Do the complexities of work and life feel overwhelming at times? Are expectations high at work and at home for keeping up with technology, filling out forms, working and speaking in groups and other tasks?
If so, you are not alone. Thousands of Canadians feel inadequate because they lack foundational skills from literacy to numeracy, document use to oral communications, and these skill gaps are preventing them from achieving their potential.
Knowing when you need to upgrade and where to go to get these important skills is just as important as acquiring them, but many people don't know where to start.
"These skills ebb and flow," acknowledges Pam Tetarenko, a labor market transitions consultant with Douglas College.
While most people assume low literacy skills are the main stumbling block to achieving success. research has found that nine skills are necessary to successfully function in work, learning and life, says Tetarenko.
Reading, document use, writing, numeracy and how to use a computer seem obvious in today's technological world. But oral communication, thinking skills, the ability to work with others and the understanding that learning never stops are equally important. But not everyone acknowledges they lack some of these skills so they fail to upgrade and they fail to achieve their potential. In fact, surveys have found that between 42% and 48% of Canadians lack either one or more of the skills while people who have them are more productive, find a job 29 weeks faster, are healthier and make more money.
"They need these skills to learn, they need these skills for success in life," agrees Lois Taylor, who works with essential skills and immigrants at Douglas College.
Tetarenko and Taylor belong to the Tri-Cities Literacy Committee, a collaborative group of people who work in local libraries, schools, and community service agencies. This fall the group is intent on spreading awareness of the nine essential skills needed to succeed.
To that end, the group is hosting a Community Learning Fair at Douglas College on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Evergreen Cultural Centre. It will feature organizations from dozens of agencies from School District 43's continuing education department to Douglas College, Simon Fraser University, local libraries and even Toastmasters.
Barb Mancell, the Tri-Cities' literacy outreach coordinator, said visitors will get a cloth bag and a tool kit that will help them understand what skills they need and how to get them.
"We've got a real variety and we want to show people what's available," Mancell said.
