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New online learning platform should help secondary students

'This exciting new project will equip students in Nipissing with the skills they need to be career-ready for the jobs of the future as well as forming connections with local employers and community organizations for a benefit to our whole community'
20200202 near north school board logo on wall turl
Near North District School Board. Jeff Turl/BayToday.

The Near North District School Board has unveiled Skills Catalyst Project, an interactive, online learning platform for secondary students. 

The provincial government awarded a $96,220 grant to develop this platform.

"The resource, developed by NNDSB specialist teachers, will provide students with an opportunity to learn both interpersonal and technical skills that are highly valued by modern employers," says a news release. "The training will be provided in partnership with local businesses and community organizations.  Since this progressive learning model has been designed for blended learning (online and experiential), students can continue to learn and develop these skills despite the challenges presented by COVID-19."  

Goals of the program include providing students with specialized skill development opportunities to enhance their employment prospects.  The program supports traditionally underrepresented groups by encouraging engagement through workshops and supporting local labour market development. The partnership with YES Employment and the Labour Market Group helps to identify the needs of local employers, providing the next generation of employees with opportunities and skills to be successful moving forward. 

“This exciting new project will equip students in Nipissing with the skills they need to be career-ready for the jobs of the future as well as forming connections with local employers and community organizations for a benefit to our whole community,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. 

“We believe this specially designed, tailored platform will produce a multitude of opportunities which will benefit both our students and local employers and community organizations," said Board Chair Jay Aspin.