Joint effort makes an impact

When Al first brought the idea for workplace education to the city, the Human Resources department and the two locals (CUPE and the City Hall Employees' Association) did the planning for that early pilot project. The joint nature of the project was essential, Al feels, because "it wasn't something management was laying on." As a champion for all these years, he has always made sure there has been enough funding to continue offering choices for ongoing learning. Many people have learned "computer skills without embarrassment" and earned their GEDs. "It's an extra boost for people to become involved" in their city, their union, their families, and their communities. For the City of Moncton, this level of involvement in lifelong learning has given workers the skills and confidence they need to get promotions and be more active in their workplace.

Success starts here

Al feels the "real key to success is getting good teachers." A few teachers like Gayle Constable have been with the Moncton program since the pilot project began. Gayle won a CAMA award in 2007 for helping people get archive in lifelong learning and achieve their goals. Al sees Gayle and other teachers who have stayed with the program for a long time as "exceptional." He describes them as "unique people who care."

Al's advice for senior managers who are thinking about or just starting a workplace learning program is as follows:

• Opportunities have no limits. "Don't put blinders on."
• Be open to new ideas and new ways of thinking about learning.
• Involve all your bargaining units.
• Invite all levels of staff to take part in these learning opportunities.

"I don't see an end to what we're doing," says AI. "Enthusiasm is infectious."