Those employees who actively participate in the process of ISO 9000 understand why it is needed and what it means to consumers. They truly gain an understanding that continuous quality improvement requires continuous learning. This concept will create quality assurances all around — a quality workforce through the acquisition of essential skills, quality service, and a quality product that will have appeal in the global marketplace.

Post Script: The Essential Skills Curriculum for ISO 9000 and its accompanying promotional brochure are currently being revised to reflect the recent changes of the ISO 9000 standard to the new ISO 9000: 2000 standard.

Renette Muise works as a Skills Development Coordinator with the Nova Scotia Department of Education, Skills and Learning Branch.