Integrating Essential Skills into Training - National Adult Literacy ...

Integrating Essential Skills into Training Materials Report & Resource Guide WW
Presentation: Ready to Work North
Wenda Dahl
Ready to Work North is an outstanding program. It is described as “unlike any other job
skills course you will find today”. The course incorporates the teaching of attitudes into
the curriculum and references to the importance of attitude for finding and keeping work
are a constant in the program.
From the Student Workbook:
“Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours
a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and
control this great force.” Tom Blandi
“Without [a positive attitude] nothing else happens. It is important for all aspects of the
job. Attitude is all there is! This is the most important aspect of employees. This may be
the reason a person is hired and keeps a job.”
The workbook begins with positive attitude because it is the foundation for the
development of all other skills and attitudes needed for work. A positive attitude is a
state of mind. Individuals with positive attitudes approach activities and people with
expectations of positive outcomes. This optimism motivates them to work hard within
their families, schools, jobs, and communities. It also gives them a sense of purpose and
confidence. People with a positive attitude do not blame others for problems. They think
about a situation, determine what is within their control and authority, and then decide
what actions to take. People that have positive outlooks (and the accompanying
attributes of confidence, honesty, respect, and initiative) put effort into their work,
relationships, and other endeavours to encourage good outcomes for both themselves
and others.
Following a successful pilot in fall 2005, the program is available to be utilized by all
northern communities.