• ...integrating the information into a small training program which will hopefully be applied province wide
• In curriculum development
• To contribute to the development of training curriculum in my region
• Will use the information in the literacy classes I teach
• Employer education; weave into learning plan for training-on-the job; creativity and problem solving will now be the driving force for all workshops that need to be designed
• Will incorporate the new ideas into my existing curriculum and activities; will try to teach everything from an essential skills perspective
• I’ll definitely have a closer look at the Numeracy at Work and Reading at Work materials
• Will review all my materials and resources to see if they’re pertinent to teaching essential skills
• Will use the ES websites and will share ideas with my clients on how they can acquire ES and why they are important

Other

• Very professional and well organized.
• Lots of fun, good networking opportunity.
• Really liked the workbook
• Need more frequent short breaks / healthy snack alternatives
• Room too hot

You said it best!

I wanted to let you both know about the success of the conference from my point of view, on different levels. I admit I didn't know how useful Essential Skills would be for a CDO, thought I'd learn. ...and learn I did! You'd think that everybody knows about transferable skills like reading documents and finding information. However, it's sort of like discovering the secret of opening the little plastic pre-packaged vinegar used in diners. I was managing quite fine - eight out of ten times I didn't spill the vinegar on myself AND my fries. However, the day I discovered the secret slit in the corner of the package -- it was like I had gained some sort of magic touch. Mercy. It was the same thing with the Essential or transferable skills like common sense - is not so common.

The magical moment for me was one of the resources from Pat Salt, the use of the flow charts. Did you know that there is a meaning for different shapes? Probably...but I didn't. It was like opening the vinegar package once again! Using each shape during the flow chart process creates clear understanding, cuts the time factor - and keeps things simple. It'll be most useful when I am meeting with employers to assist with training plans. FINALLY, I have something that I can suggest be woven into any training plan. Flowcharts are such simple tools yet the usefulness for explaining progressive steps within the education and training system is invaluable. Education of employers regarding essential skills will not only help them with being clear about duties, but also save time, and help create a plan for accountability. For the trainee it will aid in his/her gaining useful skills for present and future use.