Literacy Facing Employment Outcomes
by Angela Tessier, Emerald Consulting

The IALS results have many implications for Manitoban practitioners working in the field of literacy. Direct correlations were found in the IALS study between literacy skills and employment. The higher literacy skills, the greater the likelihood of employment and mobility within the workforce. Coupled with this is the fact that people with higher literacy skills tend to be unemployed for only short periods of time. Conversely, low literacy skills are linked to poverty and in most cases many years of chronic unemployment.

A startling result of the IALS survey was a denial factor in respondents who seemed satisfied with their abilities, even when their test scores were low. People who had problems reading and writing everyday materials perceived themselves as having excellent literacy skills. Unfortunately, many people at this level of literacy have a very difficult time securing long term stable employment.

From the practitioners' point of view, programs are now requested to report on employment secured by participants directly as a result of their participation in literacy course. The situation then arises for the practitioner on how to facilitate the transition of the low literacy participant into employment situations. In 1995, a resource entitled, "The Job Seeker's Handbook" was developed by Ravinder Manku for EPW Inc. Aimed at participants who have lower ESL and literacy skills, the handbook prepares participants on the entire process of getting a job. The handbook can be used by an individual working independently or in a group situation. The materials were field tested with various groups and were well received. Presently, the resource is being updated by Angela Tessier.

The handbook has seven units:

• Unit 1: Identifying skills, interests and jobs
• Unit 2: Staying positive during the job search
• Unit 3: Filling in a job application form
• Unit 4: Writing a resume
• Unit 5: Writing a cover letter
• Unit 6: Identifying the hidden and visible job market
• Unit 7: Interviewing skills

Some of the activities included in the handbook are:

• True and False writing activities
• Matching of terms with explanations
• Working with actual job application forms
• Analyzing resumes and job application forms for errors
• Writing activities around the issues of a job search

Currently, Employment Projects for Women Inc., in conjunction with Literacy Partners of Manitoba, is organizing a Train the Trainers' event around the topic of Employment and Literacy. Scheduled to take place in February, the three-day event will focus on various issues involving employment and literacy such as current labour market trends, job search techniques and resume writing. There are 12 free participant seats available for the training event. If you are interested in attending, please contact Angela Tessier at (204) 949-5300 as soon as possible.