Registration under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) requires an RTO to take account of language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills as a part of its core business.

An RTO needs to fit LLN into the delivery of its training and assessment as it has an important role in:

• redressing any deficiencies in its students’ key LLN skills
• building the generic skills of teamwork, communication and problem solving that are highly valued by employers.

Fitting language, literacy and numeracy into training and delivery

While the AQTF standards specify an RTO must attend to LLN needs, the way this is achieved rests with the RTO. It will depend, in part, on the types of training and assessment services the RTO offers.

LLN skills are generally integrated into units of competency in all Training Packages as the students need to have these fundamental skills in order to achieve the required competency.

When developing learning and assessment strategies the RTO should consider the LLN skills:

• of the learner
• required to participate in training
• required in the workplace.

The Australian Government produced a set of frequently asked questions regarding LLN compliance. 

Government Programs

The Australian Government offers three main programs to support adults with the development of language, literacy and numeracy skills for use in work, citizenship and life-long learning.

Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Program

The main aim of the WELL Program is to provide existing workers with English language, literacy and numeracy skills.  Funding is available for language and literacy training to be integrated with vocational training to enable workers to meet their current and future employment and training needs.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program

The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program provides language, literacy and numeracy training for eligible job seekers whose skills are below the level considered necessary to secure sustainable employment or pursue further education and training. It is designed to help remove a major barrier to employment and improve participants daily lives.

Adult Migrant English Program

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provides up to 510 hours of basic English language tuition to migrants and refugees from non-English speaking backgrounds.