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From ACE in the Workplace to Accredited Training

This ACE TV! documentary shows a group of Burmese workers at Vertech Hume in Victoria. Created in 2010, it explores how their employer tapped into Adult Community Education resources to create English language training inside his company. Although some demographic groups, like these workers, are more likely than others to experience low levels of literacy and numeracy, the problem is not confined to specific groups. The notion that only equity groups need support in the development of Foundation Skills is outdated. Good communication skills, whether you speak English or not, are critical for staying safe in many workplaces. As recent research has shown, almost 50% of all working age Australians, including those born in Australia, do not have the literacy skills required for effective participation in modern life.

2012 Update

“It’s worth putting in the time to create a safer, happier workplace. And, it’s not hard.”

These are the words of the employer at Vertech Hume who is delighted with the outcomes of ACE in the Workplace. ACE in the Workplace was so successful at Vertech Hume that in a short period of time the Burmese workers in the video have progressed from learning in ACE to accredited training.
They are now attending training in the workplace for a Certificate III in Process Manufacturing.

The latest development in this workplace training program involved recruitment of an appropriate trainer from Rochdale Institute a local registered training organisation. Managerial support involved selecting a trainer with the empathy and skills to deliver a tailored training program, and the workers continue to support one another through peer learning. The innovative teaching strategy includes English language sessions held on Saturdays, development of a ‘word bank’ appropriate to the course, and the use of images as well as words so as to include a spatial component in learning. 

The pathway from non-accredited learning to accredited training at Vertech Hume has resulted in increased spatial awareness among staff and better WorkSafe practices including risk minimization. Not only this, Vertech Hume has an enviable annual absentee rate of just 1 day per person!
The enhanced productivity, community spirit and teamwork
are a testament to the vitality of a multicultural workplace committed to workforce and skills development.

The pathway from ACE to a qualification provides obvious benefits to the Burmese workers involved in training.
The broader impact on the success of the company as well
as the broader community are also demonstrable, and testify to the value of capacity building through ACE.

Winner of the 2013
Victorian Training Awards
as the Small Business
Employer of the Year

Sponsoring the Local Soccer Team

64 – 66 Lock Avenue Werribee VIC Australia 3030   Telephone  +61 3 9742 5277   Email  tamas@vertechhume.com.au

Vertech Hume measures the benefits of the training by several methods, which include:

•the reduction in the number of incidents that occur

•the quality of workmanship

•higher productivity

•the participants ability to respond to and change methods where required

•morale and general confidence of the participants continues to improve at a rapid rate.

•improved and consistent quality of the nominees product. The number of reject poles manufactured is now close to zero.



Training benefits of the integrated program have been numerous:

•the participants ability to make informed decisions

•manage time and each other

•the participants raise themselves from unskilled to skilled labour

•improves the quality of life for their family

•participants present as a better role model to their children of what can be achieved

•the participants know that should they leave the employment of the nominee, the participants will be in a stronger position to find a better more challenging job.

Salmon Trail Running Series Race 1
at Studley Park June 2013