National Literacy and Numeracy Week – 1-7 September

Are you looking for a job but don’t think your reading, writing and numerical skills are up to scratch?

Do you find it difficult to communicate with other people and that it stops you getting the most out of life?

Mission Australia, one of the nation’s leading providers of support services and training to jobseekers, has vacancies in...

its Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP) to help people struggling with their basic communication and numerical skills.

Mission Australia’s Executive Leader of Training, David Makin, said LLNP was a free service for eligible participants run in partnership with the Australian Government and had already helped close to 60,000 people around the country.

“Statistics show that approximately 17% of Australians – 2.5 million people – have low literacy levels, while 18% – 2.7 million people – were at the lowest document literacy level,” said David.

“Sadly, of these numbers, only around 4% are currently accessing training to help improve their situation.

“We can’t hope to improve the skills shortage in Australia unless we make sure our people can read, write and have basic numeracy.

“LLNP is a great first step in improving, not only your reading, writing and numerical skills, but also your problem-solving, communication and self-esteem.

“With stronger literacy and numeracy you open up a pathway to further education and training, better job performance and improved job prospects.

“Mission Australia currently has vacancies at our LLNP course – it’s absolutely free for eligible students and offers the chance of a ‘fresh start’ for people struggling to get a job or move ahead in their life because of poor communication or numeric skills,” said David.

Mission Australia runs LLNP in Bunbury, Geraldton, Joondalup, Mandurah, Mirrabooka, Rockingham (WA), Belconnen, Woden (ACT), Casuarina, Palmerston, Katherine (NT), Gympie, Kingaroy, Maryborough, Pialba, Toowoomba, Cherbourg, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg (Qld), Port Adelaide, Christies Beach, Salisbury (SA), Burnie, Devonport, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huonville, Rosny Park and Launceston (Tas).

To find out more about LLNP – or if you’re eligible – contact Mission Australia’s Training Institute on 1300 67 69 37 (1300 MPOWER) or visit www.matraininginstitute.com.au

Media contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495