The Pilot Project (12.2022 – 03.2024)

The new Skills for Success Program (2022) expands the range of skills Canadians need to succeed at work and in everyday life. The new skills model includes socio-emotional skills such as collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and communication.

The project produced an updated version of learning modules from the pre-existing curriculum focused on reading and numeracy skills. Significant improvements were made to ensure inclusive language (GBA+) and compliance with WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.

The second component of the project developed new training modules on socio-emotional skills in the context of workplace project management. The 25 Skills in Action© capsules adhere to WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.

The third component involved collaboration with expert consultants to develop a set of situational judgment exercises (SJEs) aligned with socio-emotional skills and reflective of the contexts of individuals belonging to six equity-deserving groups.

The workplace training initiative is supported by a training and talent management application.

This application innovates by enabling SME and non-profit managers to assign specific training to their staff, upload custom technical training modules, and monitor certification progress of registered participants.

The Réseau de développement des collectivités du Canada (RDCC) (Canada Community Futures Network) comprises 269 member agencies with local offices in rural communities across Canada. In Atlantic Canada, these agencies are known as Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs). In Western Canada and Ontario, they are called Community Futures. In Quebec, RDCC member agencies are grouped into Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) and Centres d’aide aux entreprises (CAE).

The RDCC reaches nearly 25,000 entrepreneurial clients and SME owners in their communities. CBDC Restigouche collaborated with its close RDCC partners to recruit and support SMEs and their employees in testing the training portal, its applications, and e-learning modules.

We thank the 45 recruitment partners from nine provinces who contributed to the success of the Skills for Success for Rural SMEs in Canada project.
We also thank the approximately 2,500 learners, employers, and project partners who completed learning modules and provided feedback for improving the digital platform.