Contextualizing Learning: Insights from The Prince George Hotel

This case study examines the Workplace Education initiative at The Prince George Hotel, a medium-sized luxury hotel in Halifax with 140 staff. The hotel has partnered with the Nova Scotia Department of Education to provide contextualized learning programs to employees in the workplace, based on needs identified in an organizational needs assessment.

The Prince George has a policy of hiring immigrants; as a result, training in English as a Second Language was identified early on as a key area for improving workplace skills and boosting business performance. Courses are also provided in academic upgrading, business writing and communication.

Courses delivered at the workplace provide a more flexible learning arrangement for The Prince George’s employees. The strength of the training is that it capitalizes on learning opportunities in the workplace. This contextual learning provides relevant, hands-on training for employees, who can apply their newly-developed skills immediately in their workplace.