CAPLA PANEL ON MATURE WORKERSMARRIOTT HOTEL, OTTAWA

07 NOVEMBER 2010

ESPORT for Mature Workers

Role of RPL in ESPORT

Components

National Occupational ClassificationsIALS assessment materialsEssential Skills ProfilesCanadian Work Preference InventoryWorking in CanadaAuthentic Workplace MaterialsPLATO Learning System

Addressing Mature Workers’ needs (1)

Identifies other work that matches the worker’s interests User answers fifty questions about work

preference. User examines occupations that match work

preference profiles.

Addressing Mature Workers’ needs (2)

Narrows the search to jobs that are available and rewarding Assesses Essential Skills and matches with

selected profiles Compares assessed skills with skills required by

targeted occupation (gap analysis) Users click to the precise page in Working in

Canada to see wage scale, prospects, and specific jobs available in the user’s community.

Gap AnalysisWillow Wisp, for Home Health Care Worker

Skill Name Your Skill Level Required Skill Level

Reading Text 4 1-3

Document Use 2 1-3

Writing 1 1-2

Numeracy 5 1-2

Oral Communication 2 1-2

Problem Solving 3 1-3

Decision Making 2 1-3

Job Task Planning 2 2

Finding Information 3 1

Computer Use 2 0

Addressing Mature Workers’ needs (3)

Demonstrates existing Essential Skills that are used in targeted occupations Helps Mature Workers reflect on existing skills

they have acquired over forty or fifty or more years of living and working.

Participants describe skills in respect to specific new occupations.

ESPORT generates a document to show the Mature Worker’s potential for the new occupation.

Life and WorkPartial response for Registered Nurse (current ESPORT client)

Document Use Working in homecare I read and give medication. I complete personal care

records daily. Monthly weights are completed and documented as well. I use many different materials for communication including brail for the blind. Capable of taking TPR's,I&O's then recording them.

 Problem Solving I'm able to fax or copy any medical documents that needs to be sent or received.

I&O's are monitored when necessary to keep a record of anything that may be abnormal. Inservice training is required every year on repositioning residents with assistance as well as alone, by the therapy department using proper body mechanics. Working with mentally challenge people and others with personal issues I have learned to diffuse a situation, look at the positive side and have the consumer calm and relaxed. During emergency situations I'm capable of contacting necessary staff to keep everyone safe as possible. On previous occasions I've completed speech therapy referrals do to language barriers caused by medical disabilities or medical conditions.

Addressing Mature Workers’ needs (4)

Never too Mature to learn PLATO online learning materials provide self-paced

learning paths for Essential Skills, with assessments at levels required by occupations.

Where secondary school credentials are required, PLATO identifies gaps and provides remediation in preparation for GED.

PLATO can be used for college preparation – to brush up on “rusty skills” prior to beginning a vocational training program, or to meet college entrance requirements.

Lessons Learned

Mature Workers are delighted to see evidence of the skills they have acquired over a lifetime – and to realize that these skills apply in new, untried occupations.

Employers appreciate resumes that demonstrate abilities.

Implementation of ESPORT should be built into a program’s plan; and should relate to concrete goals of participants.

Facilitators require monitoring and support (technology, methodology, and objectives).

Some organizations using ESPORT

Colleges; e.g. Northlands College, SK Social services; e.g. City of Ottawa and Willis

College, ON Sunset industry and union; Myrt Turner

Associates and United Steelworkers, Prince George, BC

Aboriginal; e.g. Gabriel Dumont Institute, SK Health care provider and union; Menorah Park

and SEIU, Syracuse, NY Rehabilitation; e.g. John Howard Society, Sault

Ste. Marie, ON

Contact Information

Patrick CumminsCEP Consulting Inc.patrick.cummins@cep-consulting.comPhone: 613 225-3808www.esportfolio.com

Grant BishopEskilon Learning Solutions Inc.gbishop@eskilonlearning.caPhone: 905 815-1303www.eskilonlearning.ca