LNO Highlights Skills for Success

Ontario – September 18, 2025 – As Skills for Success Day is observed across the country, Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) emphasizes the critical importance of investing in Ontario’s Skills for Success for the province’s workforce and adult learners. These nine foundational and transferable skills – Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Digital, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Creativity & Innovation – are vital for individuals to succeed in learning, work, and life, and for Ontario to secure its economic prosperity.

A comprehensive report underscores that even a modest 1% increase in adult literacy skills could generate a remarkable $25-$30 billion in additional GDP annually for Ontario. This provincial improvement could also lead to a 2.5% increase in productivity across the provincial economy. For individual Ontarians, this translates to an additional $1,800 income per capita annually from improved literacy levels. The significant return on investment in essential skills training, such as the $26.34 return for every dollar invested in training for apprentices, further highlights the economic imperative.

Despite these clear benefits, recent Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) results reveal that Ontario ranked 4th among Canadian provinces but scored below the national average in literacy (269 vs 271), a decline from its previous 3rd place ranking in 2013. Alarmingly, 19% of Canadian adults function at Level 1 or below literacy, indicating significant challenges with basic literacy tasks. These statistics underscore the urgent need to expand and enhance adult literacy programs across the province.

“Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program is on the front lines of addressing this critical skills gap,” says Summer Burton, Chair of the Learning Networks of Ontario. “From 2022 to 2024, the LBS program, serving adults across Ontario through approximately 185 service providers, successfully undertook projects supporting the Skills for Success framework, including initiatives for underrepresented groups, apprenticeship integration, workplace literacy, and expanding digital delivery. These programs are designed to help Ontarians develop confidence, discover new career possibilities and work towards successfully realizing their employment goals.”

Investing in Skills for Success for Ontarians means:

• For Individuals: Enhanced employability, higher earning potential, greater job security, and increased confidence in workplace and life situations. Individuals with strong writing skills are 2.5 times more likely to be promoted to supervisory roles, and strong communicators are 5 times more likely to be promoted to leadership roles.
• For Employers: Reduced supervision, improved productivity and efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and better safety records. Employers offering workplace literacy training report increased revenue (over $2,000 gains) and productivity savings ($1,900) per employee.
• For Society: Reduced social service, healthcare, and justice system costs, higher civic engagement, and intergenerational benefits as parents with stronger skills support their children’s education.

“The evidence is clear: supporting adult literacy and Skills for Success development is not just beneficial; it is essential for Ontario’s continued prosperity and success,” adds Burton. “Learning Networks of Ontario, in collaboration with our partners, is committed to expanding access to high-quality Skills for Success training and learning opportunities across the province. On Skills for Success Day, we call upon all stakeholders – government, employers, and community organizations – to strengthen their commitment to adult literacy programs that build a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient Ontario for all.”

Ontarians can access a variety of free assessment and training tools through the LBS program and online resources from the Government of Canada.

About Learning Networks of Ontario: Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) is a provincial network dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and advocating for adult literacy and basic skills programs in Ontario. LNO works with its members and partners to ensure that all adult learners in Ontario have access to the quality literacy and basic skills training they need to achieve their learning, work, and life goals.

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