Hello, superheroes of the RTO world, and welcome back to another episode of 'RTO Superhero.' I am your host, Angela Connell-Richards, here on a quest to provide you with the knowledge, strategies, and skills you need to empower your RTO to thrive and succeed. Today, we're diving deep into the world of 'Foundation Skills,' a critical component of any solid learning base and integral to our modern, knowledge-based society. So, let's embark on this exploration together. Foundation Skills are the essential abilities that underpin participation in the workplace, the community, and adult education and training. They involve both the acquisition of skills and their critical application across various environments for numerous purposes. These skills encompass English language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN), including listening, speaking, reading, writing, digital literacy, and the application of mathematical ideas. They also include employability skills like collaboration, problem-solving, self-management, learning, and necessary ICT skills for active participation in contemporary life. In our rapidly changing economic and social landscape, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these Foundation Skills have become indispensable. They are the backbone of workforce participation, productivity, and social inclusion. They play a pivotal role in employment stability, career progression, further training opportunities, community participation, and overall health. Yet, despite their importance, a significant portion of Australia's working-age population lacks adequate literacy levels. As revealed by the 2006 Adult Literacy and Life Skills (ALLS) survey, about 44% of working-age Australians, approximately 6 million people, have literacy levels below Level 3, which is needed to meet the complex demands of modern economies. Addressing this challenge head-on, Australian governments have developed the National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults. This 10-year strategy encourages adults to enhance their foundation skills, particularly those with low proficiency levels. It's built around a shared vision for a productive and inclusive Australia, with an ambitious target - by 2022, two-thirds of working-age Australians will possess literacy and numeracy skills at Level 3 or above. Additional measures are also in place to strengthen Foundation Skills. The Australian Government provides ongoing support through the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program and the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). The government's commitment is further manifested in the 2021-22 Budget, with an investment of $23.6 million over four years to expand access to Foundation Skills training, outreach, and research. Low levels of Foundation Skills often lead to insecure employment with limited opportunities for growth, recurring periods of unemployment, and reduced opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the broader community. Hence, improving Foundation Skills can bring about increased work participation, improved social outcomes, and a higher level of community engagement. However, not all Australians have adequate access to these essential skills. The OECD reports that around three million Australians aged between 16 to 65 possess low literacy and numeracy skills. There is a strong need for reform in providing better access and strengthening Foundation Skills. So, what is being done to address this? Under the Heads of Agreement for Skills Reform, Australian, state, and territory governments have committed to provide more robust support for Foundation Skills. They aim to ensure better access to language, literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills for all Australians. In November 2020, a scoping study was requested to understand the current environment for delivering Foundation Skills to adult learners in Australia better. The findings from this study will guide the governments to improve access to language, literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills training. Furthermore, the Australian Government provides ongoing support for delivering language, literacy, numeracy, and increasingly digital skills for jobseekers and migrants through the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program and the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government will invest $23.6 million over four years to widen access to Foundation Skills training, outreach, and research.
This includes an additional:
- $20.6 million to assist more job seekers to access the SEE program.
- $3 million to support national Reading Writing Hotline services and research to improve Foundation Skills delivery nationally.
The SEE Program will undergo changes, such as expanding eligibility to all registered job seekers, uncapping allowable hours, support for participants to complete certificate level III qualifications, the accelerated inclusion of digital literacy skills as part of the program, and funding to develop more flexible and effective delivery approaches, including for job seekers in remote Australia. This expansion of the SEE Program aligns with the ongoing reforms of the AMEP and reflects the commitments made by all governments under the Heads of Agreement for Skills Reform to provide stronger support for Foundation Skills. Foundation Skills are fundamental to the success of your learners and the prosperity of our community. As RTOs, we have an important role to play in delivering and strengthening these skills. Foundation Skills are the bedrock upon which individuals can build their personal, professional, and educational futures. Given the significant role of Foundation Skills in empowering individuals and enhancing their employability, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) initiated the National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults. This ten-year framework brings a national focus to improving education and employment outcomes for working-age Australians with low levels of foundation skills - encompassing language, literacy, numeracy, and employability skills. The strategy sets a target that, by 2022, two-thirds of working-age Australians will possess literacy and numeracy skills at Level 3 or above, referring to the levels outlined in the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey undertaken in 2006 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This goal will be achieved by creating a nationally consistent environment within which Australian governments can collaborate to improve the foundation skills development of working-age Australians. The strategy focuses on four priority areas for action:
1. Raising awareness and commitment to action: Building understanding of foundation skills in the workplace and the community, and eliminating the stigma associated with low adult foundation skills.
2. Providing high-quality learning opportunities and outcomes for adult learners: Offering a variety of foundation skills development opportunities that can be tailored to individual needs.
3. Strengthening foundation skills in the workplace: Establishing strong and lasting partnerships between government, industry, employers, and unions, and providing foundation skills training that meets the needs of employers and industry.
4. Building the capacity of the education and training workforces to deliver foundation skills: Enhancing the skills of specialist language, literacy, and numeracy practitioners, developing the workforce to enable effective teaching of employability skills, and supporting vocational trainers to better integrate foundation skills with vocational training. The strategy was developed by the former Australian Government’s Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, which was replaced by the COAG Industry and Skills Council in 2013.
To view the National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults in full, you can find the link in the episode notes of our podcast. Foundation Skills are vital to the success of your learners and the prosperity of our community. As RTOs, we have a critical role to play in delivering and strengthening these skills. Let us remember, in our efforts to transform the lives of our learners, we are the superheroes they look up to.
"Top 5 Effective Strategies for RTOs to Enhance Foundation Skills Training and Assessment"
As VET Leaders, we carry the responsibility of preparing our learners for the evolving demands of the job market, with a particular emphasis on honing their foundation skills, which includes language, literacy, numeracy (LLN), and employability skills.
