Tamara:

"There is a stronger network of people participating at a national level. There are a good number too in the regions…loosely organized kindred spirits, people to call upon for help. But we have not done particularly well in terms of professional development…there is so much more that could be done. We also need to make sure that practitioners understand the politics of the workplace as part of their training, because the workplace is not neutral ground."

Nancy:

"Today it is drastically different from ten years ago. Employers see essential skills are critical. Labour people have developed a political position. There are a great number of practitioners who have developed resources and engaged in discussions. There is an informal network in Western Canada and a network of practitioners who meet at think tanks and conferences."

Tracy:

"There's way more than there used to be. The Internet and WEB have opened huge doors across disciplines. The list serves make it easier to figure out who to know and who to ask. There are a lot more mentors in Canada and the US. Ten years ago in Vancouver there were few people doing this work."

G. Current Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed by Workplace Educators

Not surprisingly intercultural abilities, instructional and planning skills and a deep respect for people and different kinds of work were mentioned most frequently with respect to the skills, abilities and knowledge needed to be a successful workplace educator.

Tracy talks about a triangle where people need to be able to research, record and reflect. Sue sees four quadrants that include relationship skills (the ability to work successfully with a wide range of interests groups); tools of the trade (skills that are unique to us as workplace educators); ability to use technology and consulting skills (those skills that are generic to any kind of consulting).