Literacy and numeracy support for apprentices and trainees

Wide Bay Institute of TAFE students are benefiting from a $5 million Queensland Government initiative providing extra literacy and numeracy support for apprentices and trainees.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the program had been rolled out in TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations across the state and had proven to be a huge success.

“Strong literacy and numeracy skills are vital to success in any working environment; whether you're behind a desk or on the tools,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Even as apprentices develop the core skills associated with their trade, we know that a lack of literacy and numeracy skills is one of the greatest barriers to moving up to more senior positions.

“That’s why we're investing up to $5 million each year to assist apprentices and trainees to gain more confidence and be able to successfully complete their courses and advance further in their future careers.”

In meeting with first year apprentices at the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE Maryborough campus, Mr Langbroek highlighted the importance of the Language, Literacy and Numeracy initiative.

“Last financial year saw approximately 4800 enrolments for this Language, Literacy and Numeracy training,” he said.

“We've already seen 1700 enrolments so far this year which puts us on track to match last year's take up."

Member for Maryborough Anne Maddern said that she welcomed the initiative for her community

"It is never too late to brush up on your literacy and numeracy skills, which can lead to all sorts of great opportunities," Mrs Maddern said

"Giving people the life skills they need to obtain meaningful and long term employment is one of my major goals for the Maryborough community and this initiative takes us a step closer to achieving that aim."

Mr Langbroek said Language, Literacy and Numeracy initiative was all part of the government's Great skills. Real opportunities. action plan for the vocational education and training sector.

“It's so important that we see our trainees and apprentices complete their qualifications which is why the government is doing all it can to make that happen,” he said.

“We are working hard to increase workforce participation in order to boost productivity so we can supercharge Queensland's economy.”

Wide Bay Institute of TAFE had 559 apprentice and trainee enrolments in 2012-2013, with 107 students currently receiving Language, Literacy and Numeracy support.

For more information on the initiative phone Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.

[ENDS] 26 March 2014

Media contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652