TRURO, NS, May 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Workers and employers in the trucking industry can look forward to learning more about improving safety and increased productivity as a result of funding provided by the Government of Canada. The announcement was made by Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity," said Mr. Armstrong. "The Government of Canada and the trucking industry are partnering to ensure more employees have the essential skills required to succeed in today's economy."
Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic is receiving over $640,000 from the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program to undertake a study of literacy and essential skills levels among employees in the trucking industry. The study will allow the industry to better assess the impact of literacy and essential skills on safety, productivity and employment patterns. From this study, a toolkit will be developed to help employers address essential skills challenges in the workplace.
"Our organization is very proud to be leading this exciting initiative," said Kelly Henderson, Executive Director of Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic. "We are aware that low essential skills levels can impact safety performance. This project will allow us to work with multiple partners, including the Province of Nova Scotia, to explore this relationship and identify a plan companies will be able to implement."
The trucking industry will need 30 000 more qualified workers by 2015. Increased literacy levels in the industry will become increasingly important to both safety and productivity as technology becomes more complex, and this project will help employers meet their current and future human resources needs.
Economic Action Plan 2013 introduces a number of measures to connect Canadians with available jobs and equip them with the skills and training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups such as persons with disabilities, youth, Aboriginal people and newcomers.
backgrounder
The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills
In 2007, the Government of Canada created the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) to provide adult Canadians with the knowledge and skills they need to enter and succeed in the job market.
Through the OLES, the Government works in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, employers and community organizations to provide Canadians with the tools and resources they need to take advantage of job opportunities, contribute to their communities and share in the country's prosperity.
OLES provides funding through the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program.
For more information about the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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