Literacy and numeracy training for SMME workforce

Training & Education

July 2003 Training & Education Integrated Solutions

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta) is partnering adult education experts, Media Works, in an initiative funded through the National Skills Fund to assist small, micro and macro enterprises (SMMEs) in addressing the literacy and numeracy shortcomings of their workforce.

The Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) project offers free training to levy-paying SMMEs falling under the Chieta umbrella. The Chieta covers a diverse range of employers within five chambers: petroleum and base chemicals; fast-moving consumer goods and pharmaceuticals; explosives and fertilisers; speciality chemicals and surface coatings; and glass. The Chieta has predicted a shift from lower to higher skilled workers over the next few years, and as such plans to fast-track the design and delivery of learning programmes that address generic skills, as well as skills specific to the chemical industries sector. ABET is one of these programmes and Media Works is the training service provider that has been commissioned to market and implement the programme with SMMEs in the different provinces.

In the pilot phase of the project, Media Works is targeting some 2000 learners in SMMEs. The pilot project presents an interesting challenge as all 2000 adult learners have to be at ABET Level 4, which is the equivalent of NQF Level 1.

Chieta's programme manager Derek Peo, explains: "Through the national skills levy, the government is encouraging business to train and educate its workforce. However, SMMEs often lack the resources to implement and manage such training projects effectively. Many of them plan to do so but are uncertain about how to begin and are deterred by the potential cost implications."

These small enterprises will be relieved of much of the work that goes into implementing ABET as Media Works will conduct all learner recruitment and assessment, develop programmes and materials, make arrangements for classes, monitor and evaluate training progress and organise examinations. The ABET project will also link to another national skills fund project, the Chieta's recognition of prior learning initiative, and it is hoped that many learners will receive credits towards the National Certificate in Chemical Operations at NQF Level 1.

Media Works' MD Jackie Carroll says, "One of the biggest challenges was finding a way for the SMMEs to release workers for training without negatively impacting on production. SMMEs generally cannot cope with fewer staff. In addition, many SMMEs run shifts, which just adds to the challenge."

"Fortunately, the multimedia computer-assisted approach to adult education favoured by Media Works is ideally suited to meeting these challenges. One of the main benefits of this approach is the flexibility it offers. Learners no longer have to attend training at times that suit the facilitator. Learning can take place without the presence of a facilitator, as the learning happens on the computer. The facilitator - who can be full- or part-time - acts merely as a guide in the process."

Media Works reports that the learner recruitment process has already revealed that a large number of the SMME employees need ABET at the lower levels, and the Chieta is looking at strategies to finance ABET for these learners, possibly through its Discretionary Grant fund.

For more information contact Chieta, 011 726 7843, or Media Works, 011 803 0575.

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Training & Education

Literacy and numeracy training for SMME workforce

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