paper for a single point of access, coordinating body for information and referral in Durham June-August, 2001 -better coordination of resources for employment and training initiatives
-broad public recognition
-working committee met eight times during summer of 2001 to develop strategies
-proposal submitted to HRDC for funding in August 2001; could not be funded solely by federal government
  Job Connect Providers (Durham College, YMCA, Durham Unemployed Help Centre, John Howard Society), District School Board, HRDC, Local Training Board 5. Hold a Job Connect partnership information and planning day September-October 2002 obtain up to date information on labour market and trends pertaining to both adults and youth
-obtain information on labour market activity within region and its municipalities
-better understanding of process of gathering information and interpretation of data
-analyze information received, develop action plans addressing adult and youth employment needs
-information exchange meeting took place September 23, 2002 at the YMCA in Oshawa
-second meeting for Job Connect providers to share ideas and develop action plans took place October 10

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
5. Increase awareness of and accessibility to training (explore training delivery and scheduling options to accommodate individual needs, promote value of diversity in training access) All Community Partners, Municipal Government, Industry 1. Develop strategies to address access issues and meet training needs of agriculture and rural communities Ongoing -students with special needs, individuals with barriers to employment
-develop a better understanding of career options, adaptive technologies available, community supports and employment opportunities
-increased awareness in local community
-specific strategies to be developed in partnerships with industry and business associations, community-based service providers, educators-trainers, and government
-some work has been done to address access issues, i.e. display of assistive technologies for persons with disabilities at the Employment Expo in May 2001, the "Technology at Work" Fair in November 2001, showcasing assistive devices available to the visually impaired, which involved a partnership between CNIB, ScotiaBank, DREN, Durham College, the Local Training Board, MCCR and HRDC
-inventory of programs and services (IPS) and "iWIN" web portal both available on-line (see Actions 2 and 3, Page 28)
  Skills For Change, Local Training Board, L'Association de Canadiennes-Francaise de l'Ontario 2. Raise awareness of access to professions and trades issues for internationally-trained professionals and new immigrants September, 2001 -promote access to professions and trades
-identify various means to overcome barriers that prevent full integration of international workers into local labour force
-a workshop took place September 17, 2001 in Oshawa
-30 community members, including 12 internationally-trained professionals, attended
-resource handbook, "Making A Change Together", introduced to promote access and plan community strategy

5. Increase awareness of and accessibility to training (explore training delivery and scheduling options to accommodate individual needs, promote value of diversity in training access) CNIB 3. Offer a Sight Simulation workshop to community partners July 2002 -increase awareness of barriers encountered by persons who are visually impaired, blind or deaf
-increase understanding of technology and skills training available to reduce barriers
-workshop took place at CNIB offices in Oshawa July 22, 2002
  Industry Canada, DREN, Durham District School Board, E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre 4. Provide additional internet and computer access to the public at selected site locations across the region Ongoing -increase internet access for citizens and improve computer skills
-improve academic resource capabilities of participating schools
-53 Community Access Program (CAP) sites operational in elementary and secondary schools
-additional 34 sites in community agencies across Durham now operational
  Durham Unemployed Help Centre, Ministry of Citizenship, COSTI Immigrant Services 5. Offer a three day job search workshop for New Canadians January 2002-Ongoing -provide immigrants with information and opportunities to acquire skills to facilitate transition to labour market -ongoing
  Local Training Board, Goodwill, COSTI, Literacy Network of Durham Region, Durham Unemployed Help Centre, Jobs 2000, Northern Lights, DREN, Social Development Council of Ajax-Pickering, Pickering Carib-Canadian Cultural Association, Vocational Pathways, Durham Regional Police, Harmony Movement, Durham College, District School Board, META, MTCU Access to Professions and Trades, E.A. Lovell Continuing Education Centre, World Education Services, OCASI, Horn Ventures International 6. Organize and hold an "information fair" forum or "event", primarily for the benefit of internationally-trained workers and new immigrants to Durham September 2002-March 2003 -provide information, i.e. local labour market information, local/provincial/national industry trends and opportunities vis-à-vis employment, the licensing process in Canada, roles and responsibilities of government and regulatory bodies, upcoming events/conferences, services and support programs available in region
-provide opportunities for participants to acquire new skills and tools, i.e. getting the most benefit from a job or career fair, presenting yourself to prospective employers, interviewing effectively
-provide hope and inspiration, i.e. mentorship, success stories
-facilitate integration of target group into local labour force
-80+ organizations and individuals invited to attend initial consultation meeting to explore interest in this issue
-two community consultations took place in Ajax in September and October 2002
-steering committee formed representing community service providers, educators-trainers, and industry to begin planning process

