Can a 20 hour Essential Skills (ES) intervention make a difference in learner success? By working with Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) faculty and learners in programs not familiar with ES, the research team proved the value of supporting ES development in SIAST learners and integrating ES in SIAST curriculum. Eight programs in heath, business and community services divisions were identified. 102 learners were pre-tested to determine who was below the ES level required for success in programs and employment. Pre-testing using the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) confirmed that 88 of the 102 learners tested... Read more

Do community college students in the School of Business have the Essential Skills necessary for program completion? What impact would using Essential Skills interventions have on their learning and future work? These were questions that NSCC academic leaders sought answers to by asking students in Business Administration, Culinary Arts and Tourism Management at the Kingstec Campus to participate in a research project. There were 90 students who agreed to participate with 66 students completing the initial Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES). Forty participants scored at Level 2 in Document Use. Six completed some Essential Skills (ES) training and the... Read more