The Interplay Between Formal and Informal Learning for Low Skilled Worker

Because of increased competition, diminishing fish stocks, and a rising Canadian dollar, many fish plants in Atlantic Canada have had to down-size or even close completely in recent years, laying-off hundreds of workers.

This case study looks at the workplace learning programs available at Palliser Furniture Ltd, the largest furniture manufacturer in Canada, with over 1200 workers worldwide. For this study, the author focuses on programs the company offers in basic computer skills, manufacturing and leadership, and high school upgrading in English and math.

This case study focuses on employees of the Dofasco steel plant located in Hamilton, Ontario. Dofasco has created and fostered a learning culture by providing some of the most progressive training programs in the industry, such as the Dofasco Essential Skills Program, which offers learning opportunities for employees in the areas of reading, writing, computers, and other essential skills.

This case study involves nine employees at a High Liner Foods frozen seafood processing plant in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, who participated in an advanced communication program offered at the workplace. The data for this study comes from these workers as well as adult education instructors who shared their thoughts, experiences and observations about learning.

This case study examines the connection between formal and informal job-related learning through the experiences of workers in a manufacturing setting. It intends to demonstrate how learning transfer for both formal and informal learning contributes to continuous improvement in an organization. This study took place in Nova Scotia at Elmsdale Lumber Co. Ltd.

A warehouse located in Edmonton, Alberta and belonging to Uni-Select, a leading distributor of auto parts in North America, is the site of the workplace program for this research project. Uni-Select offered an essential skills training program to several company employees after determining that these employees would benefit from upgrading their skills before using a new warehouse management system.

In 2003, workers at the Winnipeg plant of Boeing Canada Technology asked for the opportunity to earn their high school diploma through courses offered in the workplace. Subsequently, the Boeing Mature Student Diploma program was developed. In this case study, the author explores the learning journey of workers participating in this program.