National Adult Literacy Database

A career management consultant says young job seekers know how to network, write a résumé, and prepare for an interview. But, she says, they don’t understand subtle details or basics such as how to behave in a networking situation, follow up with a potential contact, or present themselves in the best possible light.

The launch of ourlanguages.gc.ca on the go! coincides with the third anniversary of the Language Portal of Canada, the website that showcases Canadian expertise in the area of language.

The skill areas where respondents experience the most challenges in working with distressed employees are communicating effectively and understanding their own emotional reactions. Survey results showed that nearly one-third of managers/supervisors had some challenges in these areas.

In all, nearly 18,000 people gave their opinions on learning methods, technology and teaching practices. The viewpoints expressed by the respondents provided insight into why and under what conditions ICT use can be considered a success or failure in higher education in Quebec.

The implementation of revised international System of National Accounts economic accounting standards resulted in a slight downward revision to Canada's average annual growth in business sector labour productivity over the period 1981 to the second quarter of 2012.

Join the party to celebrate one of Canada’s most prestigious book awards, The Scotiabank Giller Prize, at the Scotiabank Giller Light Bash, in support of Frontier College. This year, there are parties held from coast to coast. You can celebrate in Halifax, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver. On Tuesday, October 30, join the action by watching the Scotiabank Giller Prize! Each party will have its own special fun.

An adult learning centre agent from Quebec shares his methods for approaching local businesses. The demand for these programs is out there; the key is to let employers and workers know that these innovative training programs are available.

As the country continues to experience skills shortages in key sectors of the economy, Randstad Canada describes the country's growing shortage of highly skilled labour as critical, predicting shortages in the manufacturing, automation and energy and utility industries.

ABC Life Literacy Canada has announced the 2012 Life Literacy Award winners in recognition of outstanding achievement in adult literacy and essential skills. Awards were presented in the categories of community literacy, workplace education, journalism and corporate excellence.

Organizations that focus on developing healthy workplaces enjoy tangible benefits. These take the form of increased productivity, higher staff engagement, lower absenteeism, lower benefits claims costs, lower turnover, and greater resilience. Returns on healthy workplace investments reported by large private-sector organizations can range from $1.81 to $6.15 for every $1 invested.

In the context of reaching more people in your community, see how you can learn more about the needs of local businesses by putting the essential skills into action.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is delighted to announce the 2012 Life Literacy Award winners in recognition of outstanding achievement in adult literacy and essential skills through community literacy, workplace education, journalism and corporate excellence.

Business leaders recognize that investment in people has a direct impact on the bottom line. Raising awareness of this relationship is the goal of Learn@Work Week, an initiative of the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD). This year, CSTD recognizes 16 senior business leaders who understand this relationship and are active advocates of learning in the workplace.

"Literacy, if we need to be reminded, is the great enabler that allows individuals to unlock their potential. It’s the basic skill set on which most other capabilities are built. As we celebrate International Literacy Day (proclaimed by UNESCO in 1965) this Saturday, we should also remember that literacy is a fundamental human right."

A new publication in the NALD Library could serve as a wakeup call for Canadians interested in or concerned about the future of the workforce. A follow-up to People without Jobs, Jobs without People (2010), Dr. Rick Miner’s latest work is entitled Jobs of the Future: Options and Opportunities (2012).