FAQ

Q: What are the benefits of improving literacy and numeracy skills
A: In addition to the economic benefits to New Zealand's economy, business benefits can include:

• Better staff retention
• Reduced wastage
• Health and Safety compliance
• Increased productivity
• Improved teamwork
• Better conflict resolution
• Less individual stress
• Improved confidence
• Less absenteeism
• More accuracy in paperwork
• Reduced accident rate
• Better communication
• Opportunities for advancement

Actual Results

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​Q: What is the cost for literacy, numeracy and communication training?
A: Sarah's Solutions offer a Government Certified 100% Fully Funded Programme.
There is no investment required by the employer aside from availability of staff to attend the training, provision of a suitable training room, on site meals for the tutor and internal project management. i.e. It is essentially free training, with measurable results!

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Q: What is the definition of Adult Literacy?
A: Adult literacy includes these workplace skills. The ability to:

• Read documents, signage, instructions
• Write, complete safety forms, reporting
• Speak English in an understandable form
• Listen well and respond accordingly
• Communicate with peers, supervisors and employees
• Think in a critical/analytical manner
• Use problem solving techniques
• Utilise technology where necessary

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Q: What is the definition of Adult Numeracy?
A: Adult numeracy includes these workplace skills. The ability to:

• Follow production schedules
• Understand operating procedures
• Understand health and safety requirements
• Estimate and calculate quantity and weight
• Read and record product codes
• Convey information to a co-worker
• Understand numeracy concepts (weights, measures, tolerances or temperatures)

Numeracy is the bridge between mathematics and real life. A person’s numeracy refers to their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and their ability to use their mathematical knowledge to meet the varied demands of their personal, study and work lives. 

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Q: How does this actually work?
A:  We work with you to identify the skills and knowledge required, then tailor a unique training programme for you. 
The programme takes into account your schedule, your location and your specific needs. 

Typical outcomes from our training includes:

• Better communication and understanding
• Increased productivity
• Increased compliance
• More confidence and enthusiasm

We come to your premises to deliver the programme to minimise staff disruption and to maximise learning effectiveness.
The learner groups are deliberately kept small to facilitate interactive discussions and student involvement.

Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funds Workplace Literacy Training. Subject to the initial evaluation and your eligibility, there is usually no cost to the employer. The program typically runs for forty hours in two hour sessions per week.

Boost Productivity

Working with you to support New Zealand's economic growth

"I am just enjoying these sessions and more people should be doing this. The relaxed atmosphere makes learning better. This will make it easy to speak and listen to other people on the job"

Increase productivity at work

The importance of workforce literacy in boosting productivity, profitability and to support New Zealand's economic growth strategy is being increasingly recognised.

Chris Meade, executive general manager Human Resources, of construction giant Downer, agrees, saying she would like to see further action to support the Tertiary Education Commission's work to address the issue.

Downer has been at the forefront of addressing workforce issues. Meade says the company enjoyed huge productivity gains and significantly reduced workplace accidents after it put steps in place to improve literacy and numeracy skills.

"We found many of our people's literacy skills had eroded since they'd left school and they had lost confidence as a result. This manifested itself in issues such as high levels of equipment damage because people were unable to follow basic pre-start and shutdown procedures, and a general failure to engage in their jobs," she says.

A combination of Government-subsidised and company-funded training has enabled Downer to up-skill around 2000 staff over the past six years.

"Tertiary training institutions have a strong role to play, but workplace literacy training is a critical plank too. Most employees with low literacy simply don't have the time or confidence to go to a polytechnic. Workplace training provides a safe, familiar environment that enables employees to immediately apply their newfound skills to their jobs." Source: NZ Herald 14.02.12