Morrison Thomas works for Oswe: ge, an independent company established by Grand River Employment and Training (G.R.E.A.T.). Oswe: ge, located in Ohsweken, offers training and manages the G.R.E.A.T. Computer Learning Lab (GCLL). One of the main courses being offered through the computer learning lab is the Foundations program, an introduction to computers and Microsoft Office software.

The Foundations program is undergoing modifications to make it more workplace applicable. This might include the addition of skills that may be needed in an office setting, rather than offering pure computer skills. These additional course elements might include: answering the telephone, filing, and general life skills that go with working in an office. Overall, the outcome of this particular course will be for an individual to leave the program, with a basis in office situations, and attain an entry level position.

In addition to the current courses being offered through the G.R.E.A.T. Computer Learning Lab (GCLL), Oswe: ge also offers training in business management, proposal development, event coordination, and business plan development. Many people who apply to G.R.E.A.T.'s Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program, but don't have a business plan, may be recommended by a G.R.E.A.T. Programs and Services Officer (PSO) to enroll in the business plan training.

The six-week business plan training has been delivered twice, with over 15 students completing the program.

The numbers are kept low, with six to eight learners being the optimal class size. This is necessary, for example, when teaching the financial part of the program with learners asking more questions. Some of those who have completed the business plan training program have been successful in obtaining grants.

One good aspect of the business plan training is that the learners are forced to do an operational plan and a management plan. This requires them to fully examine the elements of their business, and the amount of hours every week that need to go into the business. Individuals will have gone through the course, and then realize that their plan was not viable for this area. With the six week business plan training program, students learn the skills to develop their own business ideas and create a business plan without spending any money on their initial idea.

Morrison Thomas has been with Oswe: ge since June 2001, when he was hired as a program developer with the goal of developing training programs for Oswe: ge to deliver. His responsibilities have involved examining areas such as apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and other skills training programs including welding, automotive, and construction. These programs, along with those available through the GCLL, will be delivered through the new Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre.

The new centre will occupy one wing of the G.R.E.A.T. Opportunity Centre, and will have three training bays specifically for welding, construction, and automotive instruction.

In addition, there will be three classrooms for the training school. Two of those are computer labs, with a possible Spring start date for courses in hardware and networking (MSCE and A+). Currently at GCLL, there is one person who has the designation of a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and two others who are A+ computer technicians.

The biggest benefit in providing training programs in Six Nations is that money that might have been spent at an off-reserve training institution will now be spent within the community strengthening the overall economy.
 
  Most people seeking training at the G.R.E.A.T. Computer Learning Lab (GCLL) are already employed but need to upgrade their skills. On occasion, someone who has absolutely no experience with computers seeks instruction (these individuals are recommended to take part in the four week Foundations course). Commonly requested programs include: Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Access.

The Foundations program is geared to people who have never used a computer. However, this program will soon undergo changes. The program will be oriented to unemployed individuals and to employed people wanting to upgrade or maintain their skills. The main focus of the program is to provide students with the skills they need to enter the workforce, if they are not already employed. The GCLL currently offers Microsoft Office 2000 training, and with the program modifications, it will also include communications skills and office procedures.

The new Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre will also offer the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and A+ Technician certification. MCSE designation will provide engineers with networking skills; whereas, an A+ technician will have the certification to fix a computer, and not void the warranty.

Kevin Doolittle has been an instructor at the G.R.E.A.T. Computer Learning Lab (GCLL) for three of the last 5-6 years the lab has been in existence. With a Master's Certification as a Microsoft Office User Specialist, Doolittle is the main instructor.

GCLL Instructors, Greg Green and Waylon Williams

 

One of the programs scheduled to be offered in the near future is Project 2000.

This is a program that integrates all of the office programs (Microsoft Excel, Word, Access and Outlook) into one package. Project 2000 has been requested and will be offered in the new Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre.

The other full time staff at GCLL are Greg Green (MCSE certified instructor), and Waylon Williams (A+ Technician). Mr. Williams, will be involved in delivering a pre-requisite three day A+ program as well as the A+ Technician program at the new Training Centre. The pre-requisite program will familiarize students with the inside of a computer, and provide them with an understanding of the different components. When the three-day pre-requisite program is complete, the student will be ready to begin the A+ training.

The A+ course will be offered during the day and will last three months, with the first course starting in the Spring of 2003. When A+ certification is complete, the learner can then proceed to study MCSE. Becoming certified in both MCSE and A+ takes one full year. Greg Green states, "To do the course, a person is going to really have to want it, because it will require a lot of extra time at home."

If there is a demand the computer lab will run a course. According to Kevin Doolittle, a lab instructor, "We don't turn anybody away. Whether it's one person or ten, we don't turn anyone away." The lab can accommodate ten people comfortably for courses.


February- March 2003

Morrison Thomas, Oswe:ge