Knowledge Under Construction: Building a Workplace Literacy Program from the Ground Up by Matt Hart
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t seems that everybody is jumping on the workplace education bandwagon these days. Grant funds and donations seem to be drying up, and the monies that are available from government and industry seem to be
• Am I experienced in marketing? • Do I know all that I can about businesses and services in my area? • What do I do best/better than anyone else? tied to outcomes such as the number of students entering the workforce, up-grading • Can I/my agency deliver what I existing skills, and retaining employment. If you are considering implementing a promise? workplace literacy program, you should be aware of a few issues related to such a startup. There’s always something to learn, and that’s one of the best examples that There are five main reasons why The reasons why you shouldn’t con- a workplace literacy coordinator can you and your agency should consider sider starting a workplace literacy pro- set. It’s easier to encourage others to be implementing a workplace literacy gram are just as important, if not more lifelong learners if you yourself are one. program in your area: so, than the reasons why you should. If If you’re not a curriculum designer or • There is a need for this program. you’ve been able to answer all of these an experienced marketer, don’t despair. • You are the best person for the job. questions and concerns and still think There are myriad resources available at • Your agency is the best agency for that workplace literacy is a good idea, the Virginia Adult Learning Resource the job. you’re probably wondering, “What do Center (VALRC) and the Workplace Improvement Network (WIN). AddiI do next?” • No other agency offers this service. • This service will enhance and comIn building your program, never underestimate the plement existing programs in your agency. necessity of building relationships so as to market your There are also five main reasons why skills and services more effectively. you shouldn’t: You’re now ready to take a long, tional resources regarding businesses and • There are no businesses or industries hard look at your personal strengths services in your area may vary, but check that need services in your area. • You are not convinced of your skill and weaknesses as well as those of your with your local Chamber of Commerce, agency. Evaluate yourself and your Workforce Investment Board, economic or effectiveness. • You are not convinced of the skill agency objectively, and answer the fol- development council, and/or local comlowing questions: munity college. Literacy Volunteers of and effectiveness of your agency. • What do I already know about the New River Valley also has informa• Other agencies already offer the workplace literacy? tion available for agencies that wish to same level and types of services. • What do I know about curriculum start workplace literacy programs. And • There are no similar services that exdesign? don’t overlook asking other professionals ist within your agency.
5 Reasons to Implement a Workplace Literacy Program • There is a need for this program. • You are the best person for the job. • Your agency is the best agency for the job. • No other agency offers this service. • This service will enhance and complement existing programs in your agency.
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5 Reasons Not To Implement a Workplace Literacy Program • There are no businesses or industries that need services in your area. • You are not convinced of your skill or effectiveness. • You are not convinced of the skill and effectiveness of your agency. • Other agencies already offer the same level and types of services. • There are no similar services that exist within your agency.
Evaluate yourself and your agency • What do I already know about workplace literacy? • What do I know about curriculum design? • Am I experienced in marketing? • Do I know all that I can about businesses and services in my area? • What do I do best/better than anyone else? • Can I/my agency deliver what I promise? Fall 2003 .:PROGRESS
