Nova Scotians Celebrate Learn at Work Week

The province is encouraging more Nova Scotia businesses to introduce workplace education programs as a recruitment and retention tool to boost employee morale and increase productivity.

The effort is part of National Learn at Work Week celebrations across the country Sept. 22-26.

"A recent Statistics Canada study, tracking 14 countries between 1960 and 1995, found that developing employees through education and skills training is three times as important to economic growth as is investing in physical capital," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "We celebrate Learn at Work Week because we know that the processes, standards and technologies we use in our businesses are constantly changing.

"Workplace education programs help employees adapt to these changes and learn essential skills needed to remain confident and knowledgeable in their roles."

Learn at Work Week was created to promote the importance of workplace learning and to raise awareness about learning opportunities across the country.

In Nova Scotia, the Department of Labour and Workforce Development's workplace education programs help employees enhance skills that support success on the job, at home and in the community. Each program is developed to respond to the specific workplace and employee needs so new skills can be applied right away. Programs usually take place on-site, fully or partially on work time. Apprentices and workers in transition also benefit from department programs.

Royal LePage Truro Real Estate recently invited the department to develop and implement an essential communications skills program.

"Providing ongoing training for our agents provided them with the skills they needed to communicate effectively and confidently with their clients," said Todlynn MacPherson with Royal LePage. "Our agents found the course rewarding and enjoyable, and we are even exploring implementing more workplace learning in the future."

"I would definitely encourage more employers to include workplace education programs as part of their business plan. We're glad we did."

Earl Leslie, a long-term employee of Canada Bread, has completed a number of workplace education programs. He recently won a Workplace Education Ambassador Award of Excellence for his achievements in workplace learning, and is constantly encouraging new participants to take part in programs.

"In everyday life, change is inevitable, in the workplace, change is vital," said Mr. Leslie.

"Because of what I learned, I now have the skills to organize, write, and collect materials for a workplace newsletter and I also serve on a joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee where I designed a mural of safety photos."

"Workplace Education programs have provided me with the skills and opportunity to help others in the workplace and the community. This experience has brought to life what I always believed I was capable of."

Examples of Workplace Education programs include essential skills for G.E.D, English in the workplace, document use, communications skills for supervisors, and essential skills for small businesses.

To learn more about workplace education programs please visit nsworkplaceeducation.ca or call 1-902-424-0492.