This memo is to inform you of the current situation for the provision of language, literacy and career development education for public sector employees who are from a non-English speaking background.

Since 1989 the Skillmax in the Workplace Program has been the cornerstone of this provision. Through this centrally funded training, approximately 1,400 non-English speaking background immigrants whose skills and experiences were not being fully utilised have improved their communication and presentation skills and enhanced their career development opportunities within the sector.

Recent changes have sought to ensure that the (renamed) Skillmax in the NSW Public Sector remains a practical and effective communication and career development program relevant to the needs of both people from a non-English speaking background and to public sector agencies in the 1990s. The attachment outlines the current program format.

I believe that Skillmax has won the Government widespread recognition as a strategy to assist non-English speaking background immigrants to overcome the linguistic and cultural barriers to their appropriate employment in this country, as well as encouraging better communication practices among managers and supervisors.

Our current emphasis in the public sector on customer service and on quality management, which has increased the need for all employees to develop sound communication, team work and negotiating skills. l therefore encourage all agencies to advertise the availability of the Skillmax in the Workplace Program widely, recommend suitable staff to attend and liaise with Adult Migrant English Service teachers in the delivery of the Program.

Skillmax courses are complementary to other staff development programs within agencies, and attendance at them should not be seen as a substitute for participation in other training. Skillmax courses are part of legitimate workplace training, and if participants are not regarded as 'on duty', special leave, rather than study leave provisions, should apply.

In 1994, the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment, together with the NSW Ethnic Affairs Commission, will be requesting information from Chief Executives about initiatives they have taken to enhance workplace communication and the skills of staff in service delivery functions. Further advice is available from Carol Davies, Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment, telephone: 368-2555.

Premier.

Attachment

As in the past, the core components of the Program are advanced oral communication, professional writing skills and career development techniques, as well as managing diversity components for managers. However, the following changes should be noted:

(i) Changed eligibility requirements

The criteria for Skillmax courses has been broadened from overseas-qualified /under-employed people to any public sector employees who have a first language other than English and overseas-gained skills and experience. While those with formal qualifications not currently being utilised remain an important target group, it is recognised that a promotion may be only one of the course outcomes, and that improved productivity, job satisfaction, as well as immediate career advancement, are worthwhile gains for the agency as well as the individual.

(ii) Strengthened contribution to organisational development

One-day courses on Managing Diversity are now offered to the managers of Skillmax students as well as incorporated into training workshops run in the agency.

(iii) Increased flexibility in the delivery mode

Where appropriate, the Program will be offered on-site or in an agency location convenient to other nearby agencies

(iv) Greater program adaptability

The program can be run to complement and support other vocational training in an agency, and components of it may be offered as part of a redeployment and retraining program offered to staff in the context of restructuring.

(v) Work experience component

While work experience has been valuable for overseas qualified employees who have not been able to work in their own area of expertise, it has in some cases been difficult to organise. Project work within the officer's own workplace is thus being used as a valid alternative, with positive outcomes for the agency and the student.

General information about Skillmax in the Public Sector and an application form follow.

SKILLMAX IN THE NSW PUBLIC SECTOR

Skillmax is a NSW Government initiative to assist migrants of non-English speaking background to maximise the use of their overseas experience and skills within the N.S.W. labour market. Skillmax offers the following courses:

Advanced Oral Communication Course Language for Career Development Course
develops the competencies to develops the competencies to

• make oral presentations at work
• set appropriate career goals
• participate effectively in meetings
• prepare resumes and application Ietters
• communicate with clients
• participate in employment interviews

Language for Customer Contact Course
develops the competencies to

• communicate with customers face to face
• communicate with customers by phone
• understand Australian idioms

Public Sector Writing Skills Course Pronunciation Course
develops the competencies to develops the competencies to

• write formal Ietters
• speak clearly in the workplace
• write memos and procedures
• correct individual articulatory problems
• write professional reports • use self-monitoring correction strategies

Course details

• courses are free and are held in work time
• the majority of courses are held for 4 hours a week for 17 weeks
• courses are available to public sector employees who have a first language other than English and see improved language skills as the key to greater productivity and career advancement

For further information contact Skillmax in the NSW Public Sector on (02) 893 9044

SKILLMAX IN THE NSW PUBLIC SECTOR
APPLICATION

Course applied for:
Name: Date of enquiry
Department: Section:
Phone: Fax:
Supervisor's Name: Phone:
EEO Coordinator/ HR Manager:
Phone: Fax:
Approval to attend interview given by:

Please fax completed form to Fax: 893 9009 or post to Skillmax, Ground Floor, 90 - 92 Phillip St, Parramatta 2150