Leading Edge Program

In the past 10 to 15 years, technology has advanced tremendously.  While this has helped business, government and society immensely, it has also introduced a number of unexpected results. Now employers expect employees to has some sort of technology training or background.  Employers have also complained about employees with inappropriate cell phone usage, lack of time management skills, and other basic tenets of professionalism that was once thought of as common sense. With COVID-19, working from home or taking classes remotely via email and through software such as Zoom or Google Meet also became the new norm. It was said that in 2020, working from home increased productivity up to 47% for some (Forbes Magazine), but those that struggle with technology or have limited access are marginalized.

At Bridgewater Adult High, we noticed that many of our students were among those that lacked essential technology skills.  Using email, the internet, a word processor and a spreadsheet are now considered essential skills.  As a result, we thought that a night course offered over 8-weeks might be a good way to help those that would otherwise struggle with technology.  This course have an hour of individual tutoring on the computer with activities relating to email, spreadsheets, word processing and file management, followed by an hour of “soft skills” related to professionalism in a work environment.  After successful completion of the course, graduates will receive a certificate and have a better chance of obtaining sustainable employment because of their new skills.  Offered as an 8-week course, it would entail an hour of individual tutoring on the computer with activities relating to email, spreadsheets, word processing and file management, followed by an hour of “soft skills” related to professionalism in a work environment. After successful completion of the course, graduates will receive a certificate. Each student will be assessed for technology skills and use those skills for employment in a more effective and profitable area.

Funding for this pilot project is supplied by the NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

Eligible Criteria:

• Applicants must be 19 years or older (at the time of application or by program completion)
• Applicants must be intending to seek employment or improve their employment options through participation in this program.
• As seats are limited, there will be a screening/selection process