Learning Organizations Need Knowledge Workers: Laying the Foundation Through Effective Basic Skills Training (added September 25, 2002)
Dr. Patrick J. O'Connor, Kent State University, Associate Professor
Ms. Carole Richards, President and CEO, North coast Educational Services
Mr. Robert P. Meyer, President, Work in Northeast Ohio Council

Abstract
The Work in Northeast Ohio Council partnered with North Coast Educational Services to pilot a basic skills training project to determine the impact the training would have on the employees and the organization. Nine companies in Northeast Ohio participated in the project. The impact was evaluated by employee self-assessments; supervisor assessments; trainer feedback; and monitoring of effectiveness factors such as scrap rates, employee attendance, profit, accident rates, and worker's compensation claims. The primary finding was the training had a positive impact on employees both at work and at home. Also, the organizations were affected positively by the training. Mainly, the employee and organizational capacity to grow, change, and compete were enhanced. The project also provided insight to implementing basic skills training programs that other organizations could follow.