To meet this objective effectively, strategic approaches are critical, and these can include the following tactics:
1. Curriculum Integration: Foundation skills are intrinsically tied to all vocational training, not just standalone abilities. Thus, RTOs should aim to weave these skills into all aspects of their curriculum. This integration allows learners to apply these skills contextually within their chosen industry, making the learning process more meaningful and directly relevant.
2. Use of Real-World Scenarios: The ultimate goal of foundation skills is to equip individuals with the capabilities they need to function effectively in their workplace and society. Therefore, to enhance relevance and engagement, RTOs should utilise real-world scenarios in their teaching and assessment processes. This approach also enables a more accurate assessment of learners' skills, as it simulates their real-world application.
3. Digital Literacy Training: As our world becomes more digitally inclined, digital literacy has grown to be an essential part of foundation skills. Hence, RTOs should incorporate digital literacy training into their curriculum, preparing learners with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape, including using digital tools, understanding internet safety, communicating digitally, and resolving common tech-related issues.
4. Individualised Learning Plans: Recognising the diverse backgrounds and varying skill levels of learners, RTOs should develop individualised learning plans. Crafted from initial skills assessments, these plans offer personalised learning pathways that consider each learner's existing competencies, preferred learning style, and future aspirations, enhancing their motivation and overall learning experience.
5. Collaboration with Industry: By actively collaborating with industry partners, RTOs can significantly improve their foundation skills training. These professionals can offer invaluable insights into the specific foundation skills required in their sectors, assist in curriculum development, provide real-world case studies, and possibly facilitate work placements for learners. Such collaborations ensure that training remains relevant, contemporary, and meets employer expectations. Incorporating these strategies into our operations not only elevates the quality of our training programs but also ensures our learners are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of their chosen career paths, thereby enhancing their individual productivity and contributing to the overall inclusivity and prosperity of our society.
Just this week, the Albanese Government announced a significant step towards closing the gap and removing barriers to education and training for First Nations Australians. Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O'Connor, unveiled a specific Indigenous stream to the government's Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) foundation skills program. This initiative aims to enhance literacy, numeracy, and digital skills for First Nations Australians, who often face challenges in accessing these crucial skills.
It is estimated that 40% of First Nations adults have minimal English literacy, and in remote communities such as those in the Northern Territory, this figure can rise as high as 70%. Recognizing the critical need for improvement, the government is investing $436 million over four years to fundamentally reform the way Foundation Skills programs are delivered. This investment will enable more pathways for Australians to access training, with a specific focus on language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.
The redesigned SEE program will comprise two streams. The first stream, effective from 1 July 2024, will focus on job seekers, employees, and individuals not currently engaged in formal education, employment, or training. The second stream, designed specifically for First Nations people, will provide grants to First Nations community-controlled organizations.
These organisations will partner directly with training providers, including TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations, and Adult and Community Education sector providers. This new stream for First Nations Australians is a result of extensive consultation with Indigenous representatives through the Foundation Skills Advisory Group. It demonstrates the Albanese Government's commitment to working collaboratively with First Nations Australians to develop policies that address their specific needs and aspirations.
This government announcement represents a significant step forward in improving access to foundation skills and empowering First Nations Australians. It aligns perfectly with our ongoing discussions on the importance of foundation skills in creating inclusive and prosperous communities. By investing in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, we can break down barriers, enhance employability, and foster greater social inclusion.
At RTO Superhero, we firmly believe that every learner deserves the opportunity to acquire strong foundation skills. We encourage you to stay informed about these developments and explore how your RTO can support and contribute to these initiatives.
Together, let's be the superheroes who champion access to education and training for all. To learn more about the government's commitment to improving foundation skills for First Nations Australians, listen to our latest podcast episode. Stay connected with us on social media and subscribe to our podcast to access valuable insights, strategies, and updates that will empower your RTO. Together, let's make a positive impact in the lives of learners and build a more inclusive and equitable society. [Conclusion] As we draw this episode to a close, let's take a moment to reflect on our journey. We've delved into the crucial importance of foundation skills, those fundamental abilities that underpin participation in the workplace, the community, and in adult education and training. We've also highlighted their significance in the contemporary world, particularly given our society's swift transition towards more knowledge-based work and the prominence of digital communication.
During our exploration, we received exciting news that the Australian Government is taking significant steps to enhance access to foundation skills, particularly for Indigenous Australians. Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor recently announced a specific Indigenous stream to the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program. This initiative aims to improve literacy, numeracy, and digital skills for First Nations Australians, addressing the challenges they face in these areas. The government's commitment to closing the gap and providing equitable access to education and training is commendable.
Additionally, we discussed the pivotal role we, as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), play in strengthening foundation skills. With the implementation of strategic approaches such as curriculum integration, use of real-world scenarios, digital literacy training, individualised learning plans, and collaboration with industry, we can significantly enhance the effectiveness of our training programs and make a difference in our learners' lives.
Let's remember, our goal as RTOs is not merely to impart knowledge but to empower our learners to succeed in their chosen fields, to thrive in their communities, and to make meaningful contributions to society. And strengthening foundation skills forms a significant part of this mission.
I hope you've found this discussion enlightening and that you're now better equipped to enhance your RTO's foundation skills training. If you'd like to explore further, please visit Vivacity.com.au for more resources.
Remember, your journey to becoming an RTO Superhero is ongoing, and we're here to support you every step of the way. This is Angela Connell-Richards, your host for 'RTO Superhero,' reminding you that every RTO has a superhero within, ready to release their unique superpower. Until next time, stay tuned, stay heroic, and let's continue making a positive impact through foundation skills. [Outro Music Plays]