Workforce Development / SkillSoft

Our goal……
….. to create a more diverse, better-trained workforce
and help underserved people take their rightful place in the new economy.

SkillSoft Becomes Sponsor
Early in 2001, Technology For All (TFA) developed a sponsor relationship with SkillSoft, (formerly Smartforce), (http://www.skillsoft.com) the E-Learning Company. SkillSoft has provided TFA complete access to its online e-learning platform that includes over 2000 online courses in business skills, introductory and advanced computer skills, and soft skills. In addition to receiving the grant, TFA has been designated as the distributor of the SkillSoft e-learning platform to persons served by community technology centers across the nation.

Pilot Program
Utilizing the SkillSoft donation TFA first initiated a pilot program to develop best practice models. Urban and rural CTCs along with educators and community technology practitioners used and tested the platform to help TFA learn how to effectively utilize the donation in meeting the needs of our constituents.

Facilitated Distance Learning Model
Through the pilot program TFA developed a Workforce Development Initiative that utilizes a "facilitated distance learning" model in local CTCs. The TFA model encourages and trains local community based organizations to recruit "local administrators" and "learning coaches" to support the program and develop relationships with local corporations that can serve as sponsors, provide work acculturation experiences for students and identify the skills needed for specific jobs in the local workforce.

In training local administrators, TFA’s staff teaches the necessary skills and tools to properly administer a local workforce development initiative utilizing all of the reporting and tracking tools available in the SkillSoft eLearning platform. TFA serves as the "Super Administrator" and provides ongoing support of local administrators, manages technical issues, student passwords and "entitles" course offerings.

CTC learning coaches can be volunteers or paid staff. They are not necessarily subject matter experts, but persons who can support and encourage individuals in the program. They are persons who are trained by TFA in the effective utilization of the SkillSoft eLearning platform for the benefit of the individual student.

By working with local corporations in local communities, CTCs can collaborate with TFA to create specific learning paths that teach to the skills needed for available jobs.

For more information, contact info@techforall.org or call (713) 454-6400.

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