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With the emphasis on ISO9000 and ISO14000 quality control standards, more companies have become aware of the need to raise the literacy bar on hiring. However, a more cost-effective approach is to raise the bar with existing, trained and reliable employees.
Job Performance Improves
Based on successful programs in companies, social service agencies, and schools, the LOP recognizes individual sensitivity and needs, and encourages participants to achieve success in basic skills that are important to job performance. And workers know the importance of performance to holding a job.
Functionally Illiterate
Many companies employ workers that are functionally illiterate. By definition this means they are able to perform many simple tasks on the job and at home. However, often they cannot read most words and sentences. They are unable to read a newspaper, road map, or a simple story in a book. Many of these workers do not even have checking accounts. Clearly they cannot read company memos, instructions, or new information.
Assessment/Interview
Initially, a baseline for the LOP is established using verbal interview/assessments. Program objectives and milestones are established with company personnel. Instructors are selected for their teaching skills, communication skills, sensitivity to adult learners, and knowledge of effective instruction techniques.
LOP – Learning Opportunities Program
Discreet and professional classes are held at company locations, limited to 10 workers in each class. Classes are held at times that blend with working hours and shifts. We design an instruction plan for each company, usually with 2-hour sessions twice a week.
Success Evidence Available
Bottom line results are dramatic. You are invited to ask for the results of NCES research that show how companies improve profits with the NCES/LOP approach. Click here to Contact Us for further information.
Publications
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C., featured the NCES Workforce DeveloPMent Program in its Best Practices publication.
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, published a major feature article describing the methodology and results of a comprehensive research program in eight companies. This research established that production workers gained from literacy training, and profits improved.
Research performed by Patrick O’Connor, PhD, from Kent State University established improved profitability in companies that elevated literacy levels among production workers. Summary findings and impact on manufacturing were published widely in related publications.
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