Workplace Essential Skills (WES)

Workplace Essential Skills (WES) training aims to support adults who need essential skills in their workplace. It is also available to employers experiencing skilled labour shortages and lack of recruitment support. Training is offered free of charge for adult residents of New Brunswick. 
 
Learning activities focus on the specific tasks associated with either an individual’s current job or desired occupation. Training is customized to specific needs in the work environment.

In the workplace

The Department of Post-secondary Education, Training and Labour provides an initial Training Needs Assessment to identify essential skills required in the specific workplace. Based on the results, training is customized and can be delivered on site. Training concludes with a final evaluation and recommendations for future learning opportunities within the business.

The essential skills of the participants are assessed before training, according to the Workplace Essential Skills Guidelines.

The Skills for Success model includes:

• reading 
• writing
• numeracy
• communication
• collaboration
• problem solving
• digital skills
• adaptability
• creativity and innovation

Apprentices

The training can be designed to support apprentices who have experienced difficulties taking certification exams. Training is adapted to help apprentices prepare for tests such as the Essential Skills Assessment, Block tests or Red Seal Certification exams. 

Apprentices who require additional help to succeed on certification exams may access training through their regional apprenticeship officer or their employer.

In the community

The training is based on occupational goals that eligible individuals identify with their case manager. It includes the opportunity to apply skills learned through work placement. The training ends with a final evaluation of the results and recommendations for future learning opportunities.