Queensland’s Toowoomba City Council has gained funding for a further year of the Commonwealth’s Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) program. Normally the program runs for three years but Toowoomba was granted a further year because of its leading role in training initiatives.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Taylor said last year’s win at the regional final of the Queensland Training Awards as large employer of the year, and becoming a Registered Training Organisation were influential factors.
He said the program provides an opportunity for staff with limited formal education or previous learning difficulties to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills and gain nationally recognised accreditation.
“This program has long term benefits for participants and also Council,” he said.
“Basic literacy skills are absolutely essential for understanding procedures and guidelines in the workplace, particularly those relating to personal and public workplace health and safety.”
Literacy trainer, Gail Macklin, said 1997 statistics revealed approximately 2.6 million Australians lack basic literacy skills while a further 3.6 million having some difficulties.
“Many of that number have degrees and are quite technically competent at their jobs,” she said.
“However, they cannot read notices, signs and other important information, relying on fellow staff and creative coping mechanisms to get by.
“By improving literacy skills time spent by supervisors assisting and correcting documents such as time sheets is greatly reduced.
“Perhaps more importantly, having gained literacy skills, workers have the confidence and ability to participate in team meetings and apply for promotions where their other skills can be best used.”
She said the fourth year of funding will lead to the development of a Resource Package for Workplace Health and Safety Training for Local Government across Queensland.
For further information contact Public Relations Officer, Carolyn Wilson, telephone (07) 4688 6630.
