The Virtual Bulletin Board: Theory-Driven Design & Impact

The Virtual Bulletin Board was developed in response to survey and focus group findings, which revealed that youth and professionals needed a centralized, easy-to-navigate platform with up-to-date career resources available throughout the state.

In addition to job postings, training opportunities, and workforce resources, the Virtual Bulletin Board also provides:
Monthly Career Spotlight Newsletters – Showcasing different career paths, including in-demand industries and emerging job opportunities.
Trade Union Information – Offering guidance on apprenticeships, benefits, and career pathways within unionized trades, a sector often overlooked by traditional career planning resources.

Learning Theories & Instructional Design Principles Applied

Cognitive Load Theory – The bulletin board’s clear and simple layout reduces cognitive overload, ensuring information is presented in an intuitive, well-organized format.

Connectivism – Recognizing that learning happens through networks and access to information, the platform encourages ongoing exploration of employment opportunities, career pathways, and workforce programs.

Self-Determination Theory  – The design fosters autonomy, allowing youth and professionals to actively explore relevant resources that align with their goals.

Universal Design for Learning – The bulletin board is accessible and adaptable, ensuring usability for a wide range of learners, including those with diverse needs and learning preferences.

Proven Engagement & Impact

Since its implementation in October 2024, to date (April 2025) the Virtual Bulletin Board has:
Attracted over 800 individual users actively seeking job-related resources.
Generated over 25 hours of engagement time, demonstrating sustained interest and repeated use by youth and professionals.

This data validates the demand for an accessible career resource hub, proving that youth actively seek employment support when provided with user-friendly, up-to-date information.