Projects

On November 16, 2006, the Honourable Minister, Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities announced two new initiatives: academic upgrading for adults and the launch of Celebrating Literacy, a community-based project that will champion adult literacy. In 2006-07, the McGuinty government will invest close to $70 million in literacy programming. Celebrating Literacy promotes the benefits of adult literacy in the community by bringing together literacy program providers, employers, unions and learners to develop local campaigns raising awareness of the value of literacy in building healthy communities and a healthy economy. To ensure this important initiative is delivered across Ontario, all Local Boards and Literacy Networks from the borders of Manitoba to Quebec are participating.

The following fact sheets are intended to begin a conversation about the importance of workplace/workforce literacy and learning programs. The Toronto Training Board (TTB) received funding from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to develop tools that promote the importance of literacy in the workplace.

Literacy Works! is a project of the Toronto Training Board together with the Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy (MTML) and the Ontario Literacy Coalition (OLC). Other partners involved in this initiative are the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Learning Partnership, Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI) and the YMCA.

There is a great deal of research and information about workplace-based literacy and learning programs. The TTB has attempted to distill that body of knowledge into useful information about these programs for Toronto workplaces. The Fact Sheets include:

  • Definitions of the different types of workplace/workforce literacy and learning programs
  • Benefits of implementing workplace literacy and/or learning programs. These three Fact Sheets illustrate some of the advantages a workplace literacy program can make for your business.
  • Guidelines to help employers and workplaces implement literacy and/or learning programs
  • Service providers and resources to consult about workplace/workforce literacy and learning programs.

Millions of Canadians struggle with serious literacy challenges. Four in ten working age adults, about 9 million people, scored below the literacy level experts say is necessary to cope with increasing demands in today's society. Low literacy is a serious challenge in every jurisdiction across Canada. Even in the highest performing provinces or territories, 3 out of 10 Canadians (16 yrs and over) struggle with very serious literacy challenges. They have difficulty with even the most basic written materials. Millions of Canadians struggle with low literacy — we need to tap into this potential. Across Canada, 9 million working-age adults don't have the skills they need to thrive in today's world — that's more than the entire population of Quebec. Of these, 3 million Canadians, 15%, score at the very lowest literacy level.

According to the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS1), literacy is the ability to use printed and written information well enough to function in society, achieve personal goals and gain knowledge. Canadian employers report that the top 5 skills needed in today’s workforce are

  • The ability to read and understand information
  • The ability to listen and ask questions
  • The ability to work in teams
  • The ability to share information orally and work with others
  • The ability to assess situations and identify problems.

The following Fact Sheets provide some basic information about workplace/workforce literacy and learning programs. The information will provide a way to find out how to start a program or how to find programs close to your workplace.

Definitions of workplace/workforce literacy and learning programs

There is some confusion about different types of workplace-based learning. It is important to have an understanding of some of the types of programs that are available. Types of literacy programs include:

Workplace Literacy: Workplace literacy is the focus of these Fact Sheets; it is for those who are comfortable communicating in English but have problems reading and writing. It will help people increase their reading, writing and numeracy skills, and improve comprehension and communication.

ESL/FSL: English as a Second Language and French as a Second Language. This is for people whose first language is not English, but who read and write in their first language.

ESL or FSL program will address speaking and listening as well as reading and writing.

ESL Literacy: These programs are for people whose first language is not English, and who do not read or write in their first language or in English.

Basic skills: This term is used widely to refer to reading, writing and math upgrading at the workplace. Basic skills have many different meanings, especially at the workplace, and may still have a negative meaning for some. However, it seems to be more acceptable to employees. “Workplace education” is a generic expression that educators have begun to use to refer to workplace programs that focus on reading, writing, math and related skills. One advantage of this phrase is that it has positive overtones.

Worker-centred learning: Starts with the needs of the workers to determine how a program is designed, what it offers, and how it is taught. It is developmental, addresses the needs of the whole person and enables workers to have more control over their lives and jobs. Ideally, it builds confidence and self-esteem, strengthens the role participants play in the union, in the workplace, and in society and reflects the diverse learning styles and needs of adult workers. Worker-centred learning counts on workers to be active participants in planning the program and in the decisions that affect its design and content.1

Advantages of Workplace Literacy:

Improves Employee Skills

Workplace learning programs enhance fundamental skills such as reading and math. People learn to make better use of numbers and documents. These skills are critical to the success of employees and their companies. Employees become fully aware of employer’s expectations and how their work fits into the success of the company or organization. The quality of work improves.

Workplace learning programs can give workers skills to participate more effectively in workplace planning and decision-making. Employees learn to communicate effectively, participate in meetings and/or take notes. 85% of employers surveyed by ABC Canada reported that workplace learning programs enhance participants’ ability to work in a team-based model.

