ABET Level 4 English literacy and numeracy skills are at a NQF Level 1. Therefore, the skills levels of employees who have completed ABET Level 4 are the same as those taught in Grade 9. This means that they have the absolute basic skills that they need to function at their best in the workplace.
For more information on the various levels of ABET and NQF, refer to National Qualifications Framework – ABET Levels and the National Senior Certificate. Our placement assessment will determine exactly where your employees need to start working towards attaining this important NQF Level 1 qualification.
Starting at NQF Level 1
Starting at NQF Level 1, our ABET Level 4 lays a solid foundation upon which your employees can continue learning. This is because employees who have completed ABET Level 4 possess sound basic English literacy and maths skills. After completing ABET Level 4, many of our learners have gone on to study for their Matric. A Grade 10 certificate or “National Senior Certificate” is at NQF Level 2. Meanwhile, other learners have enrolled at Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges. Here, they are able to complete NC(V) programmes. Once they have completed the three years of learning, they will have progressed from NQF Level 1 to NQF Level 4. However, some employees may have to first complete FLC before enrolling for these programmes. FLC refines their English literacy and numeracy skills so that they can cope with the course content. FLC is, therefore. the logical step after ABET Level 4 for many employees.
For some individuals who participate in community training, this NQF Level 1 qualification is sufficient to secure an entry-level job. Their English literacy and numeracy skills can be developed over time.
ABET Level 4 English
ABET Level 4 English focuses on developing your employees’ ability to communicate in English. This NQF Level 1 training encompasses verbal and written communication. Employees are also taught how to be active listeners and to use a range of learning strategies.
It is important that your employees are able to communicate in English because it is the official language of learning and business. Many managers incorrectly assume that all their employees are able to communicate effectively in English. Bear in mind that English is not the first language for the vast majority of South African citizens. Our placement assessments have shown that even employees who hold a National Senior Certificate may require ABET intervention. This is because their English literacy skills are not actually at a NQF Level 2. The dilemma can be attributed to a weakening public school system. It is failing to equip young South Africans with the English reading and writing skills that are required by business.
ABET Level 4 numeracy
ABET Level 4 numeracy develops logical and critical thinkers who are able to solve problems on their own. This NQF Level 1 qualification focuses on imparting basic maths, in addition to mathematical sciences and literacy skills. Employees who have completed the numeracy component of ABET Level 4 can, thus, explain and use mathematical strategies, techniques and patterns. They will also be able to describe, select and use numbers, data and objects that they encounter in everyday life situations. Employers also use this NQF Level 1 training to bridge the divide between the numeracy skills taught at schools and those required in the workplace. It is well known that South Africa is underperforming in maths. Timss-sa.org provides more information on this topic. It further motivates the need for ABET Level 4.
For more information on ABET Level 4 and the NQF Level 1 skills that it imparts, refer to General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training.
ABET and life skills
ABET Level 4 also imparts other life skills. For example, during their ABET Level 4 training, employees will be exposed to the Labour Act, Bill of Rights, the South African Constitution and National Curriculum Statements. They will also be taught how to investigate the process of making informed choices. This is so that they are able to improve their health and well-being and that of their families. The ultimate aim of this NQF Level 1 training is to develop well-rounded individuals. They will, therefore, also be able to make a positive contribution to their communities and South African society. Certainly, these are also traits that employers value in the workplace.
NQF Level 1 qualification
With a NQF 1 qualification, your employees have important “soft skills”. Human resources departments are increasingly focusing on these proficiencies. This is considering the role that they play in developing strong and cohesive teams. It is not only white-collar workers and management who are expected to possess soft skills, but also your low skilled employees. This is one of the reasons so many companies want their low skilled employees to complete ABET Level 4.
For example, they need to be able to approach problems creatively and propose solutions. Numeracy skills facilitate this process. During their ABET Level 4 training, learners develop their ability to understand and explain processes used to arrive at solutions. This is opposed to memorising and applying a set of procedures – as is the case with most other subjects.
Meanwhile, they use their English literacy skills to effectively communicate and motivate ideas and solutions to colleagues and higher-ups. They also use their English literacy and numeracy skills to collaborate. Moreover, English literacy and numeracy skills help to develop emotional intelligence. This is your employees’ ability to perceive, evaluate and respond to their own emotions and those of co-workers. It underscores how we interact with our colleagues and higher-ups. This “soft skill” is especially important for high-performance teams.
NQF Level 1 skills
This NQF Level 1 qualification also hones adaptability skills. Equipped with basic English literacy and numeracy skills, your employees will be able to handle change in a positive way. They can maintain a positive attitude and open-minded professionalism during stressful situations. The ability to adapt was an especially important trait during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies had to make significant adjustments to adjust to a very uncertain environment. Many employees were retrenched as companies downsized creating stress. Employees also had to quickly learn new ways of working to avoid interrupting workflows. Many had to work remotely and in isolation with limited contact with their managers and supervisors. This also often entailed having to quickly familiarise oneself with new operating systems and procedures. Furthermore, they would change regularly as companies gradually adapted to a “new normal”.
Accredited ABET Level 4 provider
Triple E Training is a leading accredited provider of ABET. This training is geared specifically at equipping your employees with workplace literacy skills. Employees who have completed ABET Level 4 are functionally literate. They are, therefore, able to apply their NQF Level 1 English literacy and numeracy skills in all facets of life. This includes in the workplace. Learn more about Triple E Training and our quality English literacy and numeracy training solutions for your low skilled employees. www.eee.co.za.
