Understanding AET, FLC and GETC Courses

Much has been written about the importance of educating adult learners in the workplace. The benefits are not just personal for the learners; they are profitable for the business, too. The decision to invest in educating, elevating and excelerating a workforce is one of the most impactful actions that a business can take, so it’s important to know what these courses entail and what the expected outcomes will be.

Bridging the Gap with Adult Education and Training (AET)

AET is a framework designed to provide foundational education and skills training to adults. Historically known as ABET (Adult Basic Education and Training), AET aims to improve literacy and numeracy on a core level, empowering adults in the workplace to better participate in the workforce and society, at large. AET courses are aimed at those adult learners who have not successfully completed formal schooling, on as basic a level as Grade R to Grade 9. AET courses are specifically geared for those workers who do not possess the building blocks of literacy (being able to read and write in English) and numeracy (simple arithmetic). In its simplest form, AET focuses on improving basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills. From an accreditation point of view, AET training is sufficient to satisfy the NQF requirement from a Pre NQF status, up to and including NQF Level 1. What employees and employers can expect to gain from an AET course are the essential life skills training, with the outcome of an employee being able to add more value in the workplace.  The AET course covers communication, problem-solving and critical thinking. In some instances, this may be industry or job specific, but is in all cases AET remains a highly effective tool to enhance an adult’s employability and overall job performance. A certified AET learner is now also eligible for further education on the path to continuous learning and development.

Bridging the Gap with Foundational Learning Competence (FLC)

Once a solid and sustainable base has been created in AET, FLC courses are then designed to equip individuals with improved competencies necessary for further education and workplace success. These courses are typically aimed at adults who’s functions require a more developed aptitude of literacy and numeracy, compared to the core level that is offered on an AET level. Building on AET, FLC is best suited to adult learners who have ether successfully completed formal schooling up to Grade 10 (or the equivalent AET training) who now wish to progress to NQF Levels 2 – 4.  This is essential, as in the South African context an NQF Level 2 qualification in literacy and numeracy is often the critical threshold requirement for most blue-collar positions of employment. Under FLC, communication skills are improved for better reading, writing, listening and speaking. Mathematics also improves from basic arithmetic, to problem-solving and the practical applications of these skills to improve daily life, in both a personal and professional capacity. Importantly, FLC is the next step in unlocking effective study techniques, which lay the foundation for lifelong learning, for true education, elevation and exceleration of an adult learner. By providing the essential skills needed for higher-level education and training programs eligibility, the potential of improved levels of employment prospects now become a reality.

Bridging the Gap with a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC)

GETC is a qualification aimed at adults who too, have not completed their formal schooling. It provides a broad-based education equivalent to a high school level, covering various subjects to prepare learners for further education and training, or employment. In the South African context, GETC serves as the equivalent of a Matric certificate, but differs significantly from AET in the sense that the former (GETC) is more comprehensive and geared to those adult learners who specifically require education on a high school level for further education, with the latter (AET), concerned primarily with the core fundamentals in literacy and numeracy.

GETC typically includes fundamental subjects such as mathematics, communication, natural sciences and social studies. Supplementary to these, is the ability to include elective subjects based on the adult learner's interests and career goals. These may include but are not limited to technology, the arts or workplace environment specific vocational skills. The assessment of an adult leaner at the GETC level involves a combination of exams, assignments, and practical tasks where the candidate will need to demonstrate a practical competence in the covered subjects.

GETC is often recognized as a qualification that can dramatically open doors to further education and employment opportunities. The comprehensive nature of the course material equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in various fields and industries, far beyond the foundational level in AET and FLC..

In Conclusion

With multiple course offerings available for workplace education, it is essential to first asses the standard of literacy and numeracy on both a group and individual level. Then, to carefully align that with personal and organizational goals to find the best fit, for the most positive outcome in the long term.

As the South African leader and specialist in workplace education for over three decades, no other service provider can claim to have educated as many South African adult workers, with as much success. Fully accredited and highly resourced with nationwide reach, Triple E Training offers customizable turnkey AET, FLC and GETC courses. Bridge the gap and educate, elevate and accelerate your workforce, to unlock business potential, today!