Controlling weeds with literacy

Indigenous workforce participants experienced the opportunity to improve their literacy and numeracy outcomes in Conservation and Land Management (CLM) studies at a ‘Weed Control and Apply Chemicals’ workshop provided by Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, held at Desert Peoples Centre, Alice Springs.

Batchelor Institute Conservation and Land Management (CLM) lecturers and Education and Skills Development Program Literacy and Numeracy lecturers are working collaboratively to help students improve their literacy and their understanding of Conservation and Land Management. An Indigenous lecturer for Conservation and Land Management, Raymond Cochrane said he and Literacy and Numeracy lecturer, Suellen Bambrick coordinated the workshop to train Indigenous employees from various organisations to successfully control weeds and apply chemicals under supervision.

Mr Cochrane also said that the students had little or no ratio skills for using chemicals to treat weeds. Ms Bambrick introduced the language and demonstrated the calculation so that they understood instantly how to apply this knowledge.

“An increasing number of organisations such as Central Land Council (CLC) and Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory in the Alice Springs region are recommending their workforce come to Batchelor Institute to study CLM so that they are work ready with the theory and practical knowledge for employment opportunities in Conservation and Land Management”Raymond Cochrane

There are free Vocational Education and Training programmes that are available for Indigenous people to build their future. These qualifications prepare students for work readiness, giving them skills in literacy, numeracy and employability such as computer training and training for employment outcomes in a range of industries including Conservation Land Management, Community Services, Construction Mining, Health and Wellbeing, Creative Arts and Languages.

Employers are encouraged to explore the training options at Batchelor Institute for their workforce.

The Institute has a free call line to assist Indigenous people and employers to find out more about the VET courses on 1800 677 095.

E-mail enquiries can be sent to enquiries@batchelor.edu.au