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Digital Skills for the Workplace (DSW)

Who is this for?
The DSW program is designed for women and gender diverse individuals looking to upskill in order to enter or advance in the workforce and who are interested in learning new digital skills for the workplace.

Priority will be given to those who identify as part of one or more of the following groups:

  • Racialized
  • Newcomers to Canada
  • Indigenous
  • Other equity-seeking groups
 

Where is this training?
This training will be held at four different YWCA associations across Canada, including:

  • YWCA Halifax
  • YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo
  • YWCA Prince Albert
  • YWCA Toronto
 

Funded by:

Welcome to the Digital Skills for the Workplace (DSW) program!

Increasing your digital literacy and building digital skills is an essential step to growing your career – whether you are returning to the workforce, changing careers or seeking advancement in your field.

The DSW program aims to increase digital literacy and employability of women and gender diverse individuals, focusing on marginalized communities across Canada. By providing accessible and practical digital skills training, we aim to close the gender gap in the Canadian labour market.

With funding from the Government of Canada through the Department of Employment and Social Development: Canada’s Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program, YWCA Toronto and three other YWCA collaborators across the country will offer workshops that aim to increase digital literacy and confidence in the digital workforce.
 

Important Dates

Orientation Sessions

  • Orientation Session 1: Monday, August 21, 2023
  • Orientation Session 2: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
  • Orientation Session 3: Thursday, September 7, 2023
  • Orientation Session 4: Tuesday, September 12, 2023

    Workshop Series

    • The DSW Program will run from:
      Monday, September 18, 2023 – Wednesday, October 18, 2023
     

    Contact Us

    If you are interested in attending an orientation session or learning more about the DSW Program, contact us at 416.269.0091 ext. 261 or digitalskills@ywcatoronto.org.


    YWCA Toronto – Digital Skills for the Workplace (DSW) Program
    5-Week Course Outline

    Foundations I – Introduction to Digital Skills

    • A warm welcome to the Digital Skills for the Workplace Program
    • Teaching the fundamentals of Internet safety, finding and verifying information online, and acceptable uses of technology at work

    LEVEL I – Communication, Collaboration & Online Recruiting

    • A comprehensive introduction to various software programs you will encounter in the workplace
    • Practice skills needed to succeed in a digital space through communicating, collaborating and job-searching online

    Communication I - The Virtual Workplace: Creating & Sharing Files

    • Create, save, and convert files commonly used in various workplace settings
    • Communicate clearly using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel for the workplace
    • Send files and communicate professionally using Gmail, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat Reader

    Collaboration I - The Team Player: Working Together with Digital Tools

    • Learn how to attend online meetings, troubleshoot technology issues and become familiar with essential collaboration tools using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Webex
    • Learn Cloud computing basics with Google Drive, SharePoint and Dropbox

    Online Recruiting I - Preparing for Work: Maximize Your Application Potential

    • Navigate online job boards, applicant tracking systems and employer wish lists
    • Create, edit and draft an adaptable resume or CV and cover letter with sought-after keywords using Canva, Microsoft Word and online templates

    LEVEL II – Communication, Collaboration & Online Recruiting

    • A deep-dive into communicating, collaborating and job-searching online with a focus on successful integration into the digital job market

    Communication II - Making Your Ideas Stand Out: Getting Noticed in the Digital Workplace

    • Get creative and elevate workplace documents using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
    • Edit and protect important files with Microsoft programs and Adobe Acrobat Reader and share them using Gmail and Outlook

    Collaboration II - Improve Team Efficiency: Pushing Collaboration Tools Further

    • Lead meetings and develop time management strategies using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Webex
    • Create, share and edit documents collaboratively with Google Drive, SharePoint and Dropbox

    Online Recruiting II - Create Your Digital Presence: Job-Searching Online

    • Market yourself effectively for different roles, create profiles that engage employers, and filter opportunities that fit your skills and experience

    Foundations II - Workplace Confidence

    • Preparing for what comes next – articulate the skills you have gained, set goals and create a plan
    • The conclusion of the Digital Skills for the Workplace Program

Why Are Digital Skills Important?

 
  • Almost 80% of CEOs globally, in 2019, reported concern over the gap observed in the technical skills of their employees
  • Only 30% of Canadians said they felt very prepared with digital skills required for the workplace in 2022
  • 250,000 additional jobs are expected to be in demand for the Canadian digital economy by 2025

 
The DSW Workshop Series aims to increase foundational skills newly identified by the Government of Canada as Skills for Success.

Read more about this initiative here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success.html