These results, from the 2006 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), can be found in summary (with a link to the full report) at http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/071205/d071205b.htm

Workplace & Essential Skills

Great Employment Resource for Students
The Learning Edge is a multimedia newspaper designed for learners from the Wellington County Learning Centre in Arthur, Ontario. Combining audio, graphics and text, it is simple and accessible for learners. Recent issues look at the literacy and essential skills required for two entry level jobs, cashier and florist assistant, and at apprenticeships in the trades for men and women. Read and listen at http://www.thewclc.ca/edge/

What are Essential Skills?
Essential skills are the skills needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change. The nine essential skills identified by the Government of Canada are: reading text, document use, numeracy, writing, oral communication, working with others, continuous learning, thinking skills and computer use. The government’s web site has a variety of resources, which include: