Awards for Excellence in Workplace Literacy, Large Business Winner, 2005: Diavik’s Workplace Learning Centre: A Literacy Gem That Is Creating Opportunities and Enhancing Workers’ Lives

This case study examines the Workplace Learning Centre (WLC) programs of Diavik Diamond Mines, located on a remote island in the Northwest Territories. Many of Diavik’s 700 employees have minimal literacy and numeracy skills, and the company has therefore implemented a number of skills and competency development programs to ensure that it has a highly productive, knowledgeable, skilled and safety-conscious workforce.

The WLC programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of individual learners while always keeping in mind the company’s objectives of acquiring essential job skills and achieving workplace safety and productivity goals. The programs include one-on-one, group and facilitated learning models.

To date, the Centre has been used by hundreds of workers and has helped develop basic literacy skills which have, in turn, led to a safer and more productive workplace. These skills have also helped workers enjoy a more productive life outside of the work environment.