To improve programs, Mary suggests that essential skills be made part of the workplace learning program. This type of integrated approach requires a closer look at how courses are organized and how they can include essential skills elements. The committee has already discussed short and intense Saturday courses for professional updates. Mary also feels it's time to use the City's own trainers, or peer instructors, to offer short life skills courses such as carpentry and plumbing at convenient times, such as on weekends.

It's the lull before the storm. Newfoundlanders know all about that!

Learner: Terry Bennett

"In 1997 when Patricia Nutter with CAMA first came to St. John'S to set up a literacy program, I said: 'If you think you'll get something like this started, good luck to you.''' Terry Bennett describes himself at that time as "one of the most negative people there." Once St. John'S became a pilot project and programs started in 1999, Terry was fully on board. He attended every course and continues to be a strong union promoter of workplace learning.

Terry made a dramatic exit from school at 16, jumping over the counter in the principal's office to avoid physical punishment. He picked up one of the many short-term jobs that were available at the time and never gave school or his high school diploma a second thought. "It wasn't something I was thinking about when I left school." He started working for the City in 1977 as a temporary employee for the Canada Summer Games. By 1982, he was full-time in water and sewers and has been lucky enough to "move around to different departments and never get bored." Terry is a first class operator of heavy equipment with 12 years in Parks and Recreation and, since 1995, with the streets department. "We take pride in what we do. Everything is out in the open and everyone sees us because we're outside workers. We get a lot of good comments from people. When the City used to do surveys of the public, we got 2.9 out of 3.0. Nice to hear all that good stuff."

Jumping Into Learning

Terry also takes pride in his personal commitment and efforts in workplace learning. One of the first courses that the St. John'S Workplace Self Improvement Program offered was Writing in the Workplace and Terry was there. "After being out of school at 1 G, this course really helped me." Terry took computer training and keyboarding and in 2005, he earned his GED. "I'm very proud of that." Going back to school again was a challenge, "a bit scary at first, but a good facilitator made it okay."