Foundation skills refer to the core skills of learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy, as well as employability skills, such as decision making, problem-solving, planning, working with technology, interacting with others and managing career and work-life.

Foundation skills have regularly been identified by employers as essential for successful performance in the workplace and rapid industry and technological change means that we need to continually build and adapt our skills for new contexts, technologies and purposes. Developing our foundation skills is also an essential element of successfully completing your course, as it provides specific training in the core skills needed.

Strategix’s Approach

Strategix has developed a comprehensive foundation skills program that provides learners with the opportunity to participate in specific learning and training in foundation skills using the subjects in FSK20119 - Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. Prior to starting training with Strategix, learners undertake literacy, learning and numeracy (LLN) testing and analysis to identify a learner’s potential core skills needs. This information, as well as conversations with learners and other information available through enrolment, is used to develop a plan for addressing these needs, including completing foundation skills subjects, in addition to the vocational qualification.

This training provides opportunities for our students to build the capabilities and skills required for effective workplace and community participation.

Foundation Skills Electives and Outcomes

Strategix offers the following subjects for specific training in core and employability skills:

FSKLRG001 Prepare to Participate in a Learning Environment

In this subject, students will develop a plan for participating in study and learning. This subject will help you manage time and commitments, develop a support network and implement strategies for successful study and learning at work or in a formal learning environment. With guidance and support from a trainer, you will develop a plan for meeting your learning goals.

FSKLRG011 Use Routine Strategies for Work-Related Learning

This subject will help you to develop a formal learning plan to participate in a vocational or workplace learning environment. You will learn about strategies for studying and learning, and implement these strategies as part of your learning with Strategix. In consultation with a trainer, you will monitor your progress towards achieving your learning plan and goals and identify opportunities for further learning and training.

FSKLRG007 Use Strategies to Identify Job Opportunities

This subject will help you to identify potential job pathways and employment opportunities through building your job search skills, understanding the skills needed for your preferred job role and matching your skills to the requirements of that job role. This subject helps you to move forward with your career by providing you with the knowledge you need to apply for your preferred job.

FSKLRG010 Use Routine Strategies for Career Planning

In this subject, you will implement the knowledge you have gained in FSKLRG007 to develop a career plan to help you achieve your work goals. This will include understanding potential barriers, implementing and reviewing your plan with a mentor or trainer and updating your plan with any changes.

FSKOCM006 Use Oral Communication Skills To Participate In Workplace Teams

This subject will give you the skills and knowledge to participate in and contribute to workplace teams, such as providing services and information, communicating workplace instructions and messages, or participating in team meetings. You will apply the skills you learn by participating in two (2) team interactions and will seek feedback and review your interactions to identify areas for improvement.

FSKOCM007 Interact Effectively with Others at Work

In this subject, you will learn the skills and knowledge required to interact effectively with others in the workplace, including clients and internal staff and colleagues. Interactions include giving or responding to spoken instructions, responding to customer queries and complaints, explaining a workplace procedure, or taking telephone calls from the general public or staff. You will practice using appropriate and effective verbal and non-verbal communication in two (2) different situations and seek feedback on your performance.

FSKDIG003 Use Digital Technology for Non-Routine Workplace Tasks

In this subject, you will use technology to undertake non-routine workplace tasks, including completing a form, performing research using the internet and collecting data to construct a table and chart in a spreadsheet. You will learn about and follow security protocols, implement ergonomics and safety procedures and perform the basic functions of technology. This subject is fully supported by a trainer with demonstrations, practise and one-on-one support provided.

FSKRDG009 Read and Respond to Routine Standard Operating Procedures

This subject will give you the skills and knowledge to interpret and respond to routine standard operating procedures in printed or digital formats, such as pre-operational safety checklists, lists of protective and emergency equipment, or steps to undertake when using equipment. You will apply these skills by interpreting and confirming the steps to take in two (2) different situations.

FSKRDG010 Read and Respond to Routine Workplace Information

This subject will give you the skills and knowledge to interpret and respond to information in routine workplace texts in printed or digital formats, such as instruction manuals, reports, emails, brochures, work instructions, notices, web pages with data and policies. You will develop knowledge in text features, use reading strategies to interpret meaning and analyse information, and use the information to respond in different situations.

FSKWTG009 Write Routine Workplace Texts

In this subject you will learn and practise writing both formal and non-formal workplace texts, such as letters and emails, instructions, incident or accident reports, application letters and forms. You will learn how to plan a text document, draft and structure the text, format, proofread, revise and then finalise the workplace text. You will then demonstrate these skills by writing and reviewing two different workplace texts.

FSKNUM014 Calculate with Whole Numbers and Familiar Fractions, Decimals and Percentages for Work

In this subject, you will learn how to interpret and calculate with whole numbers, routine fractions, decimals and percentages for workplace activities and tasks. You will learn how to read numerical information in workplace documents, select an appropriate mathematical process to perform tasks, check answers and results and document results in workplace texts, such as forms. You will be able to use a calculator or spreadsheet to help with sums and will be provided with support and training throughout the course.

FSKLRG009 Use Strategies to Respond to Routine Workplace Problems

This subject addresses the employability skill of problem-solving. Students will learn how to identify potential or actual problems, different strategies for problem-solving, as well as how to respond to routine workplace problems. During training, you will review two (2) different workplace problems and apply problem-solving processes to these problems in consultation with your trainer to practise what you have learnt.

FSKOCM012 Use Oral Communication Skills to Participate in Workplace Negotiations

This subject will help you practise and develop your workplace negotiation skills, such as responding to customer complaints or enquiries, negotiating a change to the roster with co-workers, discussing a pay rise, or changing your contract with your manager. You will identify the purpose of the negotiation, the key information required and the best approach for the negotiation. You will also learn and demonstrate effective communication skills for negotiation by participating in two (2) workplace negotiations and reviewing your performance through feedback and self-evaluation.

FSKOCM004 Use Oral Communication Skills to Participate in Workplace Meetings

In this subject, you will develop and use your oral communication skills to contribute to workplace meetings, such as internal team meetings, staff meetings, external meeting with clients or suppliers, industry committee meetings, project meetings, and work health and safety (WHS) meetings. You will plan for the meeting by identifying the purpose and desired outcomes of the meeting, and then use your planning to effectively contribute and participate in the meeting, as well as review your performance and communication skills.

FSKOCM005 Use Oral Communication Skills for Effective Workplace Presentations

In this subject you will plan, deliver and review one (1) workplace presentation, such as a short presentation to co-workers, information updates (e.g. changes to Work Health and Safety (WHS)) or instructions on how to use new equipment. This subject will teach you how to structure a presentation, organise content, effectively present to a range of people using verbal and non-verbal communication skills and review your presentation.