There are four English levels that your low skilled employees need to master as part of ABET. Employees who have completed these English levels will have sound workplace literacy skills. They will be able to communicate effectively in the written and spoken word. Moreover, they are able to read and are active listeners. Triple E Training is a leading provider of adult literacy training for low skilled employees working in many different industries. Our adult literacy training has significantly improved their performance in the workplace. Moreover, our clients report better morale, workplace relations and lower staff turnover as a result of their ongoing investment in quality ABET. For more information on this General Education and Training Certificate, refer to https://regqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=71751. Triple E Training’s adult literacy training and adult numeracy training is accredited by Umalusi.
Umalusi is the Council of Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training. Learn more about Umalusi and the role that it plays in ensuring that companies always provide ABET of the highest possible quality. https://www.umalusi.org.za/
English levels and business language
Employees who have mastered all four English levels can communicate efficiently in the formal business language. This includes an ability to read English text. Employees who have completed our adult literacy training can, therefore, follow clear instructions that have been communicated to them in writing by their supervisors and managers. Writing remains the best way of formalising important communication and ensuring traceability in a business. It is also the most efficient way of communicating in the workplace. This is because an important message can be relayed to a large group of people very quickly and with little effort. An ability to read these messages for meaning reduces errors that lead to costly downtime and waste.
In severe circumstances, misunderstandings between supervisors and low skilled employees can even cost you sales. Employees who can read English text can also understand your standard operating protocol. Moreover, they will be able to read your safety, as well as safety, health, environment and quality policies. When your employees have signed this documentation, you know for certain that they understand the importance of the contents and the need to ensure compliance all the time. There is no ambiguity that could cost your business significantly.
Completing ABET English levels
Employees who are completing various ABET English levels will gain the confidence that they need to communicate verbally in front of others. Illiterate and semi-illiterate employees will not have the confidence to speak up in the workplace. They will, therefore, try an avoid any situation that may expose their inability to communicate and read. This also results in high absenteeism especially on days when they are expected to attend meetings. Equipped with sound English literacy skills, your employees can communicate efficiently in the spoken word with team members and with their managers or supervisors. It is especially important that open lines of communication are always established between employees and their supervisors and managers. Most enterprising companies have, therefore, adopted an open-door policy.
This communicates to workers that their managers appreciate their input and are willing to help them perform better. Employees who have completed our adult literacy training can communicate in familiar and respectful ways with their higher-ups. Workers who have completed our adult literacy training also have the confidence that they need to provide useful feedback. This information can help inform improvements to productivity, efficiency, precision, accuracy, as well as health and safety in the workplace. Bear in mind that your employees have intricate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the processes in which they are involved.
This wealth of knowledge needs to be shared and eventually make its way to the boardroom where decisions are made. Employees can also ask for detailed instructions, clarification and clearly state their acceptance and objections to a task. Moreover, employees can request leave and feedback on their projects. Importantly, they are also able to communicate their professional and personal goals with their supervisors and managers. Employees need to believe that they are being heard and that their role in the company is valued by their higher-ups. This boosts morale and creates an environment that is even more conducive to productivity.
English levels and teams
Employees who have competed all four ABET English levels are able to work efficiently in teams. It is just as important to have clear communication between team members. This is especially the case in high-performance teams that work to extremely tight deadlines and there is, thus, very limited scope for error. Employees who have completed our adult literacy training are able to communicate efficiently in the spoken word with their colleagues. This facilitates the timely completion of projects and the reduction of mistakes. They are able to politely object another employee’s point without causing disruptive tension and conflict. Using their verbal communication skills, they can also ask for help from or assist a co-worker. Moreover, they know how to provide constructive criticism and clearly state their ideas and opinions.
English levels and active listening skills
Active listening skills are also taught in the various English levels of ABET. Employees who have completed all four levels of adult literacy training are active listeners. They are, therefore, able to acquire information and listen to understand what co-workers and higher-ups are communicating before responding.
Active listening skills are very important in business. Firstly, it helps to foster trust between team members and employees and their managers. This further facilitates productivity. Employees who believe that they are being heard are happier and more motivated to succeed. They are, therefore, also more loyal workers. This reduces staff turnover, which can be disruptive and costly at times. Active listening also helps to reduce tension and conflict in the workplace. Bear in mind that employees who are active listeners appreciate and recognise the perspective of their colleagues and higher-ups. Moreover, active listening fosters a culture of respect in the workplace. This is especially important in a very diverse country such as South Africa. Our workplaces comprise people of different, races, beliefs, gender, cultures and backgrounds. This diversity can be a strength if harnessed correctly.
Active listening also empowers employees because they listen and understand what is beneficial to them in the workplace. Importantly, it also encourages acceptance of a company’s culture, which is also enshrined in its vision, motto, mission and ethos. Employees are, therefore, more aligned with the common goal of the company.
Writing in the English levels
Writing skills are also covered in the four English levels that make up ABET. Employees with sound English writing skills can compile useable reports for their supervisors and managers. They are also able to process orders more accurately. After completing our adult literacy training, your employees will be able to communicate updates, events, projects and other important matters clearly and quickly to co-workers and higher-ups.
The four English levels
Employees who have completed the four English levels of ABET are functionally literate. Their English literacy skills are sufficient to function at optimal levels as construction, retail, factory, warehouse, agricultural and mine workers. Individuals who have completed all four levels of our adult literacy training can also work as general supervisors, school caretakers, sterilisation production operators and stewards, among other jobs.
Employees who have completed ABET level 1 have English literacy skills that are equivalent to that of someone who has completed Grade 3. ABET Level 2 builds on these English literacy skills. Employees who have completed this ABET level will have English literacy skills that are equivalent to those of someone who has completed Grade 6. This is followed by ABET level 3. It imparts English literacy skills that are the same as those of someone who has completed Grade 8. ABET level 4 is registered as a National Qualifications Framework Level 1 on the system. The English literacy skills gained at this level are similar to those of someone who has completed Grade 9. These skills are also sufficient for an array of entry level jobs.
Mastering the English levels
Mastering the English levels of ABET prepares your employees for a lifelong learning journey. English literacy is a foundational skill that your employees need to learn more skills in the workplace. Many employees who have completed adult literacy training decide to complete their matric because they have their eyes firmly set on attaining a university degree. Triple E Training measures the success of its ABET programmes by the ability to instil a passion and respect for learning among participants. Many employees who have completed the company’s adult literacy training have decided to study further. The company, therefore, considers the vast majority of its training programmes to be a resounding success. Its clients working across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, mining and retail, among others, concur. Learn more about our proud long legacy of helping low skilled employees progress through the four English levels quickly and efficiently. www.eee.co.za.
