AWENS.CAAWENS.CAAWENS.CA

Annual Report 2017

17 YearsProviding Excellence in Education and Training

education with a vision of a strong professional network of partners supporting workplace

education and skill development.

Recipient of the National Award of Excellence for Municipal Workplace Literacy Achievements, and the Partnership Appreciation Award by the Province of Nova Scotia for AWENS leadership and contribution to the creation of a lifelong learning culture.

A message to AWENS members from Labour and Advance Education Director, Workplace InitiativesAs many of you know, the Workplace Initiatives (WI) Division is dedicated to building a productive, innovative and competitive Nova Scotian workforce by partnering with employers and industry to ensure they have the skills we need as a province, to build a thriving economy.

WI works with employers and industry to: determine their strategic workforce needs now and into the future; meet their identified training and HR requirements; and to provide them with tools that

will assist them to move toward being more productive and competitive in the global marketplace. But we can’t do it alone.

To meet this challenge effectively, the Workplace Initiatives Division partners with organizations like you, the Association of Workplace Educators of Nova Scotia (AWENS). A partner for nearly 20 years, AWENS and its members, continue to play a key role in building a skilled, adaptable and efficient workforce in Nova Scotia.

This year was a banner year for the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) where 1.6M was invested in programming to meet employer and industry needs, representing a wide variety of sectors and impacting over 1500 employers across the province. This would not have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of workplace education instructors. On behalf of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, we thank you.

Collectively, we see a future where Nova Scotia employers have the skilled labour necessary to meet ongoing and emerging needs can expand and are prepared to respond to ever changing market and economic conditions. The Department of Labour and Advanced Education would also like to thank the Association of Workplace Educators of Nova Scotia for their continued support and commitment in supporting you, the member, and for their role in helping to build a skilled and adaptable workforce here in Nova Scotia.

Kimberly White Workplace Initiatives, Department of Labour and Advanced Education

A message from the Executive DirectorDear AWENS Members and Supporters,

Thank you for making 2017 yet another remarkable year for AWENS! This year marked a year of growth and opportunities for AWENS. There was continued growth in the number of Workplace Education Initiative programs delivered by members, 295 in total with over 3,482 participants. As well, we have worked to diversify our services to corporations both here and abroad, this has lead to deliver training in Jamaica.

It is important to mention that our growth and success is the result of the dedicated support of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, and their team of LAE- WEI Coordinators. In addition to this, it is the incredible work of AWENS staff, and the board of directors who work to expand our outreach while strengthening our programs and services.

Our ongoing goal is to keep increasing our service in the field of Adult Education in the Workplace both in Nova Scotia and beyond. It is our members that truly make this possible!  

AWENS is stronger than ever, due to our continually expanding community who come together to donate time, resources, and talent in support of our important mission.

Thank you for wholeheartedly being a part of the growth of AWENS. We are looking forward to much more in 2018!

Sincerely,

Nancy Thompson, Executive Director

AWENS would like to thank Labour and Advanced Education Workplace Initiative team for their continued support throughout 2016/17 to our members and for their contribution in working to increase the skills

and knowledge of Nova Scotia’s workforce.

AWENS Board of Directors 2016/2017

Zoran Jokic Chair | zoran@trainingfirstconsulting.com | Fall River

Cora Cole Vice Chair | cora@movethemedian.com | Halifax

Tanya Burke Treasurer | tanya.burke1@gmail.com | Lantz

Paula Green Secretary | paula@beyondventuresgroup.com | Hantsport

Irene Carroll | irenecarroll@mebons.ca | Sydney

Nora Perry | nperry@hfx.eastlink.ca | Halifax

Leigh Faulkner Ex-officio | faulkner2@me.com | Shelburn

Caroline Spindler | caroline.spindler@mcinnescooper.com | Halifax

Wanda Harbin | weharbin@gmail.com | Cape Breton

Betty MacKenzie Sydney

Colleen O’Connor Truro

Evan Williams Halifax

Judy Purcell Bridgewater

Margo Hampden Halifax

Pat Littlewood Halifax

Renette Muise Kenville

Robin Jardine New Glasgow

Roger Peters Halifax

Kimberly White, Director, Workplace Initiatives Halifax

A message from the Chair of the BoardDear Members, Partners and Friends,

As we celebrate the milestone of 17 years in operation, it is important to take a moment to appreciate the efforts of the people and organizations that have contributed to making AWENS the organization it is today. For this reason, I would like to recognize senior officials within Labour and Advanced Education, the WEI Coordinators, AWENS Executive Director, her team and my fellow board of directors. Without the collaborative efforts of these individuals, we would not be able to provide the essential service of

Workplace Education to Nova Scotia businesses. Our work brings about positive change for a brighter and better tomorrow in every corner of the province.

