Since 1980, the Transitional Vocational Program at Mount Royal University has been providing a variety of post-secondary programs to adults with developmental disabilities.
The Employment Preparation Certificate Program and Employment Assistance focus on students preparing for competitive employment and community living with work and life skills. Together, the programs combine on-campus instruction with community-based work integrated learning. The goals for students include:
- develop a vocational choice and/or goal
- improve skills for getting and keeping a job
- improve job-related and personal organizational skills
- develop positive attitudes and habits necessary for successful employment
- enhance social skills
- manage a more independent lifestyle.
Read about TVP's history in this story celebrating four decades of empowerment, teamwork, professionalism, accountability and respect.
Did you know that inclusive workplaces are good for business?
It’s true. Organizations that prioritize inclusivity are eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes and are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets than organizations that aren’t inclusive, according to Employment and Social Development Canada.
Work integrated learning overview
The goal for work integrated learning is to have a student gain competitive employment. What this looks like can vary from student to student. Work integrated learning typically starts off unpaid and lasts for three months. During this time, the student works on developing the skills and attitudes needed to meet employer expectations.
During their work integrated learning, each student has an employment specialist who provides weekly on-the-job support. The employment specialist works with the student on the work site to help students progress in their work integrated learning. If a student is hired on, they will still receive support from their employment specialist until they complete their time with TVP. Typically, students exit TVP at the end of August.
Student work integrated learning schedules are created based on employer needs and student availability. Ideally, students work 15 to 24 hours a week, three to four days a week. The goal of the program is to have students working 24 hours a week in a paid position.
Please note: Students in an unpaid integrated learning cannot take the place of a paid employee. For example, unpaid students cannot be called into work if the employer is short staffed.
Employer and student support
Students receive support from the initial interview or meeting until the student has completed their work integrated learning or their program. Each student has an employment specialist who provides weekly on-the-job support. The employment specialist works with the student on the work site to help students progress in their work integrated learning.
Employment specialists are the contact point for both the employer and student. Any questions, comments, or concerns are directed to them. The employment specialist is also in contact with the students supervisor(s) to ensure open communication. They assist with problem-solving, training, as well as developing strategies to ensure student progression in their work integrated learning.
These documents need to be completed at the beginning of a student work practicum.
The Work integrated learning letter is an agreement between the company and Mount Royal University that allows the employment specialist to be on the work site, as well as cover WCB for students for as long as they are in TVP. You do not have to hire a student or keep a student this letter is for setting up the work integrated learning.
The Pre-Employment Safety Questionnaire is completed before a student begins their work integrated learning. This safety questionnaire is completed to ensure that the student’s work site is safe.
Fill out the Workplace Safety Checklist on the student’s first day of their work integrated learning. The student, employer and employment specialist fill it out to ensure the student is oriented within the worksite and that the student is aware of the potential hazards within the work site.
The Job Description ensures everyone understands the duties expected of the student.
Evaluations are completed by the student’s direct supervisor. The evaluations provide an opportunity to give student’s documented feedback on areas where they are doing well and where they can be improving.
Review our employer brochure for more information.
TVP values: Empowerment, Teamwork, Professionalism, Accountability and Respect.
Contact us
Transitional Vocational Program
Room M 200 (Main Building)
Mount Royal University
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
403.440.6872
Email: tvp@mtroyal.ca