TOWES aids business bottom line

Times Contributor

 

The TOWES software development used to assess basic literacy needs and work skills was demonstrated at the Civic Centre on Sept. 13.

The assessment helps establish a baseline for employees and aid businesses in developing staff development programs.

“In the world of work, employers want employees who can read and use workplace documents, complete tasks and solve problems,” said Conrad Murphy, Director of TOWES.

This software program is available for any business or employee to use. Murphy said that some newcomers to Canada have taken the test to certify their level of language, number and work skill. 

It is a five level assessment that first identifies basic literacy and number skills moving into the other levels of workplace competency.

Over 600,000 workers in Canada have inadequacy in essential literacy and numeric skills. 

An increase in those skills is directly proportionate to the bottom line on businesses and their competitive edge. The level of skill affects an individual’s health, finances, education and family. With the globalization of businesses, low skill workers cost businesses money. Educating employees makes businesses money. 

Countries like China are rapidly gaining on Canadian markets because they have programs to address essential skills. 

“It is a well- known fact that differences in average skill levels from country to country account for about 55 per cent of differences in long term Gross Domestic Product,” said Murphy.

For more information about accessing  TOWES, call Teri McKinnon at (403) 462-2550.