Workplace Communication

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The Workplace English, Language and Literacy (WELL) program is an Australian government initiative run by the Department of Education Science and Technology (DEST). Funding is available for language, literacy and numeracy training integrated with vocational training to help workers meet their employment and training needs. Through the program enterprises can access government funding for the delivery of accredited training.

Where English language, literacy and numeracy training has been undertaken, enterprises have reported:

• Better workplace skills
• More effective communication
• Increased involvement in training and skill development programmes
• Improved occupational health and safety; and
• Increased productivity

Are you a Trainer or Assessor?  Professional Development Guide for WELL is now available

If you are a trainer or assessor it is important that you have the skills to recognise and support participants with Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs. These needs must be considered at each stage of the training and assessment process. 

The WELL professional development guide for trainers and assessors was developed focusing on methods and processes for analysing LLN requirements of learners. The objective of the guide is to raise awareness and provide information, case studies and tools to enhance knowledge and understanding of the range of LLN issues and support needs of learners in the Construction and Property Services Industries.   The guide also covers the responsibilities of RTOs and other providers to provide appropriate LLN support to learners under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

An important focus of the guide is the model for LLN skills analysis. This model provides a 3-step process for LLN skills analysis covering the identification of job/workplace LLN requirements, identification of the LLN skill levels of learners, and development of learning and assessment strategies which cater for LLN support needs. The model uses a case study of units from Construction and Property Services Training Packages to demonstrate use of the Essential Skills Framework to highlight LLN skills gaps and support areas for learners.

You can purchase the Guide from our Products Page or download an order form.

Some examples of Workplace Literacy

Workplace Literacy	Example of Application
Reading and using different types of information	Reading and understanding work instructions, letters and notices, electronic data and emails
Writing and recording information	Completing proformas, report sheets, tender documentation, work plans and specifications, incident report forms and notes
Listening to different types of information	Receiving verbal work instructions from supervisors, information provided in training sessions, requests from clients, answering the telephone, gaining information from team meetings
Giving different types of verbal information	Discussing problems with others, offering solutions and feedback, reporting incidents to the supervisor, using the telephone
Performing a range of numeracy tasks	Locating and reading numerical information within work tasks or instructions, estimating time required to perform a task, estimating a quantity of supplies to be ordered, calculating quantities for mixing of chemicals, calculating material quantities and lengths

OHS in the Construction Industry

All people who work in the construction industry need an induction to Occupational Health and Safety before they can commence on a work site. All construction workers have a role to play in making sure that people are safe at work. 

A pocket-book has been designed to assist workers in the Construction Industry who have varying levels of literacy skills to participate in general OHS induction training. This training is underpinned by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (Australian Safety and Compensation Council 2007). The content of the pocket-book covers the skills and knowledge required by the draft unit of competency CPCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry which supports the national Code.  You can purchase a copy of the OHS Pocket book from our Products page or download an order form.

Other products funded by the DEEWR WELL resources programme to support the draft OHS Induction Unit of competency include:

• Assessment Instrument - based on the draft OHS induction unit of competency.  It will assist in the collection of evidence to verify competency as well as to act as an official record of the assessor's judgement of competence against the unit of competency - download a copy
• Trainer's and Assessor's Guide - designed to provide trainers and assesssors with detailed instructions on training and assessment delivery for the induction unit of competency.  It provides specific instruction on unpacking and contextualising the unit of competency - available in hardcopy only.
• Recognition Application - provides a process and template for participants in the national Construction OHS Induction Training Program to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning against the draft OHS induction unit - download a copy.

These resources have undergone a Quality Assurance process and have the 'noted tick'

Construction Management Induction Program

CPSISC has developed a suite of Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) resources to support the delivery of a Construction Management Induction Program within the general Construction Industry. Communication is vital in construction management. It underpins the strategic management of information flow, activities, tasks and processes, and involves various networks of individuals and organisations throughout a project lifecycle. When available, these resources will support the delivery of ten qualifications from Certificate IV through to Advanced Diploma, listed in the General Construction Training Package that are relevant to construction managers, or people wishing to undertake a career in construction management.

Developed through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations WELL program, the materials have recently been successfully trialled with industry and are now available. 

Career Guide Designed to provide careers guidance for construction workers about opportunities in construction management using the higher level qualifications for the industry.	Module 1: Interpersonal Communication Skills for Construction Managers Designed to help workers to gain higher order verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate effectively in the workplace, develop the trust and confidence of others, negotiate, and manage conflict.
Module 2: Written Communication Skills for Construction Managers Designed to help workers to gain higher order written communication skills to read and interpret construction documentation, and communicate in writing using plain language. This includes tips for reading complex information, conducting research, and taking effective notes.	Module 3: Self Management Skills for Construction Managers Designed to help workers to gain higher order skills in self management (ie planning and completing work schedules, managing own work performance and learning). Covers the required knowledge and skills for BCGBC4026A Manage personal work priorities and professional development.
Trainers & Assessors Guide Designed to provide trainers and assessors with an overview of the program and its objectives. Includes an assessment instrument for the unit BCGBC4026A Manage personal work priorities and professional development.