Workplace Essential Skills Training
(Toronto, ON - May 30, 2011) - In April 2011, a special edition of Training Matters, ABC Life Literacy Canada’s official publication on workplace literacy, was released. The publication is designed to provide insight and share the success stories of workplace essential skills training taking place at organizations across Canada.
Sharing information and best practices amongst partners on workplace essential skills is a priority for ABC Life Literacy Canada. Now you can receive news and information by signing up for our Workplace Essential Skills e-communications. Sign-up today!
In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, improving Canada’s national economic well-being depends on a highly-skilled workforce. Adult literacy is a key determinant. Meeting this challenge is a shared responsibility between the private sector (employers and employees), labour, educational institutions, community organizations, and all levels of government.
According to the Conference Board of Canada’s Learning and Development Outlook 2009: Learning in Tough Times, Canadian employers spent only $786 per employee on skills training and development in 2008. This represents a decline of over 40% from 15 years ago. Additionally, non-technical staff (as opposed to management or professional staff) received the fewest hours of training indicating that training dollars are not, for the most part, being spent on essential skills.
ABC Life Literacy Canada debuted Essential Skills Day in 2010 to shine an important spotlight across Canada on the nine essential skills as defined by the Government of Canada (reading, document use, numeracy, writing, oral communication, working with others, thinking, computer use and continuous learning).
Essential Skills Day convenes employers, governments, unions and the literacy field in various initiatives to celebrate the importance of literacy and essential skills in the workplace. Employees that have higher skills are proven to be more engaged and active in the workplace. A higher-skilled workforce also has tremendous impact on a more competitive and productive nation.
Throughout the coming months, ABC will also be sharing tips and ideas on how your organization can celebrate Essential Skills Day on September 23 and truly make impact in the lives of your employees. Sign up now!
ABC Life Literacy Canada encourages everyone to take a proactive approach to learning about the nine essential skills and how their development translates to success on the job. Visit our Workplace Education site or sign up for the new Essential Skills E-Communications.
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