Employees who hold an ABET Level 4 certificate are functionally literate. They are, thus, able to apply their English literacy and basic maths skills in all facets of life. This includes in the workplace where they use their English literacy and basic maths skills to perform at their best. Thus, functional literacy is often used interchangeably with workplace literacy by employers, human resources managers and directors, as well as ABET training providers. ABET Level 4 is the last step your employees take towards acquiring basic skills that are at a National Qualifications Framework Level 1. NQF Level 1 is equivalent to a Grade 9 school education.
For more information on the various NQF levels, refer to this schematic National Qualifications Framework.
It also helps to clarify the difference between ABET Level 4 and a National Senior Certificate. There is often confusion between the two.
Steps to ABET Level 4
There are steps that lead to ABET Level 4. However, some employees may be able to start learning English literacy and basic maths at this level. This decision is based on your employees’ previous educational experience and existing English literacy and basic maths knowledge. This can only be ascertained by a placement assessment. A placement assessment is undertaken by a professional adult literacy and numeracy training provider at your premises and at a time that suits your production schedule. Some employees may have to start their learning journey at pre-ABET to better prepare them for adult literacy and numeracy training. Other individuals may be able to start at ABET Level 1 or subsequent phases of adult literacy and numeracy training. By placing your employees at the correct ABET level, you know that they will be able to cope with the course content.
They will, therefore, be able to acquire English literacy and basic maths skills within a reasonable timeframe. You are also reassured that your employees are not stagnating or even regressing during their ABET. This means that the time and money that you have invested into adult literacy and numeracy training will yield a return. You are not training just for the sake of it. https://regqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=71751 provides a comprehensive overview of ABET Level 4, a SAQA-registered qualification. It also covers the purpose and rationale of ABET. ABET has been prioritised by government to help address high illiteracy in the country. Through workplace ABET, the private sector is helping government to address this huge challenge. It is impossible for government to shoulder this responsibility on its own through its ABET programmes.
Umalusi, which is the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, oversees the accreditation of private providers of ABET. For further information on Umalusi, refer to https://www.umalusi.org.za/.
ABET Level 4 English literacy
Employees who have ABET Level 4 English literacy skills are able to read, write, speak and listen effectively. All jobs – no matter how rudimentary and mundane – require these skills. Your employees need to understand workplace rules and procedures; how to complete forms and timesheets; and write emails or reports. They also need to be able to follow clear and concise instructions from their managers or supervisors. Moreover, employees need to be able to engage meaningfully with other team members. They must also be able to read notices, instructions, timetables or job sheets.
Functional illiteracy in the workplace can lead to a loss in productivity and profits. This is because employees who are functionally illiterate tend to make mistakes that result in bottlenecks and a waste of materials. They also tend to be accident prone. This is because they do not understand your health and safety protocol and the importance of following it. These are usually obvious signs that there are serious literacy and basic maths skills gaps in your organisation. Adult Basic Education and Training from a reputable training provider will help to address this problem.
ABET Level 4 maths
Adult Basic Education and Training Level 4 maths equips your employees with basic numeracy skills. Most jobs require at least rudimentary numeracy knowledge. For example, your employees may need to count and record stock and work on a computer. They also use their basic maths skills to undertake various measurements using different types of tools and instruments. These activities need to be undertaken precisely. This is because mistakes can result in lost time and waste. In severe situations, faults can also lead to accidents.
Importantly, your employees also use their basic maths skills to solve problems; analyse and understand numerical information; and make informed choices. Equipped with basic maths skills, your employees are critical and logical thinkers. This means that they can also work independently without requiring extensive supervision. Moreover, they can function effectively as part of high-performance teams.
ABET Level 4 skills
ABET Level 4 English literacy and maths skills are sufficient to perform certain jobs. Individuals who possess these skills will be able to do general work on construction sites, mines, quarries and farms. They are also effective factory, warehouse and retail workers, as well as stewards, sterilisation production operators and general grounds and gardening foremen. There are many more jobs that individuals who hold an ABET Level 4 certificate will be able to perform effectively. However, the ultimate objective of a successful ABET programme is to prepare employees for a lifelong learning journey. This is so that they can constantly improve their circumstances inside and outside the workplace. They also take these skills back to their families, communities and society at large.
Equipped with foundational English literacy and maths skills, your employees are in a position to continuously hone and enhance their proficiencies. Many employees who hold an ABET Level 4 certificate want to complete matric. A National Senior certificate equips your employees with skills at a National Qualifications Framework Level 4. This qualification, therefore, provides immense opportunity for your employees to further grow and develop their careers and as individuals.
Some employees enrol for industry-specific National Certificate (Vocational) courses after they have completed ABET Level 4. These also lead to skills at a National Qualifications Framework Level 4 via three stages. Another logical step after ABET Level 4 is to complete foundational learning competence training. FLC prepares employees for vocational training at a National Qualifications Framework level 2 through to 4. This is by further honing their English literacy and basic maths skills.
Employees complete ABET Level 4
Triple E Training has helped many low skilled employees to complete ABET Level 4. This is through quality adult literacy and numeracy training that has kept pace with the skills demands of modern industry.
Learn more about Triple E Training and our quality ABET that leads to workplace literacy. www.eee.co.za.
