"Improving my reading skills was the big thing for me," says Bill. "I'm 100 per cent better at reading than I was. I'm still working at it and the dictionary helps when I don't get the words." Bill can now tackle those technical manuals, the Safety Talk bulletins (which every worker has to read and sign), job announcements, and all the written documentation associated with his work. He says his writing is also improving-"just a little behind my reading." In fact he had just finished a four week writing course when he got his job promotion. The computer courses he took will be put to good use as a foreman: e-mail, spreadsheets, Excel. He has had his computer books at home but now he'll be taking them back to work.

In 2004, CAMA recognized Bill's commitment and success with the Learner Achievement Award. Being on the learning track continues to payoff. "I had to take tests for some jobs and my learning helped me get th10ugh the tests. Everyone has to be certified for a lot of things now like forklift and propane use."

Personally, Bill has also seen the benefits of more education. "I'm reading to my grand kids! I can read letters and e-mails that come to me and I don't have to bother the rest of my family." His confidence continues to "get better and better ... my confidence level is high. I'm getting through stuff instead of being left behind. I'm proud of myself and my family is, too."

Helping others get the same chance

Bill was invited to join the CAMA Learners' Council when it was formed in 2007. In this role, he would like to talk to co-workers to "show them there's a good side to learning and to try to get them to believe in themselves." On a bigger scale, Bill is hoping that some new programs will start up thanks to the efforts of the Learners' Council. "If we could get a program started somewhere, that would be the biggest thrill. Opening up somebody's eyes to how these programs help."

Bill feels strongly that positive reenforcement is key to helping people get hooked on learning. Some good advice for future learners:

"If you're already thinking about taking a program, you've taken the first step. Go for it. Don't listen to people who are negative. I would never have gotten as far as I did if I had listened to negative people. All it takes is one positive person going for you to help you take that first step. The rest will fall into place."

The next big learning goal for Bill is his GED. He'll be learning right beside his colleagues and inspiring them every step of the way.