Workplace Learning

Workplace Learning Links and Resources

Browse through our collection of tools for employers and employees. If you can’t find what you are looking for, our workplace learning team might be able to help. We update our list regularly, so check back for new material. If you know of any good workplace learning resources, email us.

About Workplace Literacy

• ABC Canada’s Workplace Literacy page –  a private-sector voice championing adult literacy, with facts, myths and research
• BC Business magazine – an article entitled Learning on The Line published July 1, 2008
• Canadian Council on Learning –  an article entitled Canada’s biggest economic challenge: Improving workplace learning published March 15, 2007
• Canadian Labour Congress, Workplace Literacy Project – provides support to unions
• CUPE, Literacy in the Workplace – includes labour-focussed fact sheets on literacy
• NALD@Work – the National Adult Literacy Database’s workplace learning page
• Projections of Adult Literacy in Canada, from the Canadian Council on Learning – an interactive tool that allows you to calculate adult literacy rates into the future based on variables such as location, immigrant status, age and education level
• Reading the Future, a report from the Canadian Council of Learning – includes literacy projections to 2031
• What’s New in Adult Literacy and Essential Skills – studies, papers and tools for adult literacy from Human Resources and Social Development Canada
• Work and Learning Knowledge Centre from the Canadian Council on Learning – created  to help ensure that Canadians continue to learn for work and from work, and to improve their opportunities for a successful and fulfilling career

Best Practices in Workplace Literacy

• Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) () – a document on  literacy in the workplace from this labour organization
• Conference Board of Canada () – a workplace literacy best practices reader
• Workforce Management – a collaborative document outlining common characteristics of effective workplace literacy programs

Ways to Start a Workplace Literacy Program

• Achieving industry standards in a remote northern community: Developing aboriginal employees’ skills at La Ronge Motor Hotel – a case study
• Canadian Council on Social Development  () – information on programs
• Conference Board of Canada – case studies  in workplace literacy
• Workforce Management – an article entitled The ABCs of Workplace Literacy

Employer’s Toolkit

• Essential Skills for Employers at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada –  consists of a series of easy to use tools that can help you integrate essential skills into the workplace through human resources practices such as training, hiring, and assessment
• SkillsPlus at B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development – information on a new government initiative to enable British Columbians to gain essential skills demanded by today’s workplace
• HR Solutions Project at the Victoria immigrant and Refugee Centre – recruitment and retention options for employing immigrants to Victoria
• Community Council – the READ Society’s partner in the SkillsPlus project, helping Greater Victoria employers improve Essential Skills in their workplace
• Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) – a skill  testing and training program developed by Bow Valley College
• Workforce – an article entitled The Nuts and Bolts of Valuing Training
• Workforce Management – article on assessing your skills shortage

Employee Toolkit

• Essential Skills for Employees at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada – measure your ability and practice three essential skills needed in all types of occupations
• Measure Up, Skills for Employees from Skillplan –  practice three essential skills needed in all types of occupations

Workplace Literacy Research

•  Community Futures Development Corporation of BC () – a BC Skills Force Initiative survey of skills and training needs among small businesses in southern rural BC
• Action Research in Workplace Education () - a handbook for literacy educators