Frequently Asked Questions

The program will focus on:

• Analyzing Canada’s Skills for Success while integrating Relational Skills into training practices
• Developing options for assessing and evaluating workforce skill development
• Creating relevant and relational training to support workplace sustainability and scalability
• Implementing strategic skill development education is needed to make an impact beyond the
  learning environment

It is aimed at individuals who provide or would like to provide, workforce training to organizations and
individuals. This may consist of Organizational Leadership, Human Resources and Training &
Development teams, Corporate Trainers, Workplace Educators, Independent Consultants, Workforce
Development, Career/Employment Services, Academic Instructors or Advisors, and Non-Profit
individuals, among others.

The program will provide individuals with the tools and support needed to assess and monitor employees/students/workers based upon the Government of Canada’s Skills for Success Framework. Workplace Connections is aiming to certify 120 practitioners, across Canada, to address workforce challenges within organizations and community. More specifically, practitioners will be able to assess and train employability skills/competencies to individuals trying to enter/navigate the workforce.

The Workplace Connections Certification Program is designed to assist practitioners with integrating the
Skills for Success and Relational skills into their training, teaching, or facilitation practices. Content will
be delivered:

• Online
• Face-to-Face
• Hybrid options (combination of online or in-person based on context & availability)

Course 1: Skills for Success reflects on the Skills for Success Framework, alongside Adult Learning
principles. Learners will be able to:

• Define the values of the Practitioner Program.
• Summarize the Skills for Success, Universal Competencies, Strategic Competencies and Functional
  Competencies.
• Explore high-order thinking, leadership and organizational perspectives to create workplace
  partnerships and subsequent learner assessments.
• Break down adult learning practices to plan, prepare, assess and evaluate learners.

Course 2: Relational Skills & Practicum illustrates how relational competencies (Social Intelligence,
Civility & Citizenship, Change and Continuous Learning, and Cultural Competence) are assessed,
measured, facilitated, and evaluated in the workplace. Learners will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of relational competencies connected to employment.
• Integrate the competencies they’ve learned in Course 1 with the Relational skills deemed
  necessary for today’s workplace.
• Outline effective training practices and principles used in workforce education.
• Apply the theoretical classroom knowledge in a practical setting.

Skills for Success (formerly Essential Skills) are the everyday skills Canadians need for work, learning and
life. Everyone benefits from having these skills as they help individuals find work or progress in their
current fields. There are nine skills as identified by the Government of Canada and include:

• Communication
• Creativity & Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Reading
• Digital
• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Writing
• Numeracy

Relational Skills© expand on four of the Government of Canada’s Skills for Success Framework including
Collaboration, Adaptability, Problem Solving and Communication. Relational Skills discuss Social
Intelligence, Civility & Citizenship, Change and Continuous Learning, and the Cultural Competencies
needed to thrive within todays workforce. Upon successful graduation, the practitioner will be able to
integrate Relational Skills within their individualized training plans so organizations can foster successful
relationships in the workplace.

• Communication in the New World
• Systems
• Thinking
• Change Ready Mindset
• Cultural Competence
• Social IQ
• Collaboration
• Resilience
• Civility & Citizenship

Upon completion of Course 1 and Course 2 successful graduates will receive:

• Skills for Success Certificate of Certification & Digital Badge
• Relational Skills Certification of Certification & Digital Badge
• Workplace Connections Certificate and & Digital Badge
  • This certificate verifies the practitioner with the credentials needed to enter the
    workplace as a Workplace Connections Skilled Practitioner.

Depending on the certification obtained practitioners will be able to implement Skills for Success,
Relational Skills or both within workplace training initiatives, under the Workplace Education Manitoba
umbrella or in tandem with personal initiatives. Training material can be built into employee
onboarding, workplace consultations, Human Resource initiatives, individual upskilling or more.

The program is fully funded (by the Government of Canada!s Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills
Fund) meaning participants of the pilot project are eligible to take the program at no cost. The value of
this first-to-market, pan-Canadian program is estimated at $15 000. Note: Exam retakes are
$295CND/exam.

The program overall will take approximately 200 hours to be completed over 12 months and is delivered as follows: 

• 100 hours of class time (on demand webinar and online self-study)
• 18 hours reading and homework
• 10 meetings, support webinars, and general communication
• 6 hours of exam preparation
• 6 hours to write two open book, multiple choice exams. (100 questions and 40 questions)
• Estimated 40 hours of practicum (includes per diem)
• 20 hours for admin (invoicing, workplace contact generation, reporting, and evaluation activities)

Cohort 1: Certification

Hybrid: Online and In-Class

• Winnipeg May 18, 19, 20, 2022
• Winnipeg May 31, June 1,  2, 2022
• Winnipeg  June 13, 14, 15, 2022
• Winnipeg June 27, 28, 29, 2022

Cohort 1: Dates to Remember

• May 18, 2022 – Cohort 1 Classes Start
• June 29, 2022 – Cohort 1 Classes End
• September 1, 2022 – Exam Completion
• April 1, 2023 – Workplace Delivery Completion

Cohort 2: Certification

Hybrid: Online and In-Class

• Calgary Jan 17, 18, 19, 2023
• Saskatoon Jan 31, Feb 1, 2, 2023
• Toronto Feb 7, 8, 9, 2023
• Hallifax Feb 28, Mar 1, 2, 2023

Cohort 3 & 4 Certification

Online 

• Continuous Intake
• Access by May 15, 2023

The cost for all course materials (content and textbooks) has been funded by the Government of
Canada: Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills. Course materials will be provided on the first day of
class, with pre-reading being sent out prior to program delivery.

As the program is offered as a hybrid we expect learners to submit all milestone markers and watch
class recordings in order to review discussions and be aware of exam information. We do request that
learners are present for any in-class Relational Skills components in order to build connections and
understand the relationship dynamic.

Learners will be provided with a list of activities and due dates at the start of the program. We have
been using Google Classroom to upload course materials and provide assignment information.

As the program grows across Canada, we are asking learners to suggest places to complete their
practicum delivery (perhaps in their current place of work, or at an organization they are affiliated with).
We are also reaching out to potential connections, in order to help solicit delivery in workplaces which
may benefit from Relational Skills based on news releases, social media announcements, economic
trends, etc.

Certification will last for a year with master classes offered for recertification. To remain in good
standing, participants will be required to take at minimum three (3) master classed to remain certified.