Shannon Bouchie was awarded the Workplace Education Champion Award for her work with the Department of Labour and Advanced Education in coordinating and facilitating numerous cluster-training programs within Pictou and Antigonish counties.
She recently received the award from Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Kelly Regan.
The free programs, which aim to educate employers and employees about everything from basic computer skills to human resources, were managed and executed by Bouchie.
“When the department approached me about reaching out to businesses in Pictou County, I thought it was a great idea,” she said. “I sent out info to these businesses and within a week, we had a full meeting. It snowballed from there.”
Since the fall of 2011, NOBL has co-ordinated 46 workplace education programs in the areas of financial management, computer skills, Excel, human resources, customer service, communication skills, marketing and social media to name a few.
In each of the 46 programs, there were approximately 10 participants, which translates into 460 small business owners and employees from Pictou and Antigonish county participating in the cluster model programs since the fall of 2011.
Bouchie, who has worked with NOBL for nine years, said her first reaction to news that she’d be receiving an award was shock.
“I didn’t think I deserved it because I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing. The mandate of NOBL is to strengthen the economic base of Pictou County.”
Robin Jardine, an instructor with NOBL and representative from the department, in her nomination speech for Bouchie noted her successful delivery of programs in the area.
“Shannon co-ordinates all of this with great enthusiasm as she knows and understands the value of education and training for the business community,” said Jardine. “These programs are promoted to the business community at large in addition to clients of NOBL. Shannon and NOBL know that if businesses become more knowledgeable they will be stronger, more effective and will help to grow our economy.”
Bouchie said she’s able to deliver the program with enthusiasm because she and the training program participants enjoy it.
“When I talk to people, they tell me about how they absolutely love the program because it enhances their skill sets.”
In her comments nominating Bouchie for the award, Jardine noted her ability to speak enthusiastically and eloquently about workplace education.
“Shannon Bouchie has made a tremendous difference to the small business community in Pictou and Antigonish counties.”
The Workplace Education Champion Ambassador Award is presented to an individual or organization who: demonstrates enthusiasm about learning; acts as a champion for workplace education; encourages and supports others to participate; demonstrates commitment to the partnership model of workplace education; makes a significant contribution to the Nova Scotia Workplace Education Initiative.
NOBL is one of 41 community business development corporations in Atlantic Canada. They are a not-for-profit organization that provides business counselling, training, business loans and other essential services to small and medium-sized businesses in Pictou, Antigonish and Colchester counties.
On Twitter: @NGNewsJohn