AWENS has made tremendous strides over the past 17 years in terms of growth, both financially and within the scope of programs it manages. This only takes place due to the numerous collaborations that are managed on a day to day basis.

None of these successes would be possible without you, AWENS members. Thank you members for helping us all make a difference in workplaces across Nova Scotia.

Sincerely,

Zoran Jokic, Chair

Amani Ashour

Anne Bigelow

Bonnie O’Toole Market Pursuits

Chris Lewis Chris Lewis Solutions

Christy Ann Conlin Christy Ann Conlin

Connie Duchene

Cora Cole Move the Median

Dane Berringer HelpingU Masterseries Consulting

David Mercer

Debbie Lawrence Abundant Living

Derrick Hawley

Don Nicolson Don Nicolson Consulting

Dr. David Bardsley

Ellen Chellew

Ian McNeil Real Media

Irene Carroll

Jackie Collier HR Pros

Jeff Brown Alpha Computer

Joyce E. Kennedy Educo Consulting Ltd

Kathy Stanford Performance View

Kathy Weagle Dragonfly Communications

Kevin Estabrooks KE Accounting

Klea Jokic Training First Consulting

Krista Tannahill Ki Digital Media

Leigh Faulkner

Lisa Olie Verdant Maritimes Sales & Marketing

Lisette Jones Think Smart Training

Lorie Dias First Choice Web Solutions

Lorna MacIsaac Service First

Lynn MacKinnon MacKinnon Accounting

Malcolm Burtt iScotia

Mathew Guy

Margan Dawson R&M Consulting

Michael Cleaves Tech Support/Training

Morah J. MacEachern MJM and Associates

Nancy DeMello Live-in-Learn Promoters

Nora Perry Melville Cove Consulting

Pamela Ostli Pamela Ostli Recruitment & HR Consulting

Patti Dow Patti Dow Consulting

Paul Empey In-gage - Leadership

Paula Green Beyond Adventures Group

Peter Gouthro OceanNet Educational Consultants

Rachel Cooper In Other Words

Richard Devarennes

Robin Hill Infinite Solutions Bookkeeping

Serena Lewis

Silvio DiFrancescantonio

Suzanne Balcom Sun Valley Inc.

Sylvain Allaire

Tanya Burke

Tanya Sieliakus HR Pros

Victoria Holland

Wanda Harbin W. Harbin Consulting

Yvonne Thyssen-Post

Zoran Jokic Training First Consulting

Member List 2016/2017 INSTRUCTOR MEMBERS

AWENS with the Nova Scotia Canada Trade Delegation, lead by the CWB and ACOA at the Canadian High Commission Reception in Jamaica. The group included Sylvain Fabi (center), Canada’s High Commissioner. Kingston, Jamaica 2017

Initiatives 2016-17

AWENS team, Polly-Anne Rhuland, Nancy Thompson, and Missy Searl promoting AWENS and our members and partners programs at the Charter Professionals Human Resources Conference 2017. As well, AWENS team attended the Entrepreneurial Development Conference and Expo (EDCE).

AWENS 1st year at our new location hosted over 228 days of WEI training and 55 days of Corporate training and meetings. This represents over 2,500 individuals accessing AWENS Training Centre. Halifax, NS 2017

Halifax, NS 2017

Working in PartnershipAWENS works to support Labour and Advanced Education’s Workplace Education Initiative (WEI). WEI works in partnership with business, industry and labour to support the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce, improving workplace growth and essential skills and helping businesses manage workplace change. WEI is a nationally-recognized program aimed at improving workplace essential skills and managing skills transitions.

Many of AWENS workplace educators membership delivered WEI programs to small businesses through full ‘cluster programs’, which are hosted by a business association.

