National Adult Literacy Database

This document summarizes a project undertaken between 2000 and 2002 to find ways to increase the participation levels of underemployed adults in Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs. The project was carried out in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth counties and the Georgian Triangle area of Ontario.

It included a literature review, along with four focus groups that reached a total of 31 adults who worked seasonally, part-time, or on a temporary basis, and considered themselves to be underemployed.

The researchers found that underemployed adults faced several barriers to learning, including lack of awareness of local training and support services; health issues; cost and availability of childcare; and lack of access to transportation.

Recommendations arising from the project include flexible LBS programming; help with childcare and transportation; the use of online learning opportunities; and the promotion of workplace-based training programs.