Remove barriers to accessing workplace foundational skills learning, including scheduling and supervisor support.
See below on this page for details about how to complete this commitment.
⚠️ Instructions To Complete This Commitment:
Commitment:
Remove barriers to accessing workplace foundational skills learning, including scheduling and supervisor support.
Please complete all of the below requirements.
Part A: Memo
Send a memo to all managers and supervisors stating:
The employer supports all employees in improving foundational skills, which may include digital skills, math, reading comprehension, communication and English Language, and
The employer will support employees to access foundational learning opportunities by prioritizing scheduling.
Part B: Employee Communication
Add a statement to your Employee Handbook and/or other all staff communication tool stating that:
The employer encourages all employees to improve foundational skills as needed, and
The employer will support employees to access foundational learning with priority scheduling, and
Any other relevant measures (such as reimbursement for classes, etc).
Evidence
Memo meeting requirements of Part A
Employee Communication meeting requirements of Part B
How to submit your evidence
Once you have completed each of the above requirements, upload your evidence using our online form as soon as possible. This allows time for review and feedback.
Evidence may be in the form of a document, email, newsletter, meeting minutes, social media post, etc.
Deadline to submit all evidence for the 2026-2027 WIC: 3PM, Tuesday, November 30th, 2027.
⏰ Key Dates:
Important dates to remember:
By November 30th, 2027: Deadline to submit evidence
✅ Why This Commitment Is Important:
The problem we’re trying to solve:
Up to 45% of working-age adults in Alberta may lack the optimal literacy skills required to consistently perform changing job demands in the modern economy. (Government of Alberta).
Employees are often unable to participate in foundational learning opportunities due to unintentional workplace barriers
Benefits:
Employers benefit from employees having:
Foundational literacy skills by employees understanding job task directions (for example through English as an Additional Language learning)
Better scheduling/control labour costs (numeracy)
Responding to guest or customer inquiries (Language, reading, digital)
Increased communication and problem solving skills.
📝 Resources:
Details to come
📧 Contact:
Supporting Agency
For questions and support to complete this commitment, please contact:
Brenda Stanton (She/Her)
Executive Director, Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre
Email: ed@bowvalleylearning.ca