Finding Common Ground Through Workplace Education, Department of National Defence: Atlantic Region

This case study examines the Department of National Defence’s (DND’s) Workplace Education Program (WEP) in Atlantic Canada. The program was established nine years ago to address the changing job and skill requirements of DND employees as a result of rapid technological advancement and changes in organizational structure.

The WEP was developed by CFB Halifax’s Learning and Career Centre, in conjunction with Nova Scotia’s Department of Education, the Joint Career and Transition Centre and DND managers and employees. It addresses employees’ expressed needs for training in basic skills, personal development, academic upgrading and stress management techniques.

To date, the WEP has completed 12 successful programs in Halifax and Greenwood, NS. Participants have gained skills they needed to succeed in their jobs and refreshed skills that had been dormant for many years. Many WEP graduates have gone on to complete their General Education Diploma (GED) or enroll in college and university courses.