About TOWES

What is TOWES used for?

Several specific users and applications of the test are listed here. Others will evolve as TOWES takes its place in industry and education.

Entry-Level Assessment of Skills - TOWES gives employers a way to set reasonable and valid job requirements. Many employers are using years-in-school or other credentials as proxies for ability. This does not account for the variability of education across the country, nor does it take into consideration foreign-born citizens, who have the skills but not the Canadian educational credentials.

Educational Assessment - Instructors, trainers, and literacy tutors can use TOWES to place workers into programs, or design programs to meet individual educational needs.

Work/Worker Adjustment - Rapid changes in technology and work processes, together with plant closures and down-sizing, have created the need for effective adjustment programs. A wide-ranging assessment, keyed to essential skills descriptions for jobs listed in the National Occupational Classification gives workers and program developers a valid way to assess present skills and compare them to the requirements for a variety of possible jobs. Individual workers, or those seeking employment can use TOWES results to make decisions about future training.

School/Work Transition Programs - A valid and reliable test of the essential skills needed for work is useful to high-school teachers and administrators. TOWES provides a basis for certifying students' levels of competence, and a way to promote 'employability skills' to teachers and students alike.

Developing National Standards - An essential skills assessment tool may be used to set national standards and specify competence. It allows companies to assess workforce skills and make comparisons with other groups of workers.

TOWES is the sole property of Bow Valley College and is sold through authorized distributors only.

332 - 6th Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 4S6  (403) 410-3200  www.towes.com  towes@bowvalleycollege.ca