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Boosting literacy and numeracy
22/06/2009
A new learning resource will help people training for vocational careers boost their literacy and numeracy skills.
The Work Skills Academy CD ROM has been developed by The Big Plus, the Scottish Government's adult literacy and numeracy awareness raising campaign. It has been specifically tailored to help those training to work in the construction, hairdressing, retail and care sectors.
The resource will give practical advice and assistance on areas such as spelling, formal and informal writing, punctuation, numeracy and listening skills.
Skills Minister Keith Brown, who launched the resource on a visit to Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy, said:
"Literacy and numeracy are key skills that employers look for, but at times students studying vocational training do not have the opportunity to focus on these skills.
"The Work Skills Academy CD ROM offers an excellent, easily accessible way for students to improve these skills, while gaining an understanding of the impact literacy and numeracy will have on their future careers.
"The Big Plus is playing a key role in tackling the stigma of reading and writing difficulties that exists in Scotland and this latest addition to the campaign will help event more adults across the country."
Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland, said:
"One in five adults in Scotland have difficult with reading, writing and numbers and need extra help to develop these key skills - skills which are vitally important to employers throughout the country.
That's why this CD ROM is such a valuable tool, it allows people to access the practical help they need to improve their literacy and numeracy skills while, at the same time, training for their future careers."
Dr Craig Thomson, Principal of Adam Smith College said:
"I am delighted to welcome Keith Brown to Adam Smith College to launch this fantastic new learning resource and to see our learners benefit from such an innovative and user friendly product.
"Collaboration has been key to the development of this new learning tool. Adam Smith, along with three other colleges - Carnegie, Stevenson and West Lothian - have all contributed their knowledge and expertise to the project.
"Colleges play a key role in developing learners at all levels and literacy and numeracy are the foundation on which skills for learning, life and work are built. This CD ROM provides an attractive and exciting method of developing these skills in a way which will be enjoyable for our learners."
The Scottish Government has funded the research and development of The Big Plus Work Skills Academy CD ROM. The resource will be distributed to all of the Get Ready for Work providers and the network of adult literacy and numeracy partnerships across the country. The first Skills Academy CD ROM, titled The Big Plus Football Academy, was published earlier this year and uses the theme of football to develop and reinforce literacy and numeracy skills.
The Big Plus is the Scottish Government awareness raising campaign which aims to encourage adults to improve their reading, writing and number skills.