Technical
Skills
Development
Program
The library provides resources and support.
You decide when and how you participate.
The Technical Skills Development (TSD) Program is here to support you. Learn the tech skills you need to get the employment you want. Join the program to get hands-on experience you need to start a new career or advance in the one you have. You will have access to equipment and supplies and the support you need to learn how to use them to meet your goals, all on your schedule.
Skills you can use, for the employment you want.
Hands-on experience to start a new career or advance in the one you have.
You will have access to:
- Support to set goals and overcome barriers you identify such as transportation, childcare, etc.
- Computers with a variety of programs including design and editing capabilities
- Makerspace to fabricate your designs
- Supplies and training materials
- Peer group opportunities
- Monthly information and resource support meetings
- A Lending Library offering equipment and training media so you can learn at home
Skills You Can Learn:
- Basic Computer Skills
- Graphic Design
- Web Design
- Fabrication
- Video Editing
- Photography Editing
- Social Media Management
- Textile skills
- Culinary skills
- Laser Cutting
- Molding
- Modeling
- Other skills you identify that fit within the guidelines of the program
Hands-On Experience with:
- Design and Editing
- Laser Cutter
- Textile Fabrication Tools
- 3D Printer
- Craft Plotter Cutter (Cricut)
- Small equipment lending library
Gain Skills for:
- Traditional Workplace Settings
- Home Industry
- Distance Work
This program is open to NEMI Library Members of all skill and ability levels who are or will be 15 years or older by March 31, 2023. Library membership is free to all residents of NEMI. Non-resident membership is available for $30/year. Become a member here.
The first step to getting started is to fill out the registration form.
Once you are registered, the program facilitator will be in touch with you to set up a meeting. The facilitator will ask about what skills you want to learn and what you want to get out of the program at that time.
We are happy to help you in whatever way works best for you to fill out the form. Here are a few options for filling out the registration form:
- fill it out and save the file to the device you are using and then email it to skills@nemilibrary.ca or
- print the form, fill it out and drop it off at or mail it to NEMI Library or
- fill it out on the computer, then print it and drop it of or mail it to NEMI Library.
Do you need a paper copy but can’t make it to the library or print one? Let us know and we will mail you one.
We are happy to help you fill out the form in whatever way you need. Come into the library anytime during regular hours for help.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and until 7 pm on Thursday.
50 Meredith St W Little Current
705-368-2444
skills@nemilibrary.ca
Here are answers to some questions you might have about this program. If you still aren’t sure if this program is right for you, get in touch. We are happy to discuss further how this program can work for you.
What if I have a job? Do I have to be unemployed?
No, you do not need to be unemployed. You can work on skills to advance in the job you have or to seek new employment. The program is flexible so you can work around your schedule.
I work during the day and can’t come to the library during library hours. How can I use the program?
The program has built-in flexibility. The Program Facilitator can meet with you on your schedule, smaller equipment is available through the Lending Library and the Library is open on Saturdays and Thursday evenings if you want to work with in-Library equipment.
I can’t get to the library. How can I use the program?
The program has built-in flexibility. The Program Facilitator will work with you to help you access the program, whether that is getting you equipment to learn with at home through the Lending Library or helping you access transportation to the Library.
What are the Peer Group Opportunities?
You have the opportunity to be connected with others in the program to share resources and support each other. Individuals with similar goals may want to learn or practice together. There will also be monthly information and resource support meetings available.
Can my child participate?
This program is open to NEMI Library Members of all skill and ability levels who are or will be 15 years or older by March 31, 2023. Library membership is free to all residents of NEMI. Non-resident membership is available for $30/year.
How much does the program cost?
The program is free for all NEMI Public Library members. Library membership is free to all residents of the Municipality of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands. Non-resident memberships are available for $30/year. Please contact the TSD facilitator for more information about how we can make this program work for you.
How will I learn the skills I want? Will there be classes?
You will work with the Program Facilitator to identify the skills you want to learn. The Program Facilitator will connect you with resources to help achieve your goals. This may include using online tutorials; gaining access to media such as videos, books, or trade magazines; attending classes offered in the library; and one on one technical support. The library can also provide equipment and supplies to practice new skills.
I want to learn a skill for a hobby. Can I join the program?
At this time, the program and equipment is reserved for individuals who are looking to gain skills for employment in traditional workplace settings, home industry, freelance, distance work, or to otherwise generate income.
Local Employment Services:
Gezhtoojig Employment & Training
A resource center to help all Anishnabek people find sustainable employment. Provides outreach Services to Manitoulin Island.
Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board – Employment and Training Services
Provides Ontario Works services that assist participants in finding employment.
Employment Options
Employment Options staff offers individual assistance to help clients achieve their employment goals by providing a variety of activities or interventions.
Local Employment Listings:
Manitoulin Job Bank Facebook Group
Sudbury and Manitoulin Job Map by Planning our Workforce
Workopolis (showing results for Little Current)
Government Listings:
Government of Canada Job Bank (showing results near Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands)
Local Educational Opportunities:
Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute
Provides literacy and basic skills training, including numeracy, digital, communication and interpersonal skills and helps learners prepare for employment, apprenticeship, secondary-school credit, post-secondary education and greater independence.
Contact North
Ontario’s community-based bilingual distance education and training network.
Cambrian College
College of Applied Arts and Technology with a campus in Little Current.
Adult Day School – Rainbow District School Board
For individuals aged 21 years and older who want to complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Use the 3D Printer
Use the Cricut
Use the Laser Cutter and Engraver
Use the Sublimation Printer
Use the Embroidery Machine
Use the Drawing Tablet
Use the Heat Press
Use the Spinning Wheel
Use the Loom
The TSD Equipment Lending Library is a collection of useful tools and equipment available exclusively for TSD registrants to borrow. The Lending Library contains a variety of equipment and tools for you to take home to learn how to use or improve your skills on. You can browse items here.
Borrowing equipment is just like borrowing books from the library. When you come in to pick up the items you want, they will be checked out to your library card.
- Items are available to be borrowed for 1 week.
- Renewals are at the library’s discretion.
- Overdue fines are $2 per day with a maximum of $20 per item.
- You will be billed the replacement cost plus processing fees on the 8th day it is overdue.
- Items are to be returned to the front desk staff. Do not return in the drop box.
- Items will be inspected when returned, please ensure you have enough time for this when you are returning.
To borrow you must:
- Be a TSD registrant
- Be a NEMI Public Library member in good standing with an established borrowing history for at least the last 3 months.
- Sign the user agreement available at the library
Please contact Robin for more information or to get started borrowing from the TSD Lending Library. Call the library at 705-368-2444 and ask to speak with Robin.
How to get in touch:
Phone: 705-368-2444
Email: skills@nemilibrary.ca
Mail:
TSD Program
c/o NEMI Public Library
Box 459
Little Current ON
P0P1K0
Send us a message here:
Online E-Learning Databases:
Digital Learn: learn to use a computer to do almost anything!
GCF Learn Free: learn and develop the skills needed to advance in work and life. Tutorials covering a variety of topics at various levels, such as Technology, Work and Social Media, etc. Highlights: Office, Internet, Email, Mac and more technology topics.
Wikiversity for Computer Skills: learning resources for computer skills, from basic to advanced.
This Employment Ontario Program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. The views expressed in this publication are those of NEMI Public Library and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province. The Government of Ontario and its agencies are in no way bound by any recommendations contained in this document.