The Parkland College was at the Yorkton Co-op with the Parkland Regional Library to celebrate the importance of essential skills recently.
Natasha Katchuk with the Parkland College says that the purpose of the day was to highlight the importance of essential skills in the workplace and at home.
Those essential skills are reading, document use, numeracy, writing, oral communication, working with others, thinking, computer use and continuous learning. Katchuk says that highlighting the importance of essential skills is key to a constantly changing job environment.
The day was hosted by the Co-op because of a partnership between the Parkland College and the Co-op have been partners in a mentorship program, which focuses on advancing employees within the company, something spurred by a changing job market.
"What employers are telling us is that it's harder to keep employees in the workplace. There is competition now so employees are moving on."
The opportunity this presents, she explains, is that employees can now advance within a company, as a mentor teaches them how to work in different parts of the workplace. By improving essential skills, employees have more opportunities within a company, and the company itself runs smoother due to the staff that is better equipped to handle different responsibilities.
The day itself featured a free barbecue as well as different activities to bring essential skills into focus.
"We are just highlighting essential skills for work and life."
