FAQ: Your Guide to Becoming Govt-Certified Workplace Trainer for Free

Program Overview

What is the Workplace Connections program, and who funds it?

The Workplace Connections initiative, funded by the Canadian government, aims to certify 120 practitioners across Canada to enhance workforce capabilities through a dual certification program in Skills for Success Practitioner Certification and Certified Relational Skills for Workplace ^© Trainer for Workplace. These certified workplace practitioners will help individuals assess and develop skills based on Canada's Skills for Success Framework. Program graduates will be poised to improve workplace communication and competencies, showcasing the government's dedication to fostering essential workplace skills.

Who can qualify for the program/what type of professionals can apply to the program?

The program is aimed at individuals who provide, or would like to provide, workforce training to organizations and individuals. This may consist of Business Owners, Organizational Leadership, Human Resources and Training & Development teams, Corporate Trainers, Workplace Educators, Independent Consultants, Workforce Development, Career/Employment Services, Academic Instructors or Advisors, and Non-Profit individuals, among others.

What educational frameworks does the program use?

The program combines the Government of Canada Skills for Success (S4S) framework and the customized Relational Skills^© competency cluster to enhance workforce abilities. The S4S framework outlines nine essential skills for work and life, such as communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy. Relational Skills^© draws directly on four of these nine S4S skills—collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving, and communication— as well as four additional in demand social skills: social intelligence, civility and citizenship, cultural competence, and change ready mindset. Graduates can apply these integrated skills to improve workplace relationships and organizational success.

What are the components of the training?

The Workplace Connections Program (2 parts) includes certifications in Skills for Success and in Relational Skills. This is achieved through self-directed online classes, formal as well as informal mentorship, required readings, a practicum with three paid real-workplace training deliveries, along with exam preparation and the final exams. In addition, there are Masterclasses post-graduation. The training components are made available after acceptance into the program and are designed to accommodate self-paced learning over a 12-month period.

The pre-requisite certification program (Part1) covers the Skills for Success Framework and Adult Learning principles,focusing on defining program objectives, summarizing competencies, applying higher-order thinking for workplace partnerships, and adult learning assessment techniques as well as classroom basics and evaluation. There is an exam component to achieve certification.
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Once the pre-requisite course is complete, trainees are eligible to complete the Relational Skills Workplace TrainerCertification (Part 2) which introduces Relational Skills and includes apracticum, teaching assessment, facilitation of relational competencies, andapplying both theory and practical training principles in a real-world setting.A second, separate exam is required as part of the steps to achievecertification as a Relational Skills Workplace Trainer.

What’s the time commitment and structure of the 200-hour self-paced training program?

The overall (2 Certifications) combined make up a 200-hour training program, and are designed to be self-paced and completed over 12 months.

The program is structured as follows:

100 hours are allocated for class time, which includes on-demand videos and online self-study.
18 hours are dedicated to reading and homework.
10 hours for meetings, support webinars, and general communication.
6 hours are set aside for exam preparation.
6 hours are required to complete two open-book, multiple-choice exams (one with 100 questions and the other with 40 questions).
The practicum is estimated to take 40 hours and includes a per diem (ie. paid time).
Lastly, 20 hours are intended for administrative tasks such as invoicing, workplace contact generation, reporting, and evaluation activities.

Participants can manage their progression within this flexible timeframe, accommodating their schedules while ensuring they meet the program's requirements.

Can I get an extension if needed, and what happens if I don’t complete the training?

Extensions for the training program may be granted under special circumstances. If the training is not completed, participants will receive course credit e.g., a Certificate of Coursework Completion but will not be eligible for certified status, e.g., a Certificate of Certification. Note: Exam retakes are $295CND/exam.

Training Content & Delivery

What does the training focus on and what format is it delivered in?

Generally, the overall program focuses on Skills for Success and Relational Skills, specifically tailored for workplace environments. The program is delivered online in an on-demand format, allowing trainees to undergo self-directed training complemented by mentorship.

Can the training be accessed on different devices and is the content available in other languages besides English?

Yes, the training can be accessed on various devices as long as there is internet access. You can take the entire course using your mobile phone. No desktop or laptop is required. The curriculum itself is also available in French, although the full training course is currently delivered online only in English.

