- Develop strong collaborations and work with partners: examples include government, business, education institutions, unions, nonprofit
groups and communities.
- Provide better information and training tools, test new approaches, share best practices. Use a comprehensive approach with a ‘menu’ or ‘tool box’ of various supports and initiatives; be flexible to specific needs and circumstances.
- Develop a custom training map to meet each worker’s particular development needs.
- Provide a learning environment where people feel safe and comfortable; a place where they can learn, take risks and be respected regardless of their skills.
- Develop a detailed job description for instructors. Identify things such as certification, experience, instructional techniques, contractor or employee, preparation time, materials and professional development. Look for flexible instructors experienced with workplace education programs, aware of issues impacting workers and the workplace, and able to link the two worlds.
- Develop a system to evaluate the program and to measure outcomes. Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to show success. Keep detailed program documents to show the benefits to various stakeholders.
- Identify various quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate students. Make sure that students know in advance if and how they will be tested.
- Provide ongoing communication between the instructor, the workplace, the worker and other stakeholders.
- Provide enough time, support and funding for all aspects of the program, including before, during and after program implementation.
- Maximize the number of workers that can participate.
- Consider a program steering committee and who should be a member; who will contribute to and enrich the program.
- Identify program logistics: prerequisites, assessments, prior learning, application, orientation, fees and financial support. What size, location and length of classes; how many per week. What equipment, transportation and supports such as child or elder care.