A7-C1: Literacy and Essential Skills for the Canadian Labour Market
This workshop will involve information about the importance of literacy and essential skills (LES) and an interactive demonstration of how to use Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES)’ tools to enable practitioners to assist their clients with LES challenges they may be facing. Examples of LES projects and interventions that have been geared towards various learners ranging from low-level learners, individuals seeking employment in the trades and apprenticeship, to foreign trained professionals will be provided to illustrate how incorporating LES into skills training curriculum can have a positive impact on labour market integration.
The OLES is focused on improving the LES of adult Canadians, and developed a series of free and easy-to-use tools that are adaptable to help address different LES challenges. LES are skills required for a knowledge-based economy such as Canada and have a significant impact on earnings and successful labour market integration. According to research employers and other stakeholders have expressed that some recent immigrants may have certain LES challenges that present barriers to successful labour market outcomes. Soft Skills are an area of Essential Skills that have been noted as presenting a particular barrier for newcomers.
Shareef Korah is an analyst with the Office of Literacy of and Essential Skills. He holds a B.A and a M.A.
