Leading cables distributor harnesses true power of AET
We were approached by a Gauteng-based cable distributor, one of the largest such companies in the country, to raise the foundational skills of its employees. This is the first step towards promoting team members into new positions when they become available or deploying them to other workstations as the need arises. Equipped with basic education skills employees, staff members will be able to cope with in-house training programmes, as well as formal occupational and vocational training on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Even with basic education skills only at a NQF Level 1, employees will be able to add even more value.
Developing a confident and capable workforce
At present, the company’s employees are reluctant to accept new tasks even though they offer immense growth and development opportunities. We have encountered this problem time and time again at companies that employ low- or unskilled workers. This is because employees with poor language, literacy and communication skills lack confidence. As such, they seldom participate in meetings; shy away from giving presentations; and ask their managers for assistance when they are uncertain about instructions. They feel especially vulnerable if asked to perform a new task that presents unfamiliar challenges. Bear in mind that functionally illiterate employees find ways of masking their limitations. They painstakingly memorise processes which they have to regularly reference in work manuals. In addition, they will find excuses not to read important documentation at the workplace so that they can take it home with them where literate family members or friends can read it to them. This lack of confidence and fear of being exposed are obstacles for companies that need to improve efficiencies by multi-, cross- and upskilling employees.
Addressing the root cause of costly errors
Even so, English literacy skills gaps in the company are also the cause of misunderstandings. These result in errors and, consequently, waste and lost production time, while also placing additional strain on line managers who have to “micro manage” even the simplest task. This is valuable time and resources that could be better deployed in other areas of the business.
Engaging the country’s foremost AET provider
Notably, this is the very first time that the company is dealing with Triple E Training. The cable distributor learnt about us while researching potential training service providers. It was very impressed with our track record of delivering quality adult education and training (AET) specifically to industry. The company has made it very clear that it does not want generic AET, insisting on a training solution that specifically addresses its unique workplace literacy requirements. Furthermore, the cable distributor needs a flexible training provider that is able to adapt to its very demanding production schedule.
Tight factory deadlines have always been a concern for the company when considering enrolling its employees on AET programmes. Therefore, it has delayed this crucial intervention until now. Our client was also impressed that we facilitate training at the workplace, again providing cost and time savings. We reaffirmed our processes in a meeting with the company’s human resources team and a subsequent on-boarding session with top-level management.
The company is, therefore, looking forward to welcoming us on site in October 2024 when we will assess employees’ literacy skills. This will enable us to determine the extent of literacy skills gaps in the company and the most practical way of addressing them.
Learn more about Triple E Training. www.eee.co.za