Australia's national VET data custodian

Publications

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Whose responsibility? Employers' views on developing their workers' literacy, numeracy and employability skills

By Peter Waterhouse, Ray Townsend

This study shows how a group of employers understand the provision of literacy, numeracy and employability skills and the continuing development of these skills in their workplaces. It demonstrates that some employers accept that it is both necessary and the employer's responsibility to provide learning and development opportunities for these skills. However, employers are looking for support in doing this. The challenge for training organisations is in building capability and capacity to support this effort. Successful development strategies in the workplace tended to be part of the normal cycles of skills training and continuous improvement.

Working from strengths: Venturing towards strength-based adult education

By Peter Waterhouse, Crina Virgona

Developed for practitioners, this resource introduces adult literacy educators to the principles of strength-based practice, a technique that concentrates on the strengths, capacities and aspirations of individuals and uses these as a catalyst for change and growth. The resource provides examples of key processes and techniques, as well as information about where to access additional resources relating to strength-based practice.

Contradicting the stereotype: Case studies of success despite literacy difficulties

By Peter Waterhouse, Crina Virgona

It is well documented that individuals with poor verbal, reading and writing skills face disadvantages. However, many individuals with such difficulties lead successful lives. This project investigated the ways in which ten individuals have achieved success despite difficulties with literacy and learning.

Two-dimensional work: Workplace literacy in the aged care and call centre industries

By Peter Waterhouse, Crina Virgona

A key challenge of Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system is to serve the broad needs of individuals, communities, and industries. This includes the provision of literacy and generic skills which meet the needs of all groups. This study investigates and documents workplace literacy in aged care facilities and call centres, within the context of the changing nature of work which requires a highly literate, responsive workforce. The report acknowledges the effectiveness of training approaches and procedural practices in these industries; however, it points to the VET sector's role to resist narrowing of literacy and generic skills which meet company requirements.