FLC provides a way for the formal industry to tap into a large pool of hidden talent that exists in the informal sectors. FLC is an abbreviation for “foundational learning competence”, a specialised field of adult literacy training and adult numeracy training. FLC continues where ABET Level 4 ends. ABET teaches people how to read, write and communicate, as well as do basic maths. FLC, on the other hand, imparts the ability to deploy these literacy and numeracy skills to learn.
By better harnessing FLC, the formal sectors will be able to accelerate transformation and address acute skills shortages, specifically in terms of competent tradespeople. This strategy will also help to level the uneven playing field that exists between the informal and formal sectors. It is essential that all suppliers of products and services comply with safety, health, environment and quality standards. Compliance, which comes at a cost, is structured into the fees that companies charge for their services or products. When all companies charge a reasonable fee for their professional services because they are all legally compliant, sustainability of industries is ensured. This means that they can continue growing and, in doing so, creating more jobs. However, the ultimate beneficiaries are consumers who have access to quality goods and services that are also produced or delivered in a responsible manner.
Most importantly, this strategy will enable people who work in the informal industries to access better paying and more secure jobs that also provide improved working conditions. Notably, this supports Sustainable Development Goal 8. SDG 8 focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This is in addition to full and productive employment and decent work for all, including fair job creation in small businesses. https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals?utm_source=EN&utm_medium=GSR&utm_content=US_UNDP_PaidSearch_Brand_English&utm_campaign=CENTRAL&c_src=CENTRAL&c_src2=GSR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoN-g0ovO-gIV0N_tCh22wwGgEAAYASAAEgK7RvD_BwE provides more reading on the SDGs and SDG 8.
FLC develops foundational skills
FLC develops the foundational skills that people need to cope with occupational training at a NQF Level 2 and onwards. Individuals who have completed adult literacy training and adult numeracy training at least at Level 3 can enrol for FLC.
There are many industrious, talented and dedicated individuals who work in the informal industries. They are unable to secure jobs in the formal industries because they do not hold a formal qualification. This is despite many of them being very proficient in their chosen trade. To sustain themselves, they perform low paying work on an ad-hoc basis that also provides very little job security or room for growth and development. According to Stats SA, the median income of workers in the informal sector is about R2 000 per month. This is compared to about R4 300 in the formal sector. Meanwhile, self-employed workers, particularly men, generally earn R6 700 per month. Working conditions in the informal industries can also be undesirable. There is usually scant regard for occupational health and safety, as well as environmental protocol. These operators are not regulated in the same way in which formal industries are. This can place them, their employees, the general public and the environment at risk.
A hurdle in the way of attaining a qualification for many of these individuals is a lack of English literacy and numeracy skills. Many adult learners do not have a sound understanding of and ability to apply language and mathematical literacy concepts in the workplace. They may be able to perform tasks in an occupational environment. However, their English literacy skills are at a significantly lower level. Bear in mind that English is the formal language of teaching and learning. People also need sound numeracy skills to cope with theoretical concepts in learning material and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge.
FLC bridges the divide
FLC bridges the large divide that exists between the formal and informal sectors of the economy. If undertaken correctly, this adult numeracy training and adult numeracy training can play a major developmental role.
The informal industry is a critical component of the development agenda. Notably, the informal sector contributed about 6% to South Africa’s gross-domestic product in 2017. It contributes as much as 60% of the world’s employed population. In 2019, 18,3% of employed people in South Africa who were employed were working in the informal industry. Meanwhile, 30% of the country’s citizens who were working were in informal employment.
The informal industry is also a significant supplier of affordable goods and services to lower-income groups. The market for goods and services produced by the informal industry is also significant. South Africa has more than 500 townships. Soweto, in Johannesburg, is the largest with more than 1,3-million residents. It is followed by Tembisa in Kempton Park, with about half a million residents, and Katlehong in Germiston, with more than 400 000 residents.
