Many centres work with other agencies, such as the local NHS Trust, local firms and the LSCs to provide training for employees and to support employee development. Some courses were provided on site, some offsite. From these, new developments have arisen: Derbyshire is planning family literacy with local firms; while the Fords, Dagenham initiative, whereby fathers are encouraged to attend a family literacy class, is an example of work outside the usual 'workplace literacy' spectrum. ESOL work is another variant. Here are some examples of workplace literacy projects: 

1. Work with council employees 

The Adult Community College (Thurrock) worked with Thurrock Borough Council on a scheme aimed at developing the skills of the workforce and giving them the opportunity to reach their potential within the organisation. The project was modelled on their Springboard Programme and initially was aimed at dustmen, cleaners and Scale 1-3 clerics. The modular programme included literacy, numeracy and communication skills. 

2. Work with careworkers 

Aylesbury Adult Continuing Education Service provided basic skills at work classes in the form of: 'English and Maths for Work', in partnership with the Thames Valley Enterprise; and Careworkers Literacy' and 'Careworkers Note Taking', in partnership with Social Services. 

3. Work with computer companies 

The Royal Forest of Dean College work with employees and their families within Rank Xerox, arranging short courses and providing a centre on-site for basic skills communications. This is funded equally by Rank Xerox and the Royal Forest of Dean College.

4. Work with dyslexic employees

LEAP Adult Basic Education Service (Durham LEA) has established a partnership project with Glaxo Wellcome offering dyslexia assessment, and developing on-site education courses staffed by specialist teachers. One-day workshops for managers and 'enrolment days' for employees provide an effective method of developing dyslexia awareness and offer a platform to discuss general work-based literacy and numeracy problems on an informal basis. Since March 1997, a new 'Dyslexia in Industry' initiative has been established through the University of Sunderland to develop a multi-media package on dyslexia for dyslexic employees and their managers. This is an international initiative with partners in France, Norway and Ireland, funded partly with European 'Leonardo' funds. 

5. Courses for the unemployed 

Many centres work collaboratively with job centres to support those seeking work, for example, Whitby Adult Education Centre offers training to staff at the Network Organisation with whom the Centre co-operates. The aim is to raise the awareness of staff who work with unemployed and homeless people of the difficulties the groups experience in coming forward for help with basic skills. As a result of the training, two members of staff gained Initial Certificates in Teaching Basic Skills. Network has the contract for Whitby Job Club. The aim was for these trained staff to work alongside people who need help to find work. Network started them on a course of study which will be continued in the workplace when students find employment