Education and Skills for Employment
About the Program:
The Education and Skills for Employment program is designed to increase the success of people with cognitive disabilities in a variety of areas of employment.
Through individual learning plans, courses introduce students to workplace skills, provide the opportunity to demonstrate employment readiness and open the door for future learning and employment in our communities and beyond. This program combines an interactive classroom experience with work placement within the community.
This program is currently offered through our Creston campus.
Next program intake: March 3 – August 14, 2025
Please contact the Program Coordinator at the Creston Campus to learn if you qualify for this program and for next steps to apply. Apply early to avoid disappointment – the maximum enrollment for this program is 12 students.
Program Overview
Course content includes:
- communication skills
- job exploration skills
- employability skills
- technology skills
- interpersonal skills
- numeracy skills
- personal awareness skills
- nutrition/food prep skills
- health and safety skills
- customer service skills
Workplace Practicums:
Education and Skills for Employment students are required to complete workplace practicums during the course of the program. These workplace practicums are an integral part of the program where students can apply what they have learned to the workplace environment and real life situations.
College of the Rockies works with community partners to identify and secure work placements for the students. If required, practicum students will be provided with Job Coaches to ensure a successful experience for both students and employers.
Classes:
- Class times to be determined
- Students should expect to be in class 20 hours/week
Course Descriptions
ESEP-001 – Communication Skills for Life and Employment
In this course, students learn the skills necessary to communicate effectively. Students will read, write, speak, and listen as a means to develop purposeful skills in preparation for finding and maintaining employment. Students must demonstrate a high level of participation, motivation and interest in the course work and a positive attitude in feedback and evaluation. Students will learn effective coping skills, problem solving strategies and appropriate communication skills in all class activities. Students also actively participate in a number of activities to help them address challenges associated to a greater level of independence.
- Length: 120 hours
- Prerequisites: Admitted to the ESEP or instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
ESEP-002 – Money and Math Skills
This course helps students develop math skills related to employment and basic personal finances including budgets, taxes, and payroll. Students practice basic math operations related to real life
circumstances and problem solving with a variety of assignments and activities.
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Admitted to the ESEP or instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
ESEP-003 – Job Exploration and Readiness Skills
In this course, students determine their personal preferences for jobs, research the skills and education required for these jobs, complete various inventories/assessments related to the education and experience required for these jobs, participate in goal planning, and develop workable strategies in preparation to obtain employment. In addition, students will become aware of their rights as workers and citizens of BC and Canada.
- Length: 55 hours
- Prerequisites: Admitted to the ESEP or instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
ESEP-004 – Occupational Skills and Work Experience
This course provides students with in-class experiential instruction combined with practical work experience. Students are supported in job shadowing situations and /or actual work placement
assignments. Since this course has a work experience component, the jobs students participate in will vary depending on availability and location. The classroom component of the course may touch on jobs such as kitchen help, ground maintenance, janitorial, retail, information technology, and clerical. As well, students will apply appropriate interview strategies in an authentic workplace interview, use suitable workplace communication and attire, and apply effective workplace safety procedures.
- Length: 170 hours
- Prerequisites: Admitted to the ESEP or instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
ESEP-005 – Personal and Occupational Health, Wellness, and Safety
This course focuses on helping students identify and describe personal attributes, strengths and challenges related to personal and occupational health and safety. Students develop personal learning strategies, coping strategies to deal with change, and identify common stressors and strategies for stress management. Students will complete FoodSafe and WHMIS certificates. They will also participate in a First Aid awareness course.
- Length: 50 hours
- Prerequisites: Admitted to the ESEP or instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
ESEP-006 – Job Search Skills
This course is intended to guide students through a personal job search. After participating in Occupational Skills and Work Experience 004, students will update their resumes and look for their own jobs. In order to do this, students will learn networking skills as well as how to use community resources available to them.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: Admitted to the ESEP or instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Education and Skills for Employment Program, students should:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide formal documentation of a cognitive disability.
- This documentation could be, for example, an educational assessment in the form of an IEP or transcript; a psychological-educational review, a medical report, or a document confirming one’s status as PWD (Person With Disability). Other documentation may also be accepted.
- Students who don’t have the appropriate documentation may be admitted conditionally on the recommendation of the instructor with the approval of the department head.
- Attend an interview to determine suitability for the Program. Suitable students are able to learn individually, participate in group settings, and be interested in working at a job.
Your Costs
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
Tuition: | $3,603.68 |
Student Association Fee: | $55.20 |
Bus Pass Fee: | $88.80 |
Total | $3,747.68 |
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
This program qualifies for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG). The AUG provides needs-based grants to students enrolled in developmental programs. These grants are intended to off-set the costs associated with tuition, fees, books, unsubsidized childcare and transportation for students most in need of financial assistance. Please inquire about other funding that may also be available.
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
On-campus
Credential:
Certificate of Achievement (Non-credit)
Categories:
Continuing Education Program, Upgrading
Interests:
Get in, Get out, Get a Job, Upgrading
Contact Details
Creston Campus
301 – 16th Avenue
PO Box 1978, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0
Phone: 250-428-5332
Email: creston@cotr.bc.ca