61. Innovative Program Addressing Barriers to Trades Schools (Dr Lori Leach)

Highly skilled tradespeople are in great demand, but there can be some significant barriers that prevent talented individuals from completing their training. Learning disabilities, essential skills gaps, or language barriers can prevent top talent from entering, or remaining, in the skilled trades workforce. To address these obstacles, the Government of New Brunswick in Canada has become a leader in innovative solutions to meet training needs. Dr Lori Leach is Director of Virtual Learning Strategist Program at the Government of New Brunswick in Canada. Lori and her team have developed the innovative and holistic Virtual Learning Strategist Program to address learning barriers and support students to be successful in the skilled trades. The successful outcomes of their program are being recognized across Canada increasing the demand for their service model. Most recently they have received an additional $10 million in funding to further their research and program delivery. Dr Lori Leach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-leach-phd-713751165/ Email: lori.leach@gnb.ca Virtual Learning Strategist Program: VLS@gnb.ca