MEETING THE CHALLENGE Essential Skills and TOWES

Workplace Skill Demands on the Rise New Technologies/Computerization International Quality Systems Global Competition Lean Manufacturing Processes

FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING & EARNING

Which of the following occupations demands the highest level of writing skills? a) Elementary & secondary school teacher assistants b) Security guards c) Water & waste plant operators d) Records and file clerks

Which of the following occupation’s typical reading tasks rate highest in complexity? a) Paramedics b) Library assistants c) Flight attendants d) Glaziers

Which of these occupations demands problem- solving skills higher than the majority of Canadians can demonstrate? a) Mine service & support workers b) Heavy equipment operators c) Golf club managers d) Human resources professionals

Canada’s Skill Deficit 22 country survey (IALS) determined the literacy levels of adults and the impact of literacy on economic success and global competitiveness. Developed new 5 point scale to measure proficiency. New survey – Adult Literacy & Life Skills Survey results available May, 2005.

Comparative distributions of skills levels Per cent of populations aged 16 to 65 at each skills level, 2003 A. Prose literacy scale B. Document literacy scale C. Numeracy scaleD. Problem solving scale Countries are ranked by the proportions in Levels 3 and 4/5. Source: Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey, 2003.

PERFORMANCE OF CANADIANS A significant portion of Canadians are at the two lowest levels in three important essential skill areas: reading text, document use and numeracy. Source: Matching Canadians’ Literacy Attainment to Actual Occupational Requirements, May 2001.

Canada’s Skill Deficit Key Findings from IALS and ALL: Literacy is firmly linked to economic success and productivity Levels 1 & 2 two to three times more likely to be outside labour market 6+ months Respondents scoring less than 3 out of 5 lack the skills needed to transfer existing knowledge to new environments.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS PROFILES Government has profiled the Essential skill requirements for 200 NOC job classifications; by 2007 all job classifications will have been profiled Each profile provides detailed information about how Essential Skills are used by workers in that job classification. Research results are available, free of charge www15.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL SKILLS “enabling” skills that help people perform tasks required by their jobs. skills that provide workers with a foundation for learning other skills. skills that enhance the ability to adapt to change. Workplace essential skills are the Velcro to which other training sticks

1.Reading text 2.Document use 3.Numeracy 4.Writing 5.Oral communication 6.Thinking skills 7.Working with others 8.Computer use 9.Continuous learning NINE ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Workplace Demands for Essential Skills Jobs for which no post secondary education is necessary increasingly require a minimum of Level 3 (e.g. cashier, security guard or labourer). Reading text Document use Numeracy 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% level 1 level 2 level 3 level 4/5 lowest highest Source: Matching Canadians’ Literacy Attainment to Actual Occupational Requirements, May 2001.

IMPACT ON CANADA’S GDP. Relationship between GDP per capita and per cent at Reading Text - Levels 1 and 2, population aged 16-65, Research indicates that a 1% (5 point) gain in Essential Skills scores, on a per worker basis, would increase Canada’s GDP by 1.5 %. This gain would be realized year-after-year.

IMPACT ON SAFETY Research conducted by groups such as the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council shows that workers with skills at Levels 1 & 2 were 150% more likely to be involved in a workplace accident than those at level 3 and higher.

Valid Measure of Workplace Skills ? E mployers may use academic credentials, such as the Grade 12 Diploma, to screen job applicants. Issues that arise from using Grade 12 to screen: 1. There is no national, provincial, or even school board-wide standard for a Grade 12; 2. The academic nature of the content is different from what is found in the workplace. 3. May result in overlooking qualified candidates

In the phrase “a sorrow wandering in the halls of memory” (line 5), the author effectively uses: a) imitative harmony b) personification c) alliteration d) irony Question 1 - Alberta English 33 Grade 12 Diploma Exam (1999) Sample: Academic-Based Question

What is the catalog number and description of the part from the 7700 series mask shown below? Note: supporting document not shown Sample: Workplace-Based Question ___________ ____________ Catalog number Description

1.Reading text 2.Document use 3.Numeracy 4.Writing 5.Oral communication 6.Thinking skills 7.Working with others 8.Computer use 9.Continuous learning NINE ESSENTIAL SKILLS TOWES

TOWES “G SERIES” Three generic versions Compares test results to national standards established by HRSDC Results comparable to more than 300 occupations using Essential Skills Profile data

TOWES “G SERIES” Three generic versions: G1 – Levels 1-2 G2 – Levels 2-3 G3 – Levels 3-4 Measure Up tasks can be used to help select appropriate test

G SERIES… Employer Benefits Provides reliable hiring data Ensures employees have required skills Complements and enhances existing job-screening tools and processes Assists in succession planning and training

TOWES in Ontario  Saint Gobain (manufacturer of industrial fabrics) – selection/hiring tool  TRW Vehicle Systems (manufacturer metal parts) – selecting employees for promotion or apprenticeship training.  Ontario Northland Transportation Commission  Abitibi Consolidated – recall laid off workers/screening tool for new hires  Tembec – screen employees for internal apprenticeship program

Testimonials “TOWES has become a standard for our hiring process at Abitibi Consolidated. This measurement of essential skills is one of the tools to ensure we are hiring the best candidate.” Janine Welch Human Resources Supervisor Abitibi Consolidated

“Over the last year, Ontario Northland has undergone a significant reorganization which has resulted in the hiring of roughly 125 employees, half in skilled trades positions, out of a total employee base of 1,000. By working with Canadore College and using the TOWES testing system, we were able to evaluate skilled trades’ applications more effectively and efficiently, in order to hire the best candidates for the positions.” Greg Stuart, Director of Human Resources - Ontario Northland Transportation Commission

TOWES in ONTARIO

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