National Adult Literacy Database

In 2012-2013 CLLN, funded by OLES, will conduct a large-scale survey of L/ES practitioners to get a comprehensive picture of who works in the L/ES field. The study will allow CLLN to provide a picture of the demographics of L/ES practitioners as well as what kinds of work they do, where they do it and how they do it.

In observance of International Adult Learners’ Week in Canada, NALD offers several handy tips for engaging learners in the education process.

Bilingual immigrants are healthier than those who speak one language, according to a new study from Rice University in Houston. Sociologists at the school rated the English and native-language skills of nearly 5,000 immigrants from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico, then asked them to rate their own health.

The national chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students says: "Instead of cutting important programs such as the Service Canada Centre for Youth, the federal government should be increasing funding to help youth and students get a head start in life." For post-secondary education, students are recommending four concrete budget steps to ensure students and their families are not being left out.

Good Reads authors Joy Fielding and Deborah Ellis sat down with ABC Life Literacy Canada to discuss the writing process for adult learners, why they love writing for the Good Reads program, and even shared a bit about themselves.

There's no question that some job-search approaches are more productive than others. Richard Bolles devotes several pages of his book What Colour Is Your Parachute? to exploring the most and least effective angles.

Compared to 12 months earlier, employment in Canada was up by 121,000 (+0.7%), with the bulk of the increase occurring in the first half of the period, according to the new Labour Force Survey results from Statistics Canada.

“Change is everywhere in today’s workplace,” says Bill Stirling, CEO of the National Adult Literacy Database. “New technologies, global competitors, new markets and changing standards or certifications mean that workers today are constantly dealing with change. They have to be continuous learners and problem solvers.”

There are three components to the problem of labour shortages. The first two – an aging and shrinking work force, and a knowledge-skills shortage – have been well documented. But the third is a shortage of the essential skills required in any job.

This national award, which made its debut in 2010, recognizes an individual for his/her outstanding achievement towards increasing workplace literacy and essential skills in the community.

This year, ABC Life Literacy Canada, Frontier College and the Ontario Literacy Coalition have co-written a social media guide to encourage Canadian organizations to celebrate adult learning and raise awareness of lifelong learning in Canada.

The Canadian Literacy and Learning Network (CLLN), a non-profit charitable organization, represents literacy coalitions, organizations and individuals in every province and territory. CLLN shares knowledge, engages partners and stakeholders, and builds awareness to advance literacy and learning across Canada.

The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) has launched a Call for Concepts 2012 with a goal of addressing critical research gaps in adult literacy and essential skills. The closing date is April 5, 2012.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is receiving $199,905 from the Government of Canada for an 18-month project to provide mentorship to young women in their leadership roles.

As most workers in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan enjoyed the Family Day holiday, Randstad Canada, the country's leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services, reinforced the importance of remembering that optimum employee contribution comes from a balance of performance and sufficient rest.