Workplace Learning: Communicating the 'E' in TAFE
Presentation by Marilyn Enders, Senior Educator, University of Ballarat, School of Business Studies
“Listen, and listen again” was a key message from Marilyn Enders highlighting the critical importance of your communication strategy when managing a workplace learning program. Peppering her talk with many practical tips, Marilyn drew on her own extensive experience in workplace training and assessment, as well as NCVER research findings.
Why communication is critical in workplace learning
Marilyn emphasised that TAFE teachers can make a very important contribution to workplace learning, especially through their understanding of competency based training, and their skills in developing learning programs. However, it is important for TAFE teachers to understand that developing a quality training program is not in itself enough for success. Industry based training is, by its nature, a partnership between employers, employees, vocational education providers and government. Building and maintaining that partnership requires that the teacher gets the communication right. The focus of Marilyn’s presentation was on practical advice on how to avoid the pitfalls and implement a successful communication strategy.
What to communicate
There are two main areas that make up the core of what needs to be communicated: the competency based training system, and what makes an effective training program. These are both areas in which TAFE teachers have much to contribute.
While there is strong industry support for competency based training, there is also a lot of misunderstanding. TAFE teachers can help clarify such issues as:
- Key terms in CBT
- The structure and content of the competencies
- Expected standards at the relevant Australian Qualification Framework level.
These and other aspects of the competency based training system need to be understood to avoid such pitfalls as firms choosing to include inappropriate competencies, creating fragmented learning patterns, or failing to appreciate the importance of underpinning knowledge or the requirements of legislation.
Effective program design is an area where TAFE teachers shine. However, they need to understand the context. What are the expected outcomes – are they information, skills or behavioural change? What is the balance between the job specific and generic skills? How can the most effective learning environment be created? All of these elements, and more, which impact on program design depend on an effective consultation and communication strategy.
Before the program begins – do the homework!
Marilyn reminded us that the importance of listening – not always a key skill in a 
TAFE teacher – cannot be overemphasised. Well before the program begins the teacher needs to set up a dialogue with the many participants in order to clarify what they expect to achieve, to find out as much as possible about the learners, and to “flush out the assumptions”. The organisation’s capability and willingness to participate in the learning program also needs to be clear.
Once the learning program has been negotiated, and the timeframe confirmed, an orientation can be provided to all the key parties.
Setting up the communication strategy
What has been learnt and agreed in the ‘homework’ phase needs to be recorded and confirmed, including milestones and ‘drop dead’ dates. You need to explore the ‘what if’ scenarios and establish risk management strategies. (Technology mismatch is a commonly encountered risk.)
The communication strategy should be formalised in the contract, including a clear outline of the time commitment and expectations of each person’s role. For large projects a dedicated person from the firm undertaking the training is preferred. In any case, it should be clear who will take minutes at meetings, write reports on the program and its progress, and write articles for company newsletters. Who need to approve anything that is written is also important to confirm.
Maintaining the dialogue
The need to listen carefully continues throughout the program. If issues arise, they should be tackled immediately. Keep accurate records, and confirm them, for all consultation. The communication strategy should be reviewed regularly. Of central importance is carrying out the contract specifications, and providing good customer service.
There are some basic steps that can help to streamline communication, such as setting up and using templates for minutes, agendas and newsletter articles.
Workplace training requires new skills
Marilyn’s experience has confirmed the findings of research, that the complexity of the relationship between industry and the training provider requires an extensive array of skills, that go beyond those needed for classroom delivery. For that reason, TAFE needs to set up multi-skilled teams to better enable TAFE staff to effectively deliver industry training. The team can then support the multiple roles that are involved, which include:
- Specialist learning facilitator
- Market analyst and researcher
- Consultant to enterprise and industry groups
- Designer of multimedia learning products and services
- Business manager
- Communication strategist
- Assessment and accreditation specialist
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