Formalising the so-called “township economy” will also help to grow the country’s tax base. While informal businesses contribute a growing portion to GDP, many do not pay tax. A large number of informal operators simply earn below the income tax threshold legislated by the South African Revenue Service. They do, however, pay VAT on their purchases.
For more reading on this interesting topic refer to http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/Report-03-10-23/Report-03-10-232019.pdf.
FLC addresses skills shortages
FLC addresses skills shortages. Individuals who have completed this adult literacy training and adult numeracy training are primed to succeed in occupational training. Many of the National Certificate Vocational courses that lead to a qualification at a NQF Level 4 are in high demand.
There is a dire shortage of skilled artisans in the country. Demand continues to grow for tradespeople such as carpenters, welders, auto-electricians, toolmakers, fitters, joiners and mechanics.
Many industries are struggling to keep pace with this demand for skills. A case in point is the plumbing industry. There is a dire shortage of this skill to cater to the growing water and sanitation needs in the country. Yet, more than 86% of all individuals working as plumbers are not qualified to do so. It is estimated that more than half of the industry’s total workforce currently operates in the informal sector. Some of these individuals acquired their skills from working in the formal plumbing industry. They left their employers to service property owners who may not want to pay the fees charged by professional plumbers or who are unable to afford these services. In some instances, they are permanently employed by professional plumbing companies and work on an ad-hoc basis in the informal industry to supplement their incomes.
FLC supports SMMEs
FLC also supports the development of SMMEs that can create further employment and training opportunities. This adult literacy training and adult numeracy training enables people to learn a skill that will help them to become self-employed. Stimulating entrepreneurship is one way in which the country can address high unemployment, especially among the country’s young adults. It has, therefore, become a significant focus of government.
Bricklaying courses, for example, are in high demand. It is a skill that can be learnt in a very short period and can be deployed on both private and public sector contracts. A low capital outlay for tools and equipment also makes bricklaying an ideal skill for those who want to start their own businesses.
Importantly, these SMMEs also take their skills back to their communities. There is a dire shortage of professional services in the rural areas and informal settlements, which are growing at an alarming rate. This is because previously disadvantaged areas are notoriously underserviced by the formal industry. It tends to focus on the urban areas at the expense of the many people who live in informal settlements and rural areas of the country.
FLC facilitates further learning
FLC facilitates further learning after individuals have completed adult literacy training and adult numeracy training. It consists of Foundational Communication and Foundational Mathematical Literacy.
FC equips employees with the English literacy skills that they need to understand the theoretical and practical concepts that are presented during occupational training. Individuals who have completed FC are also able to write their trade tests in the formal language of learning. Individuals are taught how to use reading, writing and speaking skills to convey meaning in a logical and orderly manner. They also learn how to extract relevant information from a text, infer meaning, make deductions and develop logical arguments. As part of this instruction, they are also taught how to organise thinking and extract key messages from an extended piece of writing. The course consists of writing, speaking and listening, visual literacy and language structure and use. This is in addition to study skills and workplace terminology.
FML provides the foundation for further development of mathematical literacy contexts and mathematical concepts that are specific to an occupation or trade. Individuals who have completed this numeracy training are able to solve problems. This is by defining the problems; executing their plans; interpreting and evaluating the results; and justifying the method and solution. Individuals are taught how to apply various skills when solving problems. These include identifying or locating relevant information. This is in addition to ordering, sorting, comparing, counting, estimating, computing, measuring, modelling, interpreting and communicating.
For further information on FLC, refer to this document by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations. https://www.fpmseta.org.za/downloads/Foundational_Learning_Competence_Information_booklet.pdf.
Leader in FLC
Triple E Training is a leader in the provision of FLC. This complements our other quality adult literacy training and adult numeracy training solutions. Learn more about Triple E Training and our long legacy of equipping individuals with the skills that they need to excel in the workplace. www.eee.co.za
