Welcome!

Did you know?

The most recent survey by Statistics Canada found that about one out of every three adults in Ontario would benefit from literacy education.

The Simcoe/Muskoka Literacy Network (SMLN) is your information source about essential skills training and academic upgrading for adults in Simcoe County and Muskoka.

Literacy and Basic Skills are skills necessary to function as a contributing member of the community. These skills include everything from reading and writing to math to participating in society.

Essential Skills are the skills people need for work, learning and life. They include literacy and are the basis for learning all other skills.

Each year in Ontario, 50,000 people decide to upgrade their skills for work, further training, and life.

Not sure where to start? Contact us for information and referral.

~~ Your gateway to skills for work, learning and life ~~

 

Bridging the Employment Gap for Learners with Low-Level Literacy Skills

This project developed workforce curricula to help learners at Essential Skills Level 1 to upgrade their literacy, numeracy and other essential skills in an entry-level occupational context. Though best suited for Ontario LBS levels 1 & 2, including learners with special needs, they can also be adapted for use at LBS level 3. The curricula were field-tested at 11 pilot sites, enabling some participating students to enter job placements or paid entry-level employment in specific occupations. The curricula also help prepare students for more advanced training.

There are 5 occupational sector manuals – Clerical, Retail, Janitorial, Grounds Maintenance, and Kitchen Help – as well as a 6th manual called Ready for Work which focuses on “soft skills” needed by all employees. Ready for Work was developed in response to requests from employment counsellors and job developers. The manuals include instructor notes, learning activities and learning demonstrations. To order these manuals in either hard copy or on CD, please contact simcoe.muskoka@literacynetwork.ca.

All Bridging the Employment Gap manuals are now available for free download at the NALD website. Click on this link