2 IDENTIFIED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
reported that these LLN difficulties contributed to higher attrition, reduced completion rates and less articulation into further study [62]. LLN difficulties often result in the need to slow down teaching delivery, increase one-onone instruction and alter teaching materials; all of which are time consuming and potentially costly. A further consequence of this may be that other learners become bored and disinterested [62]. Many VET practitioners surveyed indicated that they were concerned about their ability to address issues surrounding learners with poor LLN skills, particularly amongst those that were not LLN specialists [62]. The Australian Government introduced the LLN Practitioners Scholarships program to provide financial assistance to support individuals to become qualified LLN practitioners [58] [63].
National foundation skills strategy for adults focuses on four key priority areas: >> raising awareness and commitment to action >> ensuring adult learners have high quality learning opportunities and outcomes >> strengthening foundation skills in the workplace >> building the capacity of the education and training workforces to deliver foundation skills [57]. Released in 2013, the Core skills for work developmental framework, was developed to provide a “clear and explicit set of non-technical skills and knowledge that underpin successful participation in work” [64]. The framework can be used by training package developers, curriculum writers and training resource developers to clearly articulate these skills. It can also be used by trainers and educators to address skill development [65].
Recent developments in the area of foundation skills In 2012, the Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (SCOTESE) released the National foundation skills strategy for adults [57], with the aim to equip the workforce with the essential skills for the future Australian economy [57]. The target of the Australian Government is that, by 2022, at least two-thirds of working age Australians will have literacy and numeracy skills at level 3 or above1 [57]. The
Endorsed by the NSSC in 2013, the Foundation Skills Training Package was developed by IBSA in response to recommendations which identified foundation skills as a key reform area for VET. The Foundation Skills Training Package consists of three qualifications and 91 units of competency and is designed for integration and contextualisation with other vocational training, including GSA’s six training packages [55].
1 Level 3 skills, as determined by the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey, is considered the level adults require to cope with the demands of everyday life and work.
Table 2. Priority foundation skills training areas across the five government and community safety sectors Correctional services
Local government
Public safety
Public sector
Water
% of organisations Reading
20%
32%
23%
12%
35%
Writing
60%
39%
15%
27%
41%
Learning
20%
12%
8%
12%
18%
Oral communication
20%
28%
8%
15%
18%
Numeracy
20%
20%
15%
9%
35%
Digital literacy
40%
47%
31%
30%
71%
No priority areas identified
40%
43%
69%
58%
24%
Results are based on responses to the GSA enterprise survey
18
Government Skills Australia