Trainees give Step4ward the thumbs up

Step4ward, a new health and safety programme with embedded literacy, numeracy and language learning, has been hailed a success by companies and trainees who have put it to the test.

The 13-week course can help companies reduce supervision and downtime, improve employee motivation and retention, and provide a healthier and safer workplace. It also builds essential foundation skills among staff.

More than 200 trainees took part in the trial and the response has been enthusiastic. "The staff feedback has been overwhelmingly positive," says Leanne Wise, HR manager for CSP Coating Systems. "There's been a noticeable difference in their confidence in communication within the workplace. They feel appreciated and they also feel the delivery level is customised to everyone's individual needs."

Trainees from other companies have also praised the benefits of Step4ward. "I like maths for the first time ever - now I understand all about GST and discounting," said a food production trainee. "I would like to thank the company and organisers," said another learner. "It is because of people like you that I gain knowledge and educate myself more."

Step4ward is being revised to offer embedded literacy in all 40 credits of the National Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Workplace Safety) (Level 1). The current programme offers 34 credits.

Competenz also plans to embed literacy and numeracy into industry programmes such as the National Certificate in Food and Related Products Processing (Level 2), the National Certificate in Manufacturing (Metal and Related Products) (Level 2) and the National Certificate in First Line Management (Level 3).

For more details about Step4ward, contact Competenz Special Projects Manager Aaron Pearson, ph 09 539 9871, m 027 434 0251 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it