Laura Pasut Email & Phone Number

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Empower 3D Youth in Manufacturing Program

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Empowering Employers is an ESDC Skills for Success research project conducted in collaboration with 3 non-profit organizations located in Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. This study explores the transformative effects of customized Social and Emotional and Leadership Skills Training on the technical workforce of small and medium-sized tech employers, and investigates the training's impact on workplace productivity, wellbeing, retention, and inclusion.• Led a team of 2 to engage online and in-person with100+ tech employers, tech associations, prominent executives, and community organizations to build exposure for the research project. • Recognized for quickly establishing strong partnerships with two employers, the cornerstone of the project• Pioneered and strategically led the project through 3 engagement phases: needs assessment (assessed social/emotional and leadership skills development needs), training (integrated 50 hours of customized training into partner’s workflows), and evaluation.• Conducted interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys, supported data analysis, reviewed training proposal and curriculum content, collaborated on marketing strategies to increase employee engagement.• Collaborated to identify ongoing lessons learned and best practices, adapting approaches, content or processes to improve delivery or overcome roadblocks as informed by findings. • Prepared reports including needs assessment, project updates and project outcomes reports for employers, and qualitative and quantitative reports for funder.• Mentored teammates to foster skills growth and development and to gain confidence and build effective strategies in engaging with their employers.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

As a Case Manager for the Career Compass Program, a short-term skills training program funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, I led the support and training of 40 newcomer clients with LINC 4+ language proficiency and barriers to employment, with the goal of creating achievable and tailored learning action plans to enhance their employability. My role encompassed recruiting and overseeing the caseload, conducting eligibility screenings and structured needs assessment interviews, and collaborating closely with clients to customize their training needs including identifying a relevant external training opportunity. I adapted and delivered online workshops on topics such as Canadian job search strategies, resume writing, workplace communication, time management, goal setting, and self-esteem. Additionally, I sourced much of the resource list of external training providers to support my colleagues in accessing training for their clients. We worked collaboratively to support each other. Administratively, I managed all aspects related to client cases, documenting the training plans, scheduling sessions, maintaining detailed case notes in the CRM system, and handling payment requisitions and reporting. I supported job seeking clients in tailoring resumes and understanding the job market before referring them to the Job Developer for further assistance and worked closely with the Job Developer to monitor progress.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

This was a short-term temporary part-time contract, where I provided employment support, resume review, and employer introductions to job-seeking skilled immigrant professionals, while also contributing my employer contacts and organizational skills to online Employer Connection and Hiring Events, where employers introduced their businesses to ISSofBC clients.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

During COVID-19, I successfully facilitated two online cohorts of an 18-hour Digital Literacy Class designed for newcomer women with basic computer skills, focusing on improving their online navigation abilities and confidence. This accomplishment was made possible through a strong partnership with an ISSofBC Volunteer Coordinator, who organized volunteers for small group breakout sessions and mentoring outside of class. Together, we developed training for volunteer mentors, arranged, set expecations and monitored matches between volunteers and clients, and coordinated a graduation celebration for all participants.For clients, I conducted pre and post-training assessments and interviews, customized the curriculum for online delivery and group-specific needs, and guided them toward funded skills upgrading courses available to them post-training. During Zoom sessions, I supervised volunteers by providing detailed instructions before each session and offering feedback afterwards as needed.

Vancouver, Canada Area

As the Vancouver training coordinator for this ESDC national research project involving three nonprofits (in Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver), I oversaw, scheduled, and reviewed participant training and led the data collection for evaluation for the Vancouver team. Our goal was to equip internationally trained IT professionals with essential social and emotional skills for employment and career advancement, in areas such as communication, teamwork and critical thinking. I managed client recruitment, assessing over 300 prospective clients across six cohorts of in-person and online (during COVID-19) training. Collaborating closely with facilitators and team members, I supported training sessions by providing feedback and ideas to enhance curriculum, and by identifying and implementing lessons learned to enhance training and program processes. I supported clients to develop learning “action plans,” organized and facilitated client interviews and focus groups, administered surveys, and gathered outcomes data for 1-year post-training. Additionally, I facilitated webinars, information sessions, and employer panel discussions both online and in-person.As the employment facilitator, I empowered newcomers to understand the labour market, aligning their employment skills and job titles with job postings, and provided personalized assistance in tailoring resumes and cover letters. I supported clients in building confidence and conducted mock interviews with them. Through team efforts, most unemployed clients obtained employment and many employed clients advanced in their careers. Additionally, I actively engaged with tech employers, building relationships with them through hosting employer focus groups, and inviting them as guest speakers in classes, at hiring events and ISSofBC’s tech conferences.

Vancouver, Canada Area

On a temporary contract and working closely with the lead Volunteer Coordinator in Vancouver, I was responsible for interviewing, screening, and matching new and existing volunteers with positions identified by various ISSofBC Programs requiring administrative, workshop or classroom support. A program I supported was Learning in Action, where I selected 15 volunteers and worked with the LINC team to match them with 15 English language students for communication mentoring and group field trips. I coordinated and led the field trips and monitored the matches to ensure satisfaction for all. I also supported the Lead Volunteer Coordinator administratively, and by leading various field trip events for refugee clients to connect with the local community fostering their integration and knowledge of resources.

Vancouver, Canada Area

Coordinated and implemented the Literacy Plan for the Renfrew/Collingwood Neighbourhood including overseeing volunteer facilitated literacy groups and developing a one-on-one literacy tutor program pilot.

Vancouver, Canada Area

Based at the Downtown East (4 years), Hastings (1 Year), and Main Street (1 year) Education Centres, I collaborated closely with Academic Advisors and Instructors to support and guide diverse youth (16+) and adult learners with various abilities through high school upgrading and graduation, at times supporting them to understand post-secondary requirements. My role also included conducting intake assessments, establishing a volunteer tutoring program, maintaining a database of community and educational resources, and coordinating with various social and mental health services for student support. I organized graduation ceremonies and fostered partnerships with community agencies, educational institutions, and advocacy groups to promote the Centres and advance adult education initiatives. Notably, I contributed to the Downtown Eastside Literacy Roundtable, advocating for adult education and organizing events like a Digital Literacy Conference. Unfortunately, due to VSB's closure of 4 out of 6 Adult Learning Centres in 2017, I was laid off.

Vancouver, Canada Area

Worked with and supported Canadian-born, immigrant and refugee adult learners in completing Foundation and Academic High School Courses leading towards the completion of the Dogwood Diploma or meeting the requirements of post-secondary programs

Bachelor Of Arts, Sociology

Career Development Practice Certificate

Tesol Diploma