This retrospective study is one of a suite of evaluations and research being undertaken by the Department of Labour to inform the development of the government’s Upskilling Strategy. It gathered evidence on what is being achieved by the Workplace Literacy Fund (WLF or the Fund), with a particular focus on outcomes for employers.
The Fund is funded and administered by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). It subsidises literacy, language and numeracy (LLN) programmes in the workplace, usually delivered by specialist literacy providers. Its purpose is to provide workers with literacy, English language and numeracy skills.
Information was gathered through analysis of reports to TEC by providers and through interviews with a sample of companies and associated providers that applied to the Fund in 2006. Additional interviews were completed with workplace literacy providers who did not appear to be involved currently in programme delivery.