Addressing low literacy and numeracy in the workforce

Building on current statistics which indicate that almost four million Australians or 40 percent of the workforce do not have adequate literacy, numeracy or problem solving skills, the Australian Industry Group (AiGroup) have released a new study to explore this critical issue for employers.

When Words Fail, The National Workforce Literacy Project, outlines employers and business leaders perspective on the low workplace literacy and numeracy levels and a range of strategies and solutions to combat this problem.

Ai Group Chief Executive designate, Innes Willox says that the report demonstrates that with appropriate support employers are willing and able to improve the literacy skills of their workforce, but insufficient assistance is currently available.

"Employers are also beginning to link literacy and numeracy training to productivity and Return on Investment. Evidence from this project indicates that enterprises are ready to apply Return on Investment measures to this area. More work is needed to further explore and formalise this." said Mr Willox.

Access government funding for Diploma level business and project management qualifications

Many employers are eligible to tap into up to $4,000 worth of government incentives to upskill key staff members at management level.

Gain access to quality apprentices without the stress of paperwork requirements

Axial is pleased to announce that we have extended our services in 2012 to include a group training scheme, whereby we can supply apprentices to host businesses for short to long term work contracts.

Does your business require extra hands for an upcoming project?

Hosting an apprentice gives you the opportunity to employ the apprentice on a contract basis to suit the requirements and length of the project.

Apprentice retention. What works for you?

We would like to continue discussions around the issue of Australia's low apprentice completion rates.

Does your business employ any strategies to encourage apprentices to complete their trades? Or if you are an apprentice, what factors would affect you completing your training?

Please send your comments to Melannie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or post them on our website via the 'Add comment' form below.

Strong outlook for engineering construction

Solid growth has been forecast for engineering construction over the next two financial years according to the latest survey results from The Australian Industry Group/Australian Constructors Association Outlook.

The survey measured the responses of 100 companies employing almost 74,000 persons with combined turnover of $30 billion or approximately 30% of total industry activity.

Engineering construction has been predicted to achieve a growth rate of 13% in 2011/12 and 14.2% in 2012/13. 

Wow, did you really wear that?

Our Brisbane office recently experienced a flash back to the bright and gaudy era of the 80's when staff wore their loudest outfit to work.

Everyone got into the spirit of the day and not only were shirts incredibly colourful, but the team managed to raise $116 towards giving the gift of sound and speech to deaf children. Special mention goes out to our receptionist, Renee Davies who won first prize for the loudest shirt.

For more information or to support Loud Shirt Day visit: www.loudshirtday.com.au

Click and study - business online

Are you interested in undertaking professional development in the areas of business, project or frontline management? Axial’s business, frontline management and project management qualifications fit perfectly with today’s use of online learning technology.

Axial Training Operations Manager, Jillian Rowe, says Axial’s online courses are ideal for employees who would like to gain a qualification without taking time off from busy work schedules to attend classes.

Do your staff members need to update their first aid skills?

In every workplace, team members should have access to trained first aid personnel who can help manage injuries or illnesses.

Does your business have a staff member who can administer first aid in an emergency?

At Axial, we deliver a fully accredited 'Apply First Aid' course, providing your staff with the skills and knowledge critical in dealing with various injuries, life threatening conditions and stress management until the arrival of medical help.

For more information about our online and classroom courses please visit the First Aid page on our website or call Paula on 3380 6000.

Skillaroos experience success at 2011 WorldSkills Competition

Axial would like to congratulate the 28 trainees and apprentices, aged 23 and under, who recently competed at the London Skills Olympics.

The competition bought together highly skilled young people from around the world to showcase their skills in over 40 categories from 5-8 October.

Australia's performance highlighted the quality of our vocational skills, with the Skillaroos securing one gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

The rising cost of apprentice cancellations

Mid this year, The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) estimated the non-completion rate for trade apprentices was 44 per cent. This figure takes into account apprentices and trainees who change employers during the course of their training.

Such high attrition rates in the trades are costing employers and the government millions.  

Deloitte Access Economics research commissioned by the NSW government estimated the combined losses in NSW last year at over $180 million. Employers lost $124 million, the state government $33 million and the Commonwealth $26 million in payments and expenses.