Literacy

Did you know that literacy improves employment opportunities and can lead to higher wages? Workplace literacy refers to the skills and abilities employees need to have to function effectively, efficiently and safely in the workplace.

There are free Literacy and Basic Skills programs which will help with reading, writing and working with numbers as well as services to Assess your Essential Skills.

• programs may offer small group classes or one-to-one tutors

In Oxford County various agencies deliver the Literacy and Basic Skills programs at the following locations:

• Woodstock -

  • Blossom Park Adult Education Centre - The Literacy and Basic Skills Program helps adults who need some upgrading, need to gain skills for the workplace, or need to prepare for high school or community college.

  • Fanshawe College - LBS is a program that offers English and mathematics upgrading, basic computer skills, teamwork, communications and other skills needed in the workplace.

  • WERC - This is an individualized, pre-credit, skills upgrading program. The program focuses on adult women who need to improve their literacy and/or numeracy skills.

• Ingersoll -

  • ILERC - Students must be over 18 and attend a minimum of 10 hours per week. Learners can upgrade in writing, math, reading and life skills, grade levels 1-9. Instructors help the student set goals toward empoyment, training/education and independence.

• Norwich -

  • NLERC - This program offers individualized programming for remedial and tutorial help. The setting is a one to one or small group (maximum 4 people) learning environment. Individualized learning styles and differences are accommodated. People from Junior Kindergarten to adulthood are included in this program.

• Tillsonburg -

  • Livingston Centre - Adult students receive assistance with reading, writing and spelling skills. Assistance is provided by a trained instructor in a small group, or by trained volunteer tutors in a one-to-one tutor/student match. The program is open to adults 19 years and older.

Other Links:

• Workplace Literacy - Essential Skills
• Literacy Link South Central - Search for programs in Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford,Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk Counties or look in the Yellow Pages under "Learn" 1-800-561-6896
• Opening Doors - Language Training - Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities
• Ontario Ministry of Education - Literacy and Basic Skills
• Thames Valley District School Board - Literacy and Basic Skills site
• Movement for Canadian Literacy
• Private sector voice for literacy
• Ontario Literacy Coalition
• National Adult Literacy Database
• Six Nations Polytechnic - Literacy Achievment Centre
• Ontario Native Literacy Coalition
• Community Literacy of Ontario
• AlphaPlus Centre - inlcudes online learning
• Action for Family Literacy Ontario