Foundational Skills

Literacy and essential skills

  • are needed for work, learning and life

  • are the foundation for learning all other skills

  • help you evolve with your jobs and adapt to workplace change


They provide the foundation for learning all other skills. They enable you to better prepare for, get and keep a job, and adapt and succeed at work.


There are 9 Essential Skills

1. Reading

2. Writing

3. Document Use

4. Numeracy

5. Computer Use/Digital Skills

6. Thinking

7. Oral Communication

8. Working with Others

9. Continuous Learning


You’ll need specific skills in all of these areas for your job.


For example, in manufacturing you may have to

  • read instructions for operating equipment

  • complete work order forms

  • calculate measurements

  • communicate with suppliers

  • use computer-controlled equipment

Do you need to upgrade your Essential Skills to prepare for a job? Connect with your local Adult Learning Network for free pathway planning support.

Hamilton

Adult Basic Education Association

905-527-2222

email@abea.on.ca

https://abea.on.ca/

List of LBS programs: https://abea.on.ca/programs/

Haldimand-Norfolk and Brantford

Literacy Link South Central

519-681-7307

literacylink@llsc.on.ca

https://www.llsc.on.ca/

List of LBS programs: https://www.llsc.on.ca/learn-what-you-can-do

They can connect you with programs to upgrade your essential skills for work, get your Grade 12 diploma and upgrade your English language skills.

Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) Programs

Literacy and Basic Skills programs are free and are for adults 19+ and out of school. They can help you upgrade your skills in reading, writing, math, interpersonal and digital skills. You will work with an instructor to develop a personalized learner plan to meet your goals. LBS programs can help you prepare for high school credits, apprenticeship, post-secondary, employment and for greater independence. LBS programs are flexible and can work with your schedule.

Grade 12 Diploma/Equivalent

Some jobs require you to have your Grade 12 diploma or an equivalent like the GED. The Learning Networks can connect you with a local credit program or help you decide if the GED test or other option might be better for you (like Academic and Career Entrance courses at a local community college).

English Language Programs

If English is not your first language and you feel that you need to increase your English language skills, the Learning Networks can connect you with free programs. This could be an English as a Second Language (ESL) program or a Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.