Improving Workforce Basic Skills

Literacy or basic skills instruction for the workplace is a new and evolving field of practice for trainers, program planners and other partners in business, industry and education. With the growing gap between workplace demands and workforce skills increasing, there is now a need to ensure that employees with basic skills deficiencies have education and training opportunities. Exactly how to go about this endeavour has been an area of concern for both employers and union leaders alike. Basic Skills in the Workplace is a response to this need. It is a useful resource and day-to-day practical g.

Describes workplace literacy programs in Maryland, Pennsylvania, W. Va., Va., Delaware, and District of Columbia.

Presents the findings of a three-year ASTD/U.S. Department of Labor nationwide study on how to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting today's business requirements. Explains how to implement training programs that develop the new basic skills workers will need.

This report provides examples and recommendations to help overcome obstacles to engage low-skilled workers and their employers in skills development. England has implemented impressive measures aimed at helping workers and employers to upskill. Nonetheless, there remains room for improvement.