Change does not happen quickly

I Looking back on her role in setting up workplace learning, Debbie admits it was a "frustrating process, long and drawn out" but rewarding in the end. "Getting people interested and keeping them interested" was difficult. "This initiative brought to the forefront the hidden issues that people hadn't talked about." So, Debbie says, we " ... had to make a case for it because, for many people, it wasn't a priority." In fact, it wasn't even on their radar.

Debbie continued as a champion for workplace essential skills by co-chairing the committee and keeping JEED's learning options visible. At all stages, Debbie says, "You have to put the effort into it and it's not an easy task."

Impacts for workers and the community

The City's workplace learning program has, above all, raised awareness about the need for essential skills. "It's not the hidden or taboo issue anymore." Relations between labour and management have improved and "people are working together to benefit employees." Because it's a joint effort, labour is a full partner and can contribute ideas such as peer training, a common way to deliver basic education in labour programs. JEED set uPI peer training for computer courses and peer tutoring for the Grade 12 pr gram.

In a new and unique partnership, the City and the Limestone Board of Education have set up a maturity credit system. It offers people credits towards a high school diploma for the skills, training, and experience they hare. The City of Kingston was the first employer in the city to work with a sdb.ool board to set up a process for employees to gain their Grade 12 diplomas on-the-job. This flexible program allows city employees access to tutors at night classes and gives them credit for their work experience.

ROb Snyder, a CAMA award winner, was the first person to graduate from the program. Debbie stills finds that the "commitment and dedication of learners is impressive." Even when they didn't get a diploma, "people tried and gained something from the program."

Follow this good advice

Debbie stresses the need for persistence in providing these basic learning opportunities. Work with your union and try different approaches to get sup- port from your municipality. "Unions have a powerful voice and can be very effective with senior managers and gaining acceptance." Other good advice:

• Don't get discouraged. Work with people who believe in the project. "It wasn't hard to convince our HR team of the value of being on the committee."
• Do your homework. One of the committee's first jobs may be to do a needs assessment to find out what programs your employees want.
• Be creative and offer programs that suit your employees.