Limited English proficiency (LEP) amongst non-English-speaking background
(NESB) employees is a major concern for the Government, employers and unions in
Australia. Due to their low levels of English proficiency, NESB employees are often
unable to carry out effectively the required workplace tasks. In the current climate of
rapid change in workplaces, as a result of Award Restructuring, NESB employees
may also lack the communication skills necessary to undertake skill-based training
and, therefore, be further disadvantaged.
In light of these concerns, this study investigated the English learning needs of a
group of NESB non-academic staff at the University of Canberra (UC). It established
that there was a gap between their present levels of English proficiency and the levels
required in their current positions. As a result, these employees are unable to engage
effectively in all communication tasks required in the workplace.
Following a detailed analysis of the current literature on the provision of workplace
English training it is recommended that an English in the Workplace (EWP) program
be provided at the UC for NESB non-academic employees. Specific recommendations
are made regarding the design and implementation of the learning program.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218671 |
| Date | January 1994 |
| Creators | Herbert, Jill, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Jill Herbert |
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