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
6. Continued support for entrepreneurship training and growth of home and small business (address issues such as affordability of training, receptiveness to new business ideas, restrictions on training, training for newcomers to Canada) Business Advisory Centre Durham, Bell Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade 1. Hold 3rd annual "Bridges to Better Business" conference October, 2001 -opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to network and gather information on business trends and opportunities -conference took place in Whitby October 11, 2001
-115 people registered
-18 trade exhibitors were present
-workshop discussions on topics of marketing, prioritization, cost control and cash flow, e-commerce, and customer care
  Region of Durham Ontario Works 2. Develop "Explore The Business Connection", a self-employment program for participants in receipt of social assistance Ongoing -support participants in their pursuit of self-employment
-encourage financial independence-foster good business practices to ensure individual goals and needs are met
-eight-week training workshop series with individual consulting sessions
  HRDC 3. Offer "Business Bound", a comprehensive one-stop business start-up resource to aspiring young entrepreneurs in Durham March-December 2002 -encourage Durham area young people, aged 15 to 29, to explore entrepreneurship
-provide young entrepreneurs with business start-up information and resources
-launched as a successful pilot in Central Ontario in 2000
-information sessions to be held throughout the region commencing March 2002

6. Continued support for entrepreneurship training and growth of home and small business (address issues such as affordability of training, receptiveness to new business ideas, restrictions on training, training for newcomers to Canada) HRDC, Newport Training Group 4. Offer "Self-Employed Business" (SEB) training program to aspiring entrepreneurs June 2002-June 2003 -up to 240 EI-eligible clients accepted into the program
-80% start business
-significant retained business success
-ongoing
  Business Advisory Centre Durham, Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation 5. Deliver "Summer Company" program, awarding up to $3,000 to students between the ages of 15 and 29, to run their own summer businesses Summer 2002 -provide enterprising young people with opportunity to gain understanding of how to run a business
-foster entrepreneurial spirit and develop skills in young people
-six Durham entrepreneurs participated in program, with businesses ranging from academic tutoring for grade six students to horticulture and garden design and spa products
-complement to two other programs: "Future Entrepreneurs", which introduces an entrepreneurial mind and skill set to grade 7 and 8 students, and "My Company", a business start up loan program for young people aged 18 to 29
  Business Advisory Centre Durham, Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation, Royal Bank, Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre 6. Hold 4th annual "Bridges to Better Business" conference October 2002 -provide opportunity to share innovative ideas
-gain valuable information on current business trends
-conference took place in Whitby October 24, 2002
-over 200 people attended for round table discussions, peer networking, trade fair opportunities, with workshop topics covering marketing strategies, Meyers-Briggs self evaluation, finding and keeping customers, measuring growth for survival, and surviving the financial process