People are more flexible ... team-oriented ... people aren’t waiting to be supervised.
Bill Richardson, Co-Chair of Training Committee, BICC/PYROTENAX, Trenton 3

Workplace learning programs improve workers’ ability to problem solve, think analytically, suggest solutions and take action. 87% of workplace representatives surveyed said that workplace learning programs have a positive influence on employees’ ability to problemsolve and work independently. This is an advantage for employers who have a small workforce and multiple needs. People and work groups can self manage rather than wait for management to “fix everything”. Workers bring solutions forward. Attending workplace literacy and learning programs gives participants a chance to use their skills and experience.

People have a lot of skills and experience ... this has given people a chance to fully use them.
Doug Fisher, Quaker Oats Company, Peterborough

Workplace learning programs increase company morale. When people feel better about themselves, they perform better in their work and the result is a better product. The presence of a workplace learning program contributes to the development of a learning culture in the overall workplace. The creation of a “learning climate” motivates others to enroll in courses, get university degrees, and improve their skills.

People are motivated to get their university degree, there’s a learning climate.
Peter Darling, Manager, Human Relations, Johnson and Johnson Medical, Peterborough.

Advantages of Workplace Literacy:

Improves Productivity

Workers are more productive when they have the skills to learn at all points in the workplace. Setting literacy goals and creating a learning culture has many unexpected positive results. Currently only 48% of Canadian companies spend 1% or less of payroll budget on education and skills development and 71% spend less than 2%. Organizations that do participate in literacy training programs stated that they expect returns in improved performance and cost savings.\ Companies increasingly depend on their employees’ ability to adapt to new management styles and communicate effectively. Workplace-based learning encourages employees to participate in more aspects of the business:

[It is]... especially important in the new management style ... which requires participation, team work, etc.
John Walker, Safety, Security and Training Manager, Reynolds Extrusion, Richmond Hill.

When the people of a company are acknowledged as productive, profit-creating resources, a higher return is possible. For example, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum reports that for every dollar invested in training an apprentice, the employer gets back $1.38.4 The classroom environment provided by implementing a worker education program reinforces team dynamics and improves performance by encouraging cooperation. Employers notice unexpected improvements in the workplace after implementing Workplace Literacy programs. The need for literacy training is not always immediately apparent, so its effects are sometimes surprising. Having improved communication is hard to measure, but employers are confident of the sound business practice of upgrading employee skills:

Everything equates to dollars and cents. There are lots of hidden costs to illiteracy ... ripple effect ... more administration ... more supervision.
Ed Thomas, Chair of Education Committee, City of Hamilton.

By giving people more skills and the ability to acquire skills more easily, people often take more pride and ownership in their jobs and are more responsive to customers. When people are learning they become more attentive to other information around them. Their ability to respond to a variety of situations is enhanced. All of these workplace benefits add up to a strong business case for workplace literacy. Creating a learning environment that supports personal growth encourages management and workers to invest in the workplace in a meaningful way.

Advantages of Workplace Literacy:

Improves Heatlh and Safety

Health and safety issues are becoming more complex due to ISO 9000 and other regulatory requirements. Employers report that workplace literacy programs are one step to creating a safer workplace. Many employers cite health and safety as a motivator for implementing a workplace literacy program. This is because employees are better equipped to read signs and labels and use training manuals when using new machinery. There are many ways that workplace literacy affects workplace safety.

Workers who are aware of detailed regulations are able to report areas for concern, making it easier to avoid risk. Workers are better able to respond to situations and trust their assessment where otherwise they might have withheld comments. Don Allan, President of United Steel Workers of America, Local 3239 says,

People easily report dangers ... before they wouldn’t ... they’d fear being fired.

A workplace-learning environment means that training is ongoing-not just in the classroom between teacher and student, but between workers on the job and others in the workplace. Employees who receive literacy training related to their workplace are faster to adapt to new information. Note-taking and memory aids are just two ways that safety training is more easily absorbed when literacy is part of the workplace. “People have marked improvement in absorbing health and safety training.”

People have marked improvement in absorbing health and safety training.
Byron Norman, Former Director of the Alberta Power Employee Association, Steam Plant Operator, Alberta Power, Forestburg, AB.

Workers with low literacy often wait to have documents read by their peers and may ask a friend to help them with forms and documents. They may not be able to effectively use a training manual or guide to machinery. It takes knowledge and confidence to consult these resources and find out new information. Workers are more likely to consult safety regulations on their own, and to refer other workers to them, if they have the appropriate tools and training.

They refer to [health and safety] documents on their own now.
Sylvain Roy, Union Representative, Bestar, Lac Magantic, PQ. Investing in learning opens the door to other opportunities.

Literacy training that is relevant to the workplace helps workers see the importance of their roles. Workers often take more responsibility for the contributions their work makes to the overall work and business of the company. Even when union health and safety information is readily available, it is not always in clear language. Comprehending union rules and regulations, as well as being able to communicate them to co-workers, is essential to maintaining safety standards in the workplace. Upgrading the skills level of workers creates access to information that affects workplace safety. According to Don Allan, President of the United Steel Workers of America, Local 3239,

From the union perspective, we want to be sure that [those] with low literacy skills understand the right to refuse unsafe work.

