The Chestermere Workforce Language Accelerator (CWLA) will attract and support industry and commerce by assisting newcomers and non-native English language speakers with workforce English Language training. The CWLA will be a dynamic program that includes hybrid delivery options: from in-person to remote, synchronous to asynchronous, and self-led to direct instruction. This training program will have a training management system, much like EnGen, to create training plans for trainees and companies, to deliver matching content and activities, to track performance progress, and to assign workplace credentials. Interviews with employers and surveys with potential trainees would be used to create opportunities and recruit trainees.
The project to launch CWLA is ready. Currently, Hilgartner Training has substantial funds to move the program ahead in partnerships with other established English language training programs. The Foundational Learning Community has aquired similar amounts in grants and donations.
There is a strong need. The City of Chestermere eagerly needs industry and commerce to start and grow to maintain a steady and healthy economy in the coming decade. Moreover, the City of Chestermere is home to many newcomers and recent immigrants who do not have the needed language learning proficiency to thrive in any new skilled worforce.
1. Project Schedule (6-Month Pilot)
A 24-week timeline allows for setup, recruitment, and one full instructional cycle.
| Phase | Timeline | Key Activities |
| Phase 1: Setup | Weeks 1–4 | Procure Training Management System (TMS); design survey instruments; finalize curriculum pillars. |
| Phase 2: Outreach | Weeks 5–8 | Conduct employer interviews; launch trainee recruitment surveys; host local info sessions. |
| Phase 3: Onboarding | Weeks 9–10 | Baseline proficiency testing; individual learning plans (ILPs) created in the TMS. |
| Phase 4: Instruction | Weeks 11–22 | 12-week hybrid delivery (Synchronous/Asynchronous); mid-point performance tracking. |
| Phase 5: Evaluation | Weeks 23–24 | Final assessments; credential awarding; impact report for stakeholders. |
2. The Budget ($20,000)
Since this is a hybrid model, we are prioritizing software and people over physical real estate.
Technology & TMS Licensing ($6,000): Subscription for a platform similar to EnGen to handle asynchronous content and progress tracking for ~30–40 pilot users.
Instructional Staff ($8,000): Stipends for part-time ESL instructors/facilitators to lead synchronous sessions and monitor self-led progress.
Marketing & Outreach ($2,000): Targeted ads for newcomers, printed flyers for community centers, and "Lunch & Learn" events for local business owners.
Administration & Materials ($3,000): Program management, insurance, and digital/physical learning resources.
Contingency Fund ($1,000): For unexpected tech troubleshooting or emergency student support.
3. People (The Project Team)
We are a small, "scrappy" team where members wear multiple hats.
Project Lead (Hilgartner/Foundational): Oversees the budget, manages the TMS relationship, and reports to the City/Donors.
Employer Liaison: Connects with Chestermere industry leaders to ensure the English being taught matches "Workplace English" (e.g., safety terminology, professional communication).
Lead Instructor/Facilitator: Manages the hybrid flow—recording asynchronous videos and leading the weekly "Deep Dive" in-person sessions.
Community Navigator: A part-time role (possibly a volunteer or intern) focused on outreach to immigrant communities and assisting with the initial surveys.
4. Resources & Delivery Model
To maintain the "Hybrid" requirement, the project will use a "Flipped Classroom" approach.
Technical Resources
TMS (The "Engine"): Must support mobile access (vital for working newcomers).
Zoom/Teams: For synchronous remote sessions.
Digital Credentials: Using tools like Accredible or LinkedIn-compatible badges to provide trainees with "Workplace Ready" certificates.
Delivery Modes
Self-Led (Asynchronous): Trainees complete 3 hours/week of industry-specific modules on the TMS at their own pace.
Direct Instruction (Synchronous): A weekly 90-minute session (offered both in-person at a local library/community hall and via stream) to practice conversation.
Performance Tracking: Monthly "Scorecards" generated by the TMS to show employers the quantifiable growth of their potential or current hires.
5. Strategic Goal for Chestermere
By the end of this pilot, Hilgartner Training and the Foundational Learning Community will have a data-backed case study. We will know exactly how many people reached proficiency and how many local businesses are ready to hire them. This "Proof of Concept" will allow us to sustain current funding and to ask for a larger grant amounts in Year 2.
Moving Forward
This is a strategic initiative that addresses a critical gap in Chestermere’s economic development. By bridging the language barrier for newcomers, this program will not be about just teaching English; it will unlock a dormant workforce for local commerce.
