Second, the stakes are often much higher in a workplace situation. Jobs can be won and lost based on identification of literacy challenges, success at responding to those challenges, and the overall attitude of the workplace (co-workers, supervisors, managers) to workplace literacy learning.

Finally, the issues that may have brought the literacy concerns to the forefront are often specific or specialized workplace concerns that may be beyond the experience of the adult educator. The introduction of ISO certification, adherence to HACCP regulations, WHMIS certification, and SPC processes will often result in workers and employers noticing literacy issues. The use of the acronyms in the previous sentence is deliberate. These acronyms belong to the world of work, and understanding their impact and their importance should be second nature to the workplace literacy practitioner.

NLS-Supported Projects

Across the country, the NLS has been fortunate to be a partner in exciting projects that help workplace literacy practitioners deal with these issues. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters — British Columbia Division is working to develop a model of inclusive workplace training for real participation through team processes in a Continuous Improvement (CI) or Lean Manufacturing environment. Ultimately, the CME — BC will be offering the tools developed through this project to its members across the country.

In Alberta, the Alberta Food Producers Association (http://www.afpa.com/iww/) has developed an approach to integrating literacy into HACCP training and procedures (HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, which assures that food is handled properly). As a result of this project, the AFPA has been able to introduce a learning culture to its industry and recently was able to secure a $3 million training fund.

In Nova Scotia, Workplace Education NS has developed a curriculum based on ISO (ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization which develops standards for business, industry, and government) as well as a brochure aimed at the business community to make the link between obtaining ISO certification and literacy. Another innovative NS project is a curriculum for patient care workers who must pass a certification in dealing with patients with dementia. This curriculum is offered in both English and French.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Locals 175 and 633 have developed an on-line course, “Introduction to the language of ISO 9000: A self study guide.” As a required certification, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) and SPC (Statistical Process Control) have been other means by which literacy challenges in the workplace have been revealed.

Business and Labour Promoting Workplace Literacy

As well, we have been able to work directly with business and labour organizations to help pave the way for the introduction of workplace literacy activities. Workplace literacy is more than just offering classes. It is based on a changed relationship in the workplace to learning. Often, those who lack these skills have not been afforded the opportunity to learn. For some employers, literacy is an issue that should not fall within the purview of the workplace. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters — Ontario Division is completing a manual which will make the case for business to become involved in literacy, while the Conference Board of Canada (http://www.conferenceboard.ca/education/) is preparing its latest publication on Overcoming Barriers to Workplace Literacy Programming. Having these employer associations provide leadership is critical to achieving buy-in from business.