Program Achievements 2016-2017 295 employers increased their essential skills

4258 participants

Invested $1.6M to meet employer and industry needs

Mobile computer labs served 115 programs delivered to over 1380 participants

5 Business Skills for Growth and Profitability programs delivered to 60 businesses

Approximately 22 industry sectors were engaged in WEI

Honoring a Member of AWENS

Chris LewisOn May 24, 2017, Chris Lewis, a long standing member of AWENS was honored with the President’s Award from the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce. This award is given to someone who makes a significant contribution to the business community. Since the fall of 2013, Chris has delivered Workplace Education programs for the Strait Area Chamber with over 700 participants in attendance.

Professional DevelopmentAWENS Workplace Education Instructors are responsible for the design and delivery of customized Workplace Education programs, in partnership with project teams, responding to the needs of businesses and organizations.

Labour and Advanced Education invested in AWENS members who instruct WEI programs. This investment enabled them to attend Professional Development workshops in the following areas in 2016/17:

PLANNING DAYS: Excel, Social Media, Financial Management, Sage Accounting, Communication and Leadership Skills.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Foundational Skills for Workplace Education (6-day program) and Literacy in the Workplace Education Classroom.

Foundational Skills Graduation Class, with Debbie Lawrence, Colleen O’Connor and Robin Jardine, with the following attendees: Ann Divine, Lorie Dias, Steve McEvoy, Carlos Arriaga, Linda Little, Susan Scharpegge, Patti Dow, Dan Harvey, Robin Hill

Organizational Needs Assessments AWENS membership works to customize training programs that fit the needs of organizations. WEI Organizational Needs Assessments (ONA) are a critical process that leads to the success of the program. The ONA assesses the businesses’ unique needs and guides the establishment of goals for the design, development, and delivery of customized Workplace Education programs to help businesses achieve their performance goals.

416 ONA PARTICIPANTS / 17 ONAs

Labour and Advanced Education Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) - works in partnership with business, industry and labour to support the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce, improving workplace essential skills and helping businesses manage workplace change through Workplace Education programs. AWENS and members contribute to the many successes of this program and we are pleased to continue as a strategic partner to ensure continued growth.

Honoring an AWENS memberAWENS would like to recognize Tanya Burke, a long-time member of AWENS, for her contribution and dedication to steering the organization as a member, board member, and officer of the board of directors since 2006. Tanya was very active as well, as a Nova Scotia Workplace Education Instructor, delivering communications and numeracy programs.

Over the past 11 years, Tanya has given countless of volunteer hours to AWENS, and continues to hold the official position of Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Her guidance and experience working in the

non profit sector has moved AWENS forward over the past several years.

Tanya’s dedication to her community and work is not only seen at AWENS, she volunteers for other non profit organizations such as, the Association of Nova Scotia Community Learning Organization (ANSCLO), where she is also a member of the board of directors. When not volunteering as a board member, she holds the position of the Executive Director, at East Hants Community Learning Association (EHCLA), which focuses on helping fund and deliver adult learning programs in East Hants. In addition, she takes the lead on the Community Rider program.

Her community work does not stop with AWENS, ANSCLO, or EHCLA; this amazing woman, is also the mother of a beautiful two year old toddler, and has been seen on stage acting. In 2016, she acted along side her husband in the play, Billy Bob’s Last Will and Testament, at the Royal Canadian Elmsdale Legion Branch 48, with the profits going to other community organizations.

Tanya exemplifies the true meaning of a dedicated and committed volunteer, we at AWENS are truly fortunate to have her working along side us.

Office Location 3667 Strawberry Hill St. Suite 106 Halifax, NS B3K 2X5 Phone: 902-406-7440 Email: info@awens.ca

Employee Training Employee training is essential for an organization’s success. Despite the importance of training, individuals may claim that training is taking them away from their work. However, a trainer can combat this misconception by demonstrating that training is actually a crucial part of an employee’s and manager’s work in order to grow the business.

• Educates workers about the effective use of technology,

• Ensures competitive edge in the market,

• Creates opportunities for career development and personal growth, an important factor in retaining workers,

• Promotes safety and health among employees,

• Helps employers comply with laws and regulations, and

• Improves productivity and profitability.

Why Employee Training Is Important Training is crucial because it:

Jorge VanSlyke, CEO, Grand View Manor, Berwick has this to report about his experience attending a WEI program.

“It was well worth the time we invested as a team… because we were able to bring back and apply strategies... I can’t say enough good things! Attending the program also helped us leave our daily challenges behind and gain an objective perspective to address issues in the workplace.”