You are in : Training > Training Categories > ABET

Media Works

Adult Basic Education and Training still a priority

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:25

“Existing ABET training programmes have only just scratched the surface in addressing the national and international education and training needs of our labour force,” comments Jackie Carroll, Media Works, Managing Director.

With a national base of over 3 000 corporate clients, SETA contracts and over 100 000 active learners, Media Works found that despite an increasing number of ABET training programmes over the past ten years – the provision of ABET remains a national priority.

“The harsh reality a number of our clients have had to deal with when introducing training and skills development programmes; is the number of employees who require ABET in order to be able to access further education and training provided by employers or government,” said Carroll.

ABET is not a short term solution but rather a long-term investment requiring dedicated time and resources from both learners and employers.

Media Works found the general length of ABET training, ranging from six to twelve months, to be one of the key factors contributing to employers’ tendency to avoid ABET. “This can cause challenges that can delay or derail large scale training interventions,” warns Carroll.

In response to this market need, Media Works is developing an ABET programme that will enable employers to fast-track the training of competent learners who require less training time.

To be launched in 2009, the Accelerate training programme is based on Media Works’ methodology namely face-to-face classes guided by a facilitator and computer assisted learning that incorporates multi-media programmes with workbooks and facilitator sessions.

“Accelerate literally allows for the acceleration of ABET for competent adult learners therefore significantly reducing the required training time,” she explained.