Workplace and Workforce Literacy Project


The NWT Literacy Council in partnership with the Nunavut Literacy Council is working on a workplace and workforce literacy project. There are two components to the project: research and the building of a consortium.

This project seeks to document and assess existing resources and activities, and to bring together those who have an interest in workplace and workforce literacy to build a consortium for workforce literacy.

There is much confusion over the difference between workplace literacy and workplace skills development. Workplace literacy is workplace-based and focuses on an individual's basic literacy skills or "essential skills." Workforce literacy focuses on literacy programs and services that enable people to "up-skill" in order to find employment, move into a new job in a specific labour market or enter training such as the trades. These kinds of programs include things such as pretrades upgrading.

Research

An important goal of this project is to gather promising practices and resource materials that can be shared with other stakeholders. Some employers within the two territories have been recognized nationally for their innovative and effective approaches, notably BHP Billiton's Ekati Mine and Diavik Mines. They offer tailored training to employees to ensure they are able to manage all information needed for their current jobs, to prepare them for trades training, and prepare them for further advancement within the company.


Consortium

graphic - photo of participants filling in time chart about significant events in the NWT and Nunavut
Participants filling in time chart about significant events in the NWT and Nunavut.

We held the first meeting for interested stakeholders in Yellowknife. We had representatives from both NWT and Nunavut from business, government, corporations and the literacy councils. The meeting allowed people to learn more about workplace and workforce literacy and make plans for working together.

Some of the issues that were addressed at the meeting were the lack of resources and tools available for workplace and workforce literacy. Participants also recognized the need to promote workplace and workforce literacy in both territories.