The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today launched a project to boost the literacy and numeracy skills for employees at John Holland’s engineering construction facilities at Lytton in Brisbane’s east.

Mr O’Connor said the Australian Government has provided $40,415 for a Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Project which will deliver literacy and numeracy training.

Under the project a teacher will provide on-site training and support to employees, linked to job-related workplace training.

The Member for Bonner, Ms Kerry Rea, said “This project aims to provide employees at John Holland’s Lytton site with the fundamental skills that will help them gain confidence and boost their skill levels.”

“The program combines English language literacy and numeracy training with a Business Services and Metal and Engineering training” Mr O’Conner said.

“Investment in the education, skills and training of people is the single most important thing that can be done to lift Australia’s productivity.”

“The training is also designed to help workers meet their current and future employment and training needs.”

The Australian Government will invest more than $15 million in WELL projects nationally this financial year with more than $2 million to be spent on projects in Queensland.

The WELL Program is part of the Australian Government’s Skilling Australia for the Future initiative.