Project title: Foundational Assessment for Skilled Trades (FAST)

Project goal: Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board’s goal was to create an online platform for students interested in skilled trade careers to do free self-assessments to assess suitability for specific trades. This platform identifies areas of strengths and weaknesses and recommends resources to help improve student preparation for each specific trade.

What was done: A student in the computer researcher collaborated with the client organization to translate its existing paper-based self-assessment tools to a new online platform. Secondary school teachers also received access to help guide individual students, see aggregate trends in their classes, and adjust their training as instruction as necessary to better prepare their students interested in potential skilled trade careers.

What was achieved: An online platform was created. Staff were trained on how to integrate the tool into their classroom and how to analyze the trends based on results inputted.

For more information about Foundational Assessment for Skilled Trades (FAST), visit their webpage at https://readyfortrades.ca/.