Appendices

Appendix 1 - Terms of Reference – Overview of Project

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is gather concrete information on the connection between safe food handling/sanitation and essential skills and to facilitate an awareness of the need for a sound essential skills base for successful training.

NOTE: There are nine essential skills identified by Human Resources Skills Development (Can.) through the Essential Skills Research Project (http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/home_e.shtml). The skills are reading text, writing, numeracy (math), oral communication, document use, working with others, continuous learning, thinking skills, and computer use. In this impact study, we will concentrate on the literacy skills of reading text, document use, writing, math, and oral communication.

OBJECTIVES

• identify potential skill gaps and essential skills training needs for workers required to pass food sanitation and hygiene certification.
• review current food sanitation and hygiene training materials and delivery methods.
• assess readability and design of food sanitation and hygiene training materials for those with limited literacy skills.
• recommend practical strategies and solutions for addressing identified needs.

METHODOLOGY

A case study approach will be used. The aim is to achieve a cross-section of food establishments in the survey. In each of the 10-12 locations, three people will be interviewed: a manager, a supervisor or lead hand, and an employee.

Activities for the project will include:

• tour and observations to get the big picture and chain of events
• structured interviews
• collection and analysis of existing training materials

DELIVERABLES

• a written report documenting process, results, analysis and including recommendations.
• identification of supports and barriers.
• identification of a list of food sanitation and hygiene training courses and comments about the application to workers' limited essential skills.
• establish a foundation for developing user-friendly, practical, plain language training for food sanitation and hygiene in Alberta.

Matrix to ensure cross-section