Service-Sector Workers & the Need for Adult Education: Findings from PIAAC and the Implications for Educators

Abstract: Approximately one-third of the U.S. workforce works in service-sector industries such as restaurants and hotels, and the number of employees in these industries is on the rise. In this session, presenters will share results from an analysis of the most recent PIAAC data (2012/14), examining and comparing demographic profiles and characteristics of service-sector workers by their literacy skill levels. In addition, participants will learn how to best support service-sector workers in their upskilling efforts and hear examples of such support from a leading policy expert of adult education and upskilling. Lastly, participants will engage in a group discussion about how these research findings can help adult learners.