An informal assessment of members' needs

This is an informal survey which you might conduct with your committee (union executive, education committee) or literacy co-ordinator. The purpose of the survey is to take a preliminary look at the members' needs before proceeding with a wider member survey or focus group.

Try to answer these questions:

  1. Overall, has your workplace gone through major or minor changes in the last few years? If major, what kind?
  2. How stable is your industry? Will the same product or service be needed in the next 5, 10, 20 years?
  3. How stable is your plant or workplace?
  4. How is the nature of work changing in your workplace?
  5. Do jobs now require more, less, or different skills than before?
  6. What kind of education was required for various jobs in the past? Is this changing?
  7. What is the average age and seniority of your workforce?