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
7. Address shortage of management skills Durham Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA), HRDC, HSBC, Economic Development - Ajax, Whitby, and Region of Durham, OMAF, Local Training Board, Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation 1. Undertake research of human resources practices, including management and H.R. planning, by conducting a survey of small and medium-sized Durham manufacturers October 2001-August 2002 -identify present and future needs of local SME's
-equip various organizations, including HRDC and DRMA, with information necessary to supply manufacturers with skilled employees and appropriate support programs
-207 small and medium-sized manufacturers (SME's), located across all parts of Durham, were interviewed
-two newsletters were issued highlighting survey findings, and support services including list of web sites useful to human resource issues
-final report - "Human Resources Survey 2001/2002" - released in August 2002, in hard copy and CD-ROM
-event for manufacturers planned
  Durham Region Manufacturers Association, HRDC, Local Training Board 2. Offer a Human Resources forum, "Employees: Your Investment Challenge", for Durham manufacturers; featured panel presentations to stress the importance of investing in employee training and development, and to share best practices for effective recruitment and retention of employees June 2002 -provide a means for manufacturing community to learn about best practices from other manufacturers
-emphasize importance of industry investing in its labour force
-increase SME awareness of local services and supports available
-event took place in Whitby June 18, 2002
-60+ attended, including 20 local manufacturers, and 15 employment service providers
-presentations included results of DRLTB's 2002 labour market environmental scan, results from DRMA survey, plus panel discussions

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
8. Address lack of retail sales training in the Region John Howard Society 1. Develop a one-day workshop for those who interact with customers called "Service Excellence", with seven core topics - customer loyalty, service commitments, teamwork, communication, customer connections, challenges, how to "WOW" your customer April 2002-Ongoing -participants will recognize their impact on building customer loyalty
-provide tools and techniques to ensure provision of exceptional customer service
-raise levels of customer service in all service sector industries
-currently running one full-day seminar per month

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
9. Increase respect for, and awareness of ALL careers in young people and their parents Durham College, Whitby Optimist Club, Oshawa Optimist Club 1. Design a program to help high school students define a career path Ongoing -encourage youth to feel positive about their employment future
-inform about trends in employment and job possibilities
-"Up Your Career", a one-hour motivational multimedia presentation, has been designed, and will be presented to 21 secondary schools
  Durham District Board Board 2. Develop video - "Trying on Your Future" - for students, portraying wide range of career opportunities, and ties to work, apprenticeship, college and university destinations Summer 2002 -inform students about multitude of choices available
-emphasize importance of co-operative education vis-à-vis career choices and destinations
-video created, available for school presentations, special events, teacher-parent nights, career studies classes, etc.

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
10. Encourage a more "holistic" approach to planning and resolving issues, including all levels of government, employers, and the education-training community, to maximize resources and meet needs Ajax-Pickering Women's Centre, SMART Inc., HRDC, The English Garden, Rogers Cable, Studio One Family Hair Centre, Winners, Beyond Skin Deep, Caine & Co. 1. Offer "Dress For Success", a day offering to graduates of SMART Inc.'s IDEAS program, a five-week employability and empowering workshop for women affected by abuse, poverty and violence, with businesses contributing clothing, products and services October 2002 -better prepare employability workshop graduates as they begin pursuit of employment opportunities by boosting their confidence and outlook -22 women have gone through employability and empowering workshop
-ongoing

Need/Issue Raised in Environmental Scan Partners Involved Specific Actions Timelines Expected Results Status
11. Continue to find ways to reduce barriers to participation in training and employment for persons with disabilities Durham District School Board 1. Offer a focus day on learning disabilities for elementary and secondary school teachers, administrators, and parents, featuring workshop topics such as accessing curriculum through technology, teaching strategies, and using technologies for students with learning disabilities December 2002 -stimulate awareness, provide tools, learn how to utilize effective strategies to fully engage students
-provide teachers with base skills to support and implement assistive technologies for learning disabled students
-scheduled in Whitby at the Education Centre of the District School Board
  DREN, Member Organizations 2. Conduct primary research study to identify key gaps and barriers to employment, to profile current and projected numbers of persons with disabilities in the region, and identify needs of employers to accommodate persons with disabilities in the workplace December 2002-July 2003 -improve understanding of disabled demographic in Durham
-identify current barriers, gaps in accessibility to training and employment
-better inform community solutions, future service planning
-in very early stages of planning




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