Improving Job Site Skills Project. Local 343 United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America & Construction Labour Relations Association of Manitoba. Carpenter Membership Survey Report.

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National Literacy Secretariat, Ottawa (Ontario).

Adult Basic Education; Basic Skills; Building Trades; Carpentry; Communication Skills; Educational Research; Foreign Countries; Job Skills; Literacy Education; Mathematics Skills; Needs Assessment; Reading Skills; Skill Analysis; Surveys; Workplace Literacy

A survey of Local 343-United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America and the Manitoba Construction Labour Relations Association, Manitoba, determined the critical, essential, and important workplace skills of carpenters. A survey instrument was developed and mailed to 438 active members of Local 343; 110 surveys were completed and returned. Data were analyzed to determine the critical, essential, and important workplace literacy skills of carpenters based on the percentage and frequency of use. These results were then examined to make recommendations as to where the skill should be included in preparatory training for carpenters. Findings were as follows: members had a strong interest in taking workplace literacy courses relevant to the trade; alternative methods of course delivery needed to be explored to meet the needs of carpenters outside of Winnipeg; reading, computation, and communication skills were necessary trade skills; demands placed on carpenters' workplace literacy skills increased as the level of responsibility increased; workplace literacy skills used by a significant number of individuals on an infrequent basis should not be overlooked; some workplace literacy skills were used primarily by a particular category of carpenter; and common trade literacy skills needed to be included in the preparatory training of carpenters. (Appendixes include the survey, cover letter, and use and frequency use tables for reading, mathematics, and communication.) (YLB)

1995

ED380688