Objectives
This program will focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge needed to flourish in today's demanding and ever-changing work environment while developing the proactive survival skills needed to manage in the workplace of tomorrow. Students will learn the principles of workplace organization, workforce-related document use, oral and written communications, critical thinking, team work, workforce computing skills, numeracy, and study and practice strategies that facilitate an attitude of continuous learning. There will be additional opportunity for students to achieve industry required certificates such as Safe Food Handling, TOWES, Smart Serve, Customer Service, Service Excellence, Young Workers Awareness Program and Passport to Safety. Students will also benefit from personality and career inventories such as Personality Dimensions and MBTI. In addition students may choose two specialty electives (one each semester) to address personal interests in business, health sciences, sciences, or media studies.
Course description
Level One
CDEV1100 Career Choices I: Business and Media
Description: This course introduces students to the fields of business and media by looking at the various roles and occupations in each field.
The first half of the course provides students with an overview of the basics of Economics and Business both in Canada and internationally. Students will study various business structures and cover topics in economics, accounting, marketing, and operations management.
In the second half of the course students will explore the role of the major news/information media and address the effect they have had upon society. Students will also study the evolution of news/journalism, especially in Canada.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
CDEV1120 Career Options
Description: In this course, the student will focus on career decision-making skills. Topics will include: assessing self-knowledge, researching the marketplace, upgrading skills, networking, job searching on the Internet, the Electronic Edge and Conestoga Programs.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
COMM1090 Practical Writing and Oral Communications Skills
Description: This course will cover basic oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on workplace application. Students will learn how to plan, write and revise written communication using correct grammar, sentence structure and mechanics. Students will also communicate orally, through regular short presentations and classroom work.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
COMP1065 Computer Software Applications
Description: This course provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding as well as hands-on practical experience using specific computer software applications used in the workforce. Emphasis will be placed on using Microsoft Office 2007 software as indicated below:
a) Microsoft Word and Publisher to create a variety of print materials, special forms and reports,
b) Microsoft PowerPoint to become knowledgeable in designing and making effective electronic presentations
c) Microsoft Excel to create personal and work related budget models.
d) an internet browser for researching materials and employment opportunities effectively.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of general electronic policy, procedures and protocols necessary in using an employer's email and web site tools.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ETR1080 Workforce Foundations I
Description: This course will orient the student to the program. The student will be introduced to the historical nature of the workplace through examination of past, current, and future environments. Students will assess the knowledge, skills and attitudes that workers need to have in order to successfully navigate and adapt to changing conditions within the context of the workplace.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
LIBS1010 Critical Thinking Skills
Description: This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills to make decisions based on carefully focused and deliberately determined ways of thinking. The course will take a balanced approach to learning critical thinking skills and will include theory, analysis and experiential applications.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
MATH1400 Essential Mathematics
Description: This course will provide the student with learning tools that will help them to improve basic arithmetic skills and to develop reasoning and problem solving skills. It is designed for students to help them bridge any existing gap between their current preparation and college level math.
Topics include: fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, percent, metric system and an introduction to algebra and trigonometry.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Two
CDEV1110 Career Choices II: Science and Health Care Delivery
Description: In the second career choices course, students are introduced to the fields of science and health care delivery by studying the roles, responsibilities and various occupations in the fields.
The first half of this course will ? through lecture and demonstration - introduce the student to the ways in which science and scientists function. In this context, the student will examine the history of science, the philosophy of science, the scientific process and the scientific establishment. The second half of this exploratory course provides a broad overview of the Canadian and Provincial health care system with an emphasis upon current issues and concerns. New developments in health care reform, such as long term care reform, trends in health care delivery with increased emphasis on home care and the importance of health promotion, as well as the futuristic trends and concrete alternatives to change in the health care delivery system will be explored. The challenging role of the health care provider will be examined as the health care system continues to impact on the changing role of the health care worker. The consumer role will be studied with a critical look at the influence of consumerism and its impact on the health care system. The course will provide the student with an opportunity to review current moral and ethical issues affecting the health care system. Students will be encouraged to identify current issues that are relevant to their own needs and interests.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
COMM1140 Interpersonal Communications Skills
Description: This course will help students develop skills needed to interrelate with others in a variety of workplace situations and social settings. With the assistance of self-assessment and feedback instruments, students will be able to build on individual strengths and overcome weakness in their ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and in group settings. Although the course will incorporate relevant communication theories, the focus will be on developing the ability to present oneself effectively in the majority of managerial roles (e.g. managing conflict, instructing, seminar leader, counselor, team member). The course will also focus on managing ones image to maximize career potential.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ETR1090 Workforce Foundations II
Description: In the second semester of Workforce Foundations, students will be introduced to the concept of web-enhanced learning environments typically found in today’s workplace. The online environment will be used as a forum for students to integrate the theoretical aspects of their learning with the practical world of work and to address implications of workplace situations.In addition, students will have an opportunity to manage their personal growth and to further customize their preparation for the workplace by using specific employment related online tools and by completing industry specific assessments and certificates such as Safe Food Handling, TOWES, Smart Serve, Customer Service, Service Excellence, Young Workers Awareness Program and Passport to Safety.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ETR1100 Field Placement Workforce Foundations
Description: This course is intended to offer the student an opportunity to work in an organization related to their chosen field, one full day per week. The major emphasis in this placement is twofold. Firstly, the student will be given the opportunity to observe the workings of an organization that will include staffing organizational structure, service delivery policies and procedures, etc. Second, the student will be provided with tasks which meet the learning needs of the student.
Hours: 104
Credits: 4
LIBS1290 Ethics In The Workplace
Description: This practical course will challenge the student to evaluate how to make sound ethical decisions for self and to apply the process for today's workplace. This discussion course involves presentations on part of the student as an individual and as part of a team. Some topical areas will cover the following: an ethical climate, corporate responsibilities, employer/employee rights and responsibilities, global ethics and emerging ethical issues.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
LIBS1390 Managing Change in the Workplace
Description: This course will provide an overview of organizational change in order to understand the process of change, human reaction to change, and the effects of change on the organization. The students will examine leadership competencies in the context of successful change and develop approaches to managing change that will help avoid common problems evident in many change initiatives.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
LIBS1450 Current Issues In The Workplace
Description: This course examines the way that individuals approach the workplace. The course examines the various structures that are found in the average workplace. Issues such as Human Rights Legislation, employees rights and methods used to hire, fire, discipline and reward employees is also examined.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
