The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) has assumed management responsibility for Carl Didde WorkPLACE, the graphic communications industry-specific essential skills training program. WorkPLACE was transferred to the Foundation from the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) on October 1, 2000 in order to provide broader financial and staff support to expand the program. Carl Didde WorkPLACE (Work-related Print Learning and Career Enhancement) was developed in 1990 by the National Association for Printing Leadership in response to research findings that determined the need for basic skills training among industry employees and future employees. WorkPLACE offers essential skills training in the form of four fully developed and independent courses in On-The-Job Math, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, WorkPLACE Communications and Graphic Arts Process. The program is particularly effective because the curriculum is specific to the graphic communications/printing industry. Since WorkPLACE was introduced by NAPL in 1990, more than 14,000 employees and students have participated in training.