Despite the strong relationship between literacy and employment, literacy is not the only determinant of job success, nor is it a "quick fix." A number of personal and structural barriers -including the effects of poverty, childhood abuse, alcoholism, insufficient access to educational up-grading programs, and the job market itself- often make the transition from literacy programming to meaningful work both lengthy and challenging.

Recent welfare reform policies in Manitoba have resulted in both a reduction in welfare payments and a toughening of existing employment expectations placed upon social assistance clients, many of whom are in literacy programs. A number of students have been forced to leave programs completely, and others must juggle school and job search requirements. There is now increased pressure on literacy programs to link educational programming more closely with employment outcomes in order to make learners "work- ready" in the shortest time possible, preferably within one year or less. Literacy students and instructors alike have expressed concern that these policies may not assist low-literate adults to gain long-term self-sufficiency, but rather to cycle back and forth between welfare and low-wage, low skilled, insecure employment.

The three-year Literacy, Welfare & Work Longitudinal Research Project (LWW) explores the complex relationship between literacy and employment within the context of welfare reform in Manitoba. It sets out to identify both the barriers to education and employment that adult learners experience, as well as the policies, programs and support services that best enable them to move from welfare to work.

The LWW Study gives voice to the experiences of adult learners and instructors. It places them at the centre of the analysis, attempting to link their individual and collective stories to a larger socioeconomic and political framework. This approach offers a more fully contextualized understanding of learners' lives and the role that literacy plays in employment. The aim of the research is to provide a forum for discussion and action around public policy and adult education funding and programming, so that learners can fully realize their personal, educational, and employment goals.