This "Pan-Canadian Snapshot" explores the competencies needed to work with adults participating in Literacy and/or Essential Skills (L/ES) programs in Canada. The purpose of the "Snapshot" is to: (1) lay a foundation from which to explore the topic of professionalism; (2) identify the types of supports that the L/ES workforce needs in order to meet the changing needs of adult learners in L/ES programs; (3) support the development of a well-trained and competent L/ES workforce; and (4) enhance the perception and understanding of the important role of the L/ES workforce. The "Snapshot" begins with a literature review and by identifying the areas of core competencies defined in a selection of documents about initial training and professional development opportunities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, USA, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Further, it identifies the need in workplace programs to focus on completion of organizational needs assessments, job task analysis and a skills analysis of the participants who are going to participate in workplace education. Lastly, through key informant interviews, consideration is given to the competencies identified by both community-based and workplace educators in order to identify the similarities and differences.