National Adult Literacy Database

The Conference Board of Canada workplace education case studies series highlights businesses that demonstrate effective practices in encouraging and supporting workplace learning. This case study features the Essential Skills Program at Dofasco, a steel manufacturer located in Hamilton, Ontario, employing 7,400 permanent employees. In the early 1990s, economic pressures prompted significant restructuring at Dofasco. After the restructuring and with the introduction of highly technical equipment, the company realized that a gap in the required workplace literacy skills existed. To address this gap, Dofasco created its Essential Skills Program. Since 1997, hundreds of employees have developed skills that have made marked contributions not only to their work, but also to their personal lives and communities. This case study looks at various aspects of this successful workplace learning program, including the program's background and objectives, target groups, learning activities, challenges, keys to success and benefits.

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