Project New Skills (2011)

Project New Skills was a Workplace Literacy and Essential Skills (WLES) project partnership between Mohawk College, Adult Basic Education Association and the Hamilton Training Advisory Board. This Hamilton project was to help determine an individual's learning needs to support their employment, education and/or training goals.

Through this project an individual could access

• essential skills assessments
• upgrading courses
• essential skills for manufacturing workshops

The following resources can be used with practitioners or clients looking for more information around essential skills and labour market information related to the manufacturing sector.

Essential Skills - Getting People Better Prepared for Work (PowerPoint)

Essential Skills - Getting People Better Prepared for Work (resource booklet pdf)

Project New Skills - Occupations in Manufacturing: A Labour Market Information Guide (pdf)

Clear Writing Project for the Learning Networks of Ontario
Working Together to Build Clear Writing: A Guide to Clear Writing Services for the Learning Networks of Ontario (2009-2010)

The first phase of this project produced the "Working Together to Build Clear Writing" resource manual for networks wanting to deliver Clear Writing Services. This tool includes

• background information for Clear Writing
• information for setting up Clear Writing Services
• recommended guidelines for Clear Writing
• information on completing organizational audits, document consulting and workshop facilitation
• workshop modules (both hard copy and on USB drive with notes)
• handouts to use in workshops (both hard copy and on USB drive)
• suggested approaches to working together as networks
• frequently asked questions, comments, and further resources
• suggestions for next steps in the province

The second phase of this project was the training of network staff so that the Learning Networks of Ontario could implement a train-the-trainer model in their own area.

For information about the Clear Writing guide please contact director@abea.on.ca. For information about a network in your area please visit the Ontario Literacy Coalition.

Clear Writing Workshops for Employment Ontario Agencies in Hamilton (2009-2010)

This EONDF funded project enabled us to complete Clear Writing organizational audits and workshops with 10 Employment Ontario agencies in Hamilton in order to increase awareness and understanding of Clear Writing principles in daily communications.

Educational Essential Skills Assessment (EESA) Training for Ontario Literacy Networks (2009-2010)

We developed the EESA in 2007, recognizing the local need for an assessment that outlines both Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) levels, as well as Essential Skills levels related to the client's goals. The client receives a detailed action plan to help them reach their training and employment goals. In 2009 the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities funded us to provide training to Ontario Litearcy Networks so that they too could provide this service in their communities with a focus on Second Career clients. In 2010 this project continued by expanding the training to all learning networks. Click here for the final report.

Workplace Essential Skills Toolkit: A Tool for Learning Networks and Employers (2009)

This website was developed to help Learning Networks implement brokering services for workplace education programs, as well as help employers understand the need and how to go about attaining Essential Skills in the workplace. Click here to visit the website.

Canadian and World Research on Assessment Practices for Adult Learners (2008)

A joint project between Adult Basic Education Association and the Project Read Literacy Network. This paper explores various assessment practices in relation to adult programming. Topics explored include assessment practices related to literacy upgrading, English as a Second Language training, high school completion or equivalent, post-secondary studies, apprenticeship, pre-employment, and workplace-based programs. Available for download. Click here (pdf).

Learning Challenges Assessment Tool for Adult Literacy Learners (2005)

A comprehensive Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) assessment tool to be used by the Learning Networks of Ontario in order to assess the presence of learning challenges and strengths in learners and to develop initial and ongoing strategy development. LCAT training is on hold until the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework is implemented.

Youth Literacy Report: Researching Literacy Needs of Youth Ages 16-18 (2002)

A joint project of the Hamilton Training Advisory Board and the Adult Basic Education Association. The main goals of the project were to

• determine the literacy needs of out-of-school youth
• determine the best type of program
• design and identify possible funding sources

Available for download. Click here (pdf).

Workplace Education Program Implementation Models: The Roles of Companies and Literacy Networks in Workplace Education (2002)

This is a valuable resource for agencies or companies interested in setting up Workplace Education Programs. The original report is no longer available in hard copy but the information can be found on the Workplace Essential Skills Toolkit website.

READ Kit: Recognize, Examine, Advise, Document (2001)

This tool is to be used with clients to

• identify potential signs of low literacy skills
• examine current skills, goals and needs
• advise them of their options
• document findings and make appropriate referrals

Developed in consultation with Ontario Works Case Managers in Hamilton and Niagara.

Goal-Orientated Intake and Referral Protocol Package (1999)

A practical guide to implementing goal-oriented intake and referral. Includes final report, intake forms and intake and referral flow chart with user's guide.

Reading the Market (1998)

A local marketing study to determine the best way to market and expand literacy service in West Hamilton.

Moving Toward Common Assessment (1997)

A research study exploring the use of common assessment practices in Hamilton.