Overview

What Is Workplace Literacy?

Workplace literacy refers to the literacy, English language and numeracy skills needed by employees in order to effectively carry out their roles in the workplace. Literacy encompasses not only reading and writing, but also listening, speaking, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Workplace literacy means the mix of skills employees need to complete everyday tasks at work. Employees need these skills to communicate with customers, understand health and safety information, keep accurate records and follow production schedules.

When your employees do any of the following, they are using literacy, language or numeracy skills:

Participate in a team meeting
Complete calculations
Assess the reasonableness of numeric data
Fill out forms
Follow or give clear instructions
Address problems
Follow SOPs or health and safety procedures

Workplace Literacy in New Zealand

Extensive surveys carried out in 1996 (IALS) and 2006 (ALL Survey) revealed a significant need for workplace literacy, language and numeracy development in New Zealand. Although small workplace literacy programmes were run throughout the 1990s, it was not until 2001 that significant government funding was made available, through the Workplace Literacy Fund, to assist employers in addressing the need for literacy, language and numeracy skill development.

The Workplace Literacy Fund is most commonly accessed by specialist literacy providers who have a fixed level of funding made available to them in order to deliver workplace literacy programmes in New Zealand businesses.

For more information on workplace literacy, and the Workplace Literacy Fund, download the TEC’s Employer Information Pack here.

Wilkinson’s Workplace Literacy Services

Wilkinson’s Workplace Literacy Services has over five years’ experience delivering Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funded Workplace Literacy Programmes in Christchurch and other South Island businesses. We work with both large and small organisations, in a range of industries from construction and mining through to manufacturing and food processing.

Our Staff

Our specialist tutors have a wealth of experience and have been approved by the Tertiary Education Commission. To receive further details on our tutoring team, contact us.

Workplace Literacy Programme

If you are working (full or part-time) you are also eligible for free Workplace Literacy classes. A Workplace Literacy Programme offers:

80 hours tuition
An individual learning plan for each learner which targets skills needed to be productive in the workplace
Experienced tutors can also teach health & safety and cross cultural communication
We can deliver Unit Standards
Flexible times – tutors can come to your workplace, or you can choose to study at our school at a time that suits you

Click here for more information

Workplace Literacy Programmes

Eligibility

A Workplace Literacy Programme is aimed at those employees who, for whatever reason, left school without a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, and for those who speak English as a second language. Programme participants must be New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents.

Duration

Each eligible employee is entitled to up to 80 hours of tuition. Sessions are generally for 2 hours per week over 40 weeks or 4 hours per week over 20 weeks.

Location

Lessons can be at your workplace or at our school from Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Programme Content

Unlike off-the-shelf courses, we tailor each programme to meet the needs of your employees and your business. We focus on developing skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace, so participants experience success and you see immediate benefits.

Pricing

Wilkinson’s Workplace Literacy has secured government funding via the Tertiary Education Commission to deliver programmes in New Zealand businesses in 2013. This may mean that your programme is fully funded. Contact us to find out more.

English For Work

Free English Classes

Eligibility

Our English For Work programme is a free course for migrants wishing to improve their English skills.
To register you must be:

Currently in part or full time work, or actively looking for work
A New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident

2017 Courses

There are two courses running in 2017. You may attend only ONE course. The course dates are as follows:

Location

Wilkinson’s English Language School
20-22 Twigger St. Addington, Christchurch
Car Parking is available across the road at the back of Riccarton Park

Programme Content

The programme develops the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills you need at work and in everyday life. It focuses on:

Communicating in NZ workplaces and community settings such as visiting the doctor, shopping and banking
Understanding spoken NZ Englis
Completing the written requirements of your job
Reading workplace English

Pricing

This programme is FREE.
Contact us for more information.