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ERIC Number: ED330886
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1989-Jun
Pages: 6
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Workplace Literacy Demands.
Taylor, Maurice C.
A study was conducted to identify the literacy requirements of 10 college vocational training programs and their corresponding occupations. Following a review of 5 years of student records at an eastern Ontario community college, the 10 major vocational programs studied were categorized as follows: motor vehicle mechanic, engineering technician, baker, computer operator, cabinet maker, welder, cook, business equipment service technician, electronics assembler, and refrigeration and air conditioning technician. Reading and writing requirements needed for these programs were identified and compared to those on the job sites for each of the corresponding occupations. Instructors, coordinators, and students were interviewed for each of the vocational preparation programs. Three job sites corresponding to the occupational training program were identified and employees and supervisors were interviewed. Samples of materials used in the training programs and on the job were analyzed and subjected to four readability formulas. The study found that reading was a requirement of both trainees in the vocational programs and of employees on the job sites; however, employees spent much less time reading than trainees. Readability scores for all training program materials and occupational site materials ranged from grade 9 to grade 12 levels. Writing skills needed were higher for trainees than for workers. Suggestions were made to improve training by focusing on job-related materials and vocabulary. (KC)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A