National Adult Literacy Database

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.

Each month NALD releases Library user statistics in a feature known as the Top 20 downloads. The report examines the number of NALD Library documents which are viewed and downloaded by visitors to the websites NALD.

We should never underestimate the important roles played by community learning centres across our vast country. One remarkable centre, located in what has been described as one of Canada’s poorest postal codes, is Vancouver’s Canucks Family Education Centre.

High school students in every region of Nova Scotia now have access to a challenging program that helps prepare them for good jobs and citizenship.

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has awarded the first annual Skills Award for Indigenous Youth to Baillie Redfern, an M.Sc. graduate student studying genome science and technology at the University of British Columbia.

This research study explores the effects of the Temporary Foreign Workers' Program with respect to skilled trades workers. The case study addresses issues of credential acquisition, education and training, and language difficulties.

This program will streamline the licensing process for internationally trained architects through a national online assessment tool and standard interview process.

"Workers with the knowledge and skills to get the job done are critical to economic development in this province,” says PEI Literacy Alliance Executive Director Catherine O’Bryan. "We want to encourage workers to take training in the essential skills so they can become more efficient, effective and adaptable.”

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.

Representatives from groups involved with literacy and essential skills across New Brunswick hope to raise awareness about the need for improved skills training in the workplace. Bill Stirling, CEO of NALD, says: “We are seeing a significant increase in the skills required even for entry level jobs throughout all sectors of the economy. Essential Skills Day provides a focal point for Canadian employers and workers to take stock of the learning culture in their workplace."

Some of the fastest growing jobs in the coming decade have yet to be identified. In fact, the term “new job” itself is changing. It can refer to a job that did not previously exist, or a job that carries the same name but requires such different skills as to render it changed. In either case, the need for skilled employees to fill these positions is increasing.

What should you do if you find yourself to be a victim of bullying in the workplace? Randstad Canada, the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services, offers helpful advice to workers dealing with workplace bullying.

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.

An initiative of the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD), Learn@Work Week is an annual celebration recognizing the value of workplace learning and development in Canada. Workplace learning has a positive impact on employee performance and productivity, and is crucial to a healthy Canadian economy.