Each workplace education program will be different depending on the employees, the requirements of the workplace, and the facilities available. These guidelines provide an idea of some of the primary considerations in implementing a program.

Implementing a Workplace Literacy Program:

Confidentiality: Employers agree that literacy programs that keep test results and skills levels confidential encourage employee comfort, allow people to proceed at their own rate and decrease anxiety.

Design challenging jobs: For training to be seen as useful by employees, it has to be put to use in the workplace. Put employees’ skills to best use and establish career ladders that offer opportunities and challenges.

Allow employees access to learning: Consider all opportunities to make time for training such as rotating schedules, shift work and irregular job demands. Be flexible on the training delivery through small group instruction, one-on-one tutoring or self-study modules. The consideration of employees’ needs, interests and schedules is crucial to the success of workplace-based learning programs.

Deliver employee-friendly workplace education: A workplace education program is likely to change the way workers perceive one another, their employment, and possibilities for their advancement. Employee-friendly workplace education programs are sensitive to workers’ backgrounds and personal goals. Training content and delivery should be considerate of the characteristics of the workplace, its diversity and culture, its management style and equipment used.

Raise training staff requirements: Respect for the past experiences and learning styles of the adult learners should be clearly demonstrated by the trainers. They should also show flexibility in program design, schedule and delivery. The selection of in-house training providers can make the difference between a harmonious and an unsympathetic workplace-learning atmosphere.

Build and maintain employee loyalty: It is a myth that your company will lose employees if it invests in training. By soliciting employee’s opinions and concerns about job-related issues, you are reaffirming their commitment to your company and your investment in education. It is important to always maintain a positive work atmosphere and reassure employees that they are valued.

Benchmarking: This is another way of maintaining employee involvement at all levels of the workplace learning process. Build in evaluation tools for learning activities-set realistic objectives and develop a process for regular assessment that includes both the workers’ and employers’ needs and expectations.

Service Providers and Resources

LOCAL SERVICES:

There are many literacy and basic skills providers in the City of Toronto.

METRO TORONTO MOVEMENT FOR LITERACY: The Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy “Literacy Access Network” includes a complete listing of Toronto services and can provide information and referrals.
(416) 961-557

ONTARIO LITERACY COALITION: The Ontario Literacy Coalition supports workplace literacy, sponsors research and provides professional development.
(416) 963-5787

EMPLOYMENT ONTARIO: The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This website has news, events, resources and service providers.
(416) 325-4084

LABOUR EDUCATION CENTRE: LEC provides free upgrading classes for job searching and to participate more actively in union and community activities.
(416) 537-6532

PREPARATORY TRAINING PROGRAM: The PTP has four main centres in Toronto, but this number can be used to locate which one is appropriate.
(416) 239-7309

RESOURCES:

ABC CANADA AND CANADIAN CEO MAGAZINE:
ABC Canada publishes a magazine which is also available online. It contains a great deal of information about workplace literacy, new information and research, and resources available.
1 (800) 303-1004

CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS:
The CME has done a great deal on making the business case for literacy and workplace learning. Their “Business Results Through Literacy” book is available in its entirety online, or in hard copy through the CME.
(416) 924 7869

CLEAR LANGUAGE GUIDE:
This is a great way to deal with literacy issues directly and see the effect of better communication in the workplace. The East End Literacy guide has concrete suggestions for making your workplace communiqués more accessible to all readers.
(416) 968-7227

CLEAR LANGUAGE PROVIDERS:
ABC Canada lists providers of clear language services from consultants and webdesign to training and awareness-building.
(416) 218-0010

CONFERENCE BOARD OF CANADA:
Searching “workplace literacy” on the Conference Board search window will bring up many resources.
(613) 526-3280

HUMAN RESOURCES AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CANADA:
This is a great place to start, with definitions, Frequently Asked Questions, and links to the National Literacy Secretariat.
(819) 953-5280

Footnotes

1 This definition is from the 1994-1998 initiative that included 22 countries and represents adults between age 16-65. More current quantitative data is easily found by searching for the 2003 version of this study, "The International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey" or IALSS. A summary of findings is available here:
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051109/d051109a.htm

2 Canadian Labour Congress, 2002
http://adjustment.ca/resource.shtml?x=234

3 All quotes in these fact sheets are from a 1998 ABC Canada study by Ellen Long called "The Impact of Basic Skills Programs on Canadian Workplaces: Results of a National Study for ABC Canada Literacy Foundation"
http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/abc/impbas/english/impbas_e.pdf

4 Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, "Apprenticeship — A Winning Formula: Study Highlights" Return on Apprenticeship Training Investment Study Findings, June, 2006
http://www.caf-fca.org/english/june5-2k6.asp

Literacy Works Photo Gallery

Productive and Profitable: Promoting Workplace Literacy and Socially Responsible Purchasing, April 12, 2007

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