Staff at Apprenticeship Branch continue to forge ahead in implement- ing components of an Essential Skills strategy designed to ensure apprentices and trades qualifiers have maximum success on the job and in technical training. While the past year focused on developing assessment tools and upgrading models; 2006 will see their imple- mentation in a number of trades. more..>

Most of us use some form of math in our work day:

• Carpenters make calculations to build stairs or construct rafters.
• Financial advisors compare returns on investment.
• Postal clerks weigh parcels.
• Employees calculate their travel expenses for reimbursement. These are all examples of the Essential Skill of Numeracy ‘at work’.

But the word “Essential” in Essential Skills doesn’t necessarily mean that the skill is lower-level or simple. more..>

Charlene Gulak, a rural coordinator for WEMSC, has developed a highly original teaching unit on oral com- munications in the workplace that manages to combine Essential Skills training with the ABCs of customer service. more..>

After graduating with a BSc from the University of Manitoba in the mid-1960’s, Stan followed his mother’s wishes and enrolled in teacher’s college. He tried it for a few months but it wasn’t for him. With a slow smile he says “If I’d kept on with that I probably would’ve had a breakdown from the stress.” more..>

Applications of Working and Learning (AWAL) is a national project that’s helping educators in Manitoba and across Canada make better connections between the academic or career subjects they teach and the Essential Skills critical for success in the workplace. more..>

Adults who need to brush up their math skills in order to succeed in post secondary programs and tech- nical occupations can now access a curriculum specifically designed for the adult learner. more..>

Hired in administrative roles by a non-profit organization set in a rural community, two female workers soon found themselves overwhelmed by job tasks that included planning events and writing reports for their Board. In short order, their Executive Director recognized that training was required and the call went out to the Interlake Adult Learning Association and the Workplace Education Manitoba Steering Committee (WEMSC), who agreed to provide Essential Skills training. more..>