Cultivating a learning culture at macadamia supplier’s plant
Triple E Training has an impressive track record ensuring that all employees who participate in our adult education and training (AET) complete this important leg of their lifelong learning journey to attain a General Education and Training Certificate in AET (GETC: AET). Well aware that we have already helped many agricultural workers to reach Level 1 on the National Qualifications Framework, a leading macadamia nuts supplier approached Triple E Training to also develop quality, bespoke AET for its many low- and unskilled employees.
Like so many other agricultural and agri-processing companies, this Tzaneen-based producer is increasingly relying on skilled workers who have an ability to operate sophisticated machinery. A case in point is the advanced colour sorting machines that it uses to categorise the quality of the many macadamia nuts sourced from over 40 growers throughout Limpopo. To keep pace with high local and international demand for quality products, the company will have to eventually automate the few manual sorting lines that still remain in its state-of-the-art plant. Even so, sorting by hand also requires a high level of accuracy by staff who are dedicated and take pride in delivering products that meet customers’ expectations. The nuts are then packed in cartons, each vacuum sealed in foil bags, before being palletised and stored at appropriate temperatures for shipment. These functions also require an ability to read, write and do basic calculations.
A challenge for the company; however, has been engaging employees in quality adult literacy and numeracy training so that they can develop their skills to fast-track the change to automation. Previously, when approached by their managers about potentially participating in AET, employees showed very little interest to do so. Those who did realise the value of competing AET, lacked the confidence to commit to learning. It was, therefore, time to appoint an expert to help.
Adult education – a tough nut to crack
Indeed, those individuals who need it the most are less likely to want to participate in AET. Even financial incentives to motivate adults to engage in basic skills learning yields mixed results. It may further encourage the few adults who are already interested in learning. However, this approach does not change the mindset of those employees who are not motivated by financial incentives or requirement. These individuals have become complacent doing low-wage work with very little responsibility.
Bear in mind that so many functionally illiterate adults have negative perceptions of education because they struggled at school. Others are embarrassed to admit their shortcomings. Many are also already overwhelmed by work and family pressures and, therefore, do not believe that they will have time to learn. As we get older, we also lose the ability to retain new information. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to study, especially complex subjects such as literacy and numeracy.
100% participation and progression
Our approach ensured that all our client’s employees who were selected to participate in AET as part of the first group of learners attended every class and passed their respective levels.
Before we started training, we held a compulsory awareness session for employees. In this meeting, Triple E Training explained the importance and relevance of AET to the candidates. They were motivated by the fact that the skills that they were going to learn would also help them in all aspects of life, in addition to better preparing them for the future workplace.
During this session, they were also reassured that they would receive continued support from their professional training facilitator who is skilled and experienced in teaching adults. Moreover, we reiterated that their employers were invested in their success, allaying any fears of repercussions for struggling and asking for help when necessary.
Again, we also facilitated training with our own course content, which has been designed specifically for teaching adults. It was also adapted to suit this specific workplace, ensuring that the training was always relevant.
Furthermore, robust processes were put in place to ensure that learners do not fall behind. If they do, timely action is taken to get them back on track.
Learn more about Triple E Training and how we set the benchmark in adult education. www.eee.co.za