Quality ABET improves business performance in many ways and these benefits can be measured in the boardroom. They include an improvement in the quality of work produced; savings in rework and a reduction in waste; and better stock management. Quality adult literacy training and numeracy also leads to a notable decline in absenteeism and reporting of “near-misses” and accidents.
Invest in ABET
These are among some of the reasons that enterprising companies continue to invest in ABET. Those that take adult literacy training and adult numeracy training seriously outsource these requirements to accredited ABET providers. This is because they are specialists in the field and, therefore, able to ensure a high pass rate. Moreover, reputable training providers will have a solid track record working across industries that use low skilled employees. These companies, therefore, have an intricate understanding of how English literacy and numeracy skills are deployed in various processes. This enables them to adapt ABET to suit their clients’ unique workplace literacy requirements. For example, contractors may want to include specific jargon that is used in the construction sector in their adult literacy training curricula.
Examples of actual work processes can also be incorporated in adult numeracy training. This is especially relevant for industries that rely heavily on accurate calculations and measurements. However, literacy and numeracy requirements do not only differ from one industry to the next. Companies within the same industries or sectors have their own procedures and particular nuances that also need to be considered. For example, some companies may want to include their own slogans and specific jargon in the learning material. In this way, these specialists are able to provide an even more relevant ABET experience to company employees.
This further motivates your employees to want to succeed in acquiring fundamental skills. In fact, a reputable training provider will always explain the relevance of training to employees before they start the ABET programme. This process is known as an awareness campaign. It is an important means of motivating your employees to want to succeed right from the outset.
ABET training providers
ABET training providers are accredited by the Council of Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training. Learn more about Umalusi at https://www.umalusi.org.za/. Accreditation by Umalasi means that your adult literacy training and adult numeracy training provider complies with strict criteria. This is in line with the ABET Act 52 of 2000. Refer to this act at https://www.saqa.org.za/sites/default/files/2019-11/act52.pdf.
Your accredited training provider will, therefore, be able to deliver a high impact adult literacy training and adult numeracy training solution to suit your unique needs.
ABET strengthens weak links
ABET strengthens weak links in your organisation. Low skilled employees perform general but important work in the construction, mining and quarrying, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. They are also employed to work in some service-orientated industries. As essential members of your team, they need to be able to perform at their peak. They can only do this if they also have workplace literacy skills.
It is important to note that there is a significant difference between basic illiteracy and workplace illiteracy. Employees who lack basic literacy skills cannot read or write at all. Meanwhile, employees who are functionally illiterate can read and write, as well as do basic maths but are unable to apply these skills in the workplace.
Refer to https://gaml.uis.unesco.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/08/gaml4-functional-literacy-numeracy.pdf for more information on functional literacy. Functional literacy is another term that is used for workplace literacy. Functional literacy is equivalent to eight years of formal schooling. The next level of literacy is known as “academic literacy”, which is equivalent to 10 years of formal schooling. Employees who have completed adult literacy training and adult numeracy training are ready to progress to this next learning phase. Notably, many of them do.
An ABET specialist will be able to assess the literacy and numeracy skills levels of your employees. This will determine at which level they will start their adult literacy training and adult numeracy training.
ABET imparts six core skills
ABET imparts six core skills that your employees need to perform their jobs well. They include the ability to read, write, speak and listen actively, as well as do basic calculations. By integrating literacy and numeracy, your employees are able to think logically and critically. This enables them to solve problems and make sound decisions when completing their daily tasks.
When they have progressed through all four adult literacy training and adult numeracy training levels, they have skills at a National Qualifications Framework Level 1.
They can, thus, initiate and take part in an ordinary social conversation. Your employees can also ask and answer typical questions and receive and provide simple direction in the workplace. Moreover, they will be able to interact with descriptive or narrative writings. These include routine reports and simple biographic information. They will also be able to formulate business letters for general readers. Importantly, they can discuss professional matters, although not always accurately and fluently. This is adequate to perform entry level and general tasks at a satisfactory level.
Employees who have completed all four levels of adult numeracy training will be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide. They will also be able to work with percentages, fractions and decimals, as well as read and understand charts and graphs. Moreover, they will be able to solve for an unknown variable. These are the absolute basic maths skills that your employees need to function effectively in the workplace.
ABET boosts productivity and efficiency
One way in which ABET boosts productivity and efficiency is by breaking down communication barriers between employees and their supervisors or managers. When employees understand clear and comprehensive instructions from their higher-ups, they can perform their jobs quicker and more accurately. There are no misunderstandings about deadlines; important last-minute changes to workflow; and the types of materials that need to be used for a specific job, for example.
Certainly, it is also important that co-workers are able to communicate effectively with one another when working on projects. Effective communication between staff also develops trust; builds camaraderie; boosts morale; and helps employees to stay engaged. These also lead to notable productivity and efficiency gains.
Employees who have completed adult literacy training and adult numeracy training are also able to work independently. They do not have to rely extensively on other team members or their supervisors to perform basic functions. These include, among others, communicating; completing paperwork; and doing simple calculations.
ABET also contributes to an improved workplace culture. This is because your employees understand your policies and procedures. They also recognise and relate to the company’s ethos, vision and mission statement. This is knowledge that they are also able to efficiently transfer to new employees to help to develop cohesion because they are good communicators and team players.
ABET helps to ensure compliance
Notably, ABET also helps you to ensure compliance with important legislation, such as the https://www.gov.za/documents/occupational-health-and-safety-act and https://www.gov.za/documents/mine-health-and-safety-act.
Accidents occur when there is a lack of knowledge of health and safety protocol or a sound understanding as to why it is important to comply with these procedures. Employees who are illiterate or innumerate will not be able to follow safety signals, labels or instructions. They may also not be able to correctly interpret health and safety-related lists, tables, graphs and drawings. The biggest mistake a supervisor can make is to assume that all employees are also able to read at their level.
Companies report that they also have a happier workforce due to their adult literacy and numeracy training interventions. This does not only improve productivity. It is also easier to promote from within and, therefore, avoid disrupting production and high costs associated with continual churn.
ABET is worth the investment
Many companies know that ABET is worth the investment. Employees learn important fundamental skills from participating in adult literacy training and adult numeracy training. They then apply this knowledge in the workplace on a daily basis to help you achieve measurable goals.
Quality ABET is on offer from Triple E Training. The company is the country’s foremost provider of adult literacy training and adult numeracy training to industry.
Over the years, we have helped many employees to complete ABET to acquire fundamental literacy and numeracy skills. Importantly, these are skills that they also use in all facets of life outside of the workplace. Furthermore, they take these skills back to their families and communities and use them to contribute positively to society.
Learn more about Triple E Training and how we are helping industry to boost productivity, efficiency, accuracy and safety in the workplace. www.eee.co.za
