Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador

Project Name: Skills for Today’s Workplace – Bay St. George Literacy Council Inc.

Project Start/End Dates: April 23rd – June 28th, 2010

Initial Project Description: Skills for Today’s Workplace is a project developed by the Bay St. George Literacy Council. The goal of this project is to support community initiatives in adult learning by providing two workshops for 12 to 20 individuals, aged 18 and over who are currently enrolled in transitional career development training programs in the Bay St. George region.

The goal of the project is to have participants identify and practice workforce skills to prepare them to successfully navigate the job search process. The workshops will provide instruction, role play exercises and group activities based on workplace settings. Oral communication, problem solving and group work skills will be enhanced through hands-on practical applications, group work and presentations

Participants in the workshops will increase their knowledge of:

  • Essential Skills needed and used in the workplace
  • Individual Essential Skills used in their everyday lives
  • Individual strengths and challenges within the Essential Skills framework
  • Further literacy training available by Bay St. George Literacy Council

Project Outcomes: The project consisted of two workshops in each of the following areas: Skills Link and Power Up! For those who attended the program that did not previously have a job, about 65% of participants acquired a job after the project was completed. Overall, the project was successful in educating those enrolled in transitional career development training on the importance of Essential Skills in the workplace.

Results of the workshops were measured through pre- and post- questionnaires that demonstrated the participants understanding of Essential Skills and how these skills apply to their lives. Participant responses indicated that they had identified and are using Essential Skills they learned about through the workshops in their job search and in their current jobs. Some comments made by participants:

“I have to read and write lists, take orders, count stock, use order forms. I have decided how to load and stack coolers”

“Working in a bakery, numeracy is very important for accurate measuring and amounts. Communications with other workers to keep updated on each task.”

“As a store clerk, it is very important that you have all these skills because you are responsible for a broad category of responsibilities. It was a very useful presentation.”

Developed and hosted by NALD in collaboration with Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.