‘Party with a Purpose’ explores literacy and skills training

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on November 24th, 2009.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

FUSION Saint John is partnering with the Saint John Learning Exchange Friday to host a Party with a Purpose. This month, FUSION members and party goers will have the opportunity to learn more about the city’s literacy education centre and Ties 2 Work, an employer-specific training program.

The TIES 2 Work (Training in Essential Skills) program is an innovative community partnership that assists individuals by co-ordinating short-term workplace essential skills training that leads to full-time living wage employment. Essential skills are the foundation upon which further learning and training is built, and the tools that allow people to respond to the demands of work, learning and life, including: reading text, document use, writing and numeracy, communication, thinking skills, team work, computer use and continuous learning. Based on similar successful programs in Canada and the United States, Ties 2 Work endeavours to match the needs of local employers with the skills of individuals seeking employment. Learners participate in 12 weeks of classroom and on-site training and upon successful completion receive full-time employment.

“There is a pool of people out there who want to work, but need the skills required to gain employment,” says Christina Fowler, executive director of the Saint John Learning Exchange. “We see all kinds of people who would make fabulous employees. People just need to think outside the box and champion this kind of thinking when it comes to employing people.” Ties 2 Work is unique in that it addresses the needs of both the employers and prospective employees, and strives to create a working relationship that is beneficial for both parties.

By partnering with FUSION to host Party with a Purpose, the Saint John Learning Exchange hopes to bring increased awareness to the importance of literacy, essential learning and partnerships to a new audience.

“FUSION members and Saint John Learning Exchange learners have a lot to learn from one another,” says Kate Barnett, president of the Learning Exchange’s board of directors and former chair of FUSION Saint John. “The more we know about the things going on in the city, the better equipped we are to help the cause.”

The November Party with a Purpose will be at the Hilton Hotel from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com

Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca