In 2011-12, our Ministry committed funding for programs to help Adult Basic Education learners with low levels of literacy.  ABE-ESWP focuses specifically on Literacy Levels One and Two, and will help First Nations/Métis and the unemployed to gain workplace skills that will allow them to enter the workforce.

Through a Request for Proposal process, our Ministry entered into agreements with 11 publicly funded post-secondary institutions to deliver 24 programs in the province.  Typical ABE-ESWP programs are from September to June, delivering Level One and Two benchmarks to 25 learners in 35 weeks and include approximately 150 hours of workplace experience.  Up to 545 learners will have the opportunity to participate and benefit from these programs.

The programs will enable publicly-funded post-secondary institutions to create partnerships with First Nations/Métis agencies, community-based organizations, community schools, and employers to develop and deliver literacy and essential skills programs that will enable learners to work in local businesses throughout Saskatchewan.

The programs will provide adults the opportunity to develop skills needed to obtain entry-level or semi-skilled employment, the skills that people need to work, further learning, and life skills.  Workplace skills include reading, document use, numeracy, writing, oral communication, working with others, thinking, computer use, and continuous learning.  A primary outcome of the program, which must be completed by June 30, 2012, includes participants’ successful transition to employment.

In 2010-11, publicly funded post-secondary institutions delivered 19 similar ABE-ESWP pilot projects enrolling about 390 learners and providing 435 opportunities for enrollments.

ABE – ESWP projects will be delivered by post-secondary institutions in various locations throughout the Province.   For further information about these programs, please contact the Post-Secondary Institution directly.

For more information please contact:

Jeanne Shivak
Program Innovation Branch
12-1945 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK  S4P 2C8

Phone: (306) 787-2505
Email: abe@gov.sk.ca