I read information about pre-reading; do we need to purchase textbooks?

Course materials are accessible through the online course. A $40 Amazon Gift Card will be provided to go towards the purchase of required books.

Certification Details

What is the value of the certification being given away?

The program is funded (by the Government of Canada’s Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Fund) meaning participants of the pilot project are eligible to take the program at no cost. The value of this first-to-market, pan-Canadian program is estimated at $15, 000 CAD.

What certifications will I receive, and are they recognized?

Upon successful completion, including completing your practicum and passing both exams, you will receive certifications which are validated and endorsed by the Government of Canada. Successful graduates will receive:

Skills for Success Certificate of Coursework Completion – upon completing the online self-directed course.
Skills for Success Certificate of Certification & Digital Badge – upon completing the pre-requisite S4S certificate program including passing the exam with a required 80% and submitting all required course documents.
Relational Skills Certificate of Course Completion – upon completing the online course and submitting required documents e.g., any necessary assignments.
Relational Skills Certificate of Certification & Digital Badge – upon completing the Relational Skills exam and achieving a passing grade of 80%, completing 3 assigned practicums, engaging with mentor, and submitting all required documents e.g., practicum reports, attendance verification, lesson plans, etc.
Workplace Connections Program Certificate of Acknowledgement for Completion of the Program and & Digital Badge:
This certificate verifies that the practitioner was one of the initial 120 Practitioners to complete this pan-Canadian program and achieve Certification through the government validated and funded project.

Will I need to renew my certification yearly, or is this a one-time certification process?

Certification will last for a year with masterclasses offered to remain in good standing. A graduate would retain the initial credential, but without being in good standing, may not be eligible for certain ongoing opportunities. It is yet to be determined if there will be advanced certification offerings or obligations or recertification.

After-Completion Prospects

What can I do once certified?

Depending on the certification obtained, practitioners will be able to implement Skills for Success, Relational Skills or both, in the organizations they represent, under their own personal brand or company umbrella, and, there may be opportunities to work ongoing with various government initiatives or organizations such as Workplace Education Manitoba. Program graduates are encouraged, and authorized, to use the Relational Skills lesson plans and support materials including those in the Toolkit to offer customized Relational Skills training solutions in their cities and markets. Training material can be built into employee onboarding, workplace consultations, Human Resource initiatives, individual upskilling or more.

Do I have flexibility/autonomy in how I deliver training after completing the program?

After completing the program, trainers have significant autonomy in how they deliver training. During the practicum, however, there are specific guidelines that must be followed.

Support and Requirements

What support is provided during training? Are there any fees for joining the program?

The program offers mentorship, most necessary materials, networking, access to an online community, post-graduation masterclasses, and potential training opportunities, all free of charge as the program is government-funded. An Amazon gift card is offered to be used towards resources e.g., recommended reading books, the applicant may need during training.

What are the requirements to apply for the program, and do I have to sign any agreements to join?

Applicants must be Canadian citizens with English proficiency. Upon joining, participants are required to sign binding agreements that include non-compete clauses and stipulations regarding intellectual property usage rights.

Practicum and Mentorship

How does the practicum work, including payment, and are mentorship sessions recorded for later viewing?

The practicum involves delivering Relational Skills training in real workplace settings. Practicums are assigned to trainees. Sessions range from 1 hour to 3 days and trainees are paid a pre-set per diem. One of the three practicum sessions will be audited. The Workplace Connections team secures and arranges the workplaces for practicums, but trainees do have input into nature and location as well as dates and times for deliveries. Aspects of the mandatory Mentorship sessions are recorded and are available for those in different time zones or schedules. Some aspects of the Mentorship are optional.

Additional Information and Opportunities

What support and growth opportunities are available within the program, and how is feedback handled?

Support extends to mentorship sessions, and growth opportunities may depend on the graduate's engagement with the program, including mandatory masterclasses for maintaining good standing. Feedback is provided during mentorship and upon practicum completion, with further evaluations planned for after the project's conclusion.

Are there any testimonials available from past participants?

Testimonials from past participants are available, underscoring the program's benefits and its positive impact.