Improvement in essential skills reaps awards

June 10, 2011

David Tian, a recent graduate from Bow Valley College's (BVC) Education Assistant program, was the recipient of the first annual TOWES Skills Improvement Award.

Conrad Murphy, Director of BVC's TOWES and Centre of Career Advancement departments, presented David with the new award at a brief ceremony at the College's Rocky Mountain Plaza offices.

This $250 award is given to the student with the most improved TOWES scores. David demonstrated a significant TOWES score improvement over the fall 2010 and winter 2011 semesters.

Conrad Murphy, Director of TOWES and the Centre for Career Advancement (right) presents David Tian, a BVC Education Assistant graduate, with the first-ever TOWES Skills Improvement Award for David's progress in essential skills assessments.

After receiving results from his first TOWES assessment in September, David was determined to improve his skills. "I believe that nothing is impossible," said David upon receiving the award.

Although David admitted that he did not see the true value of the assessment initially, as a recent immigrant to Canada, he soon realized the relevance of the assessment to the Canadian workplace.

In order to further develop his skills prior to writing his final TOWES assessment, David spent a considerable amount of time using the TOWES Essential Skill Online (ESO) curriculum, which is available to all Bow Valley College students. Results from David's last TOWES assessment support the time and effort he dedicated to using ESO.

"It is great to be a part of David's success story. This is a nice example of how Essential Skills Online has a positive impact on improving students' skills and their readiness for the workplace," says Conrad.

David was honoured to receive this award and is proud that his hard work and determination have paid off.