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Workplace culture programs

Feel confident at work in Australia

Practical programs on communication, workplace norms, safety, teamwork and interviews. Try a workplace situation below.

Try a workplace situation See the programs

Programs

Programs for everyday working life

Each program uses plain English and real situations. Ask us about the next intake, formats and costs.

Communication at work

Everyday workplace English: meetings, emails, phone calls and small talk.

  • Taking part in meetings and asking questions
  • Writing clear, polite emails
  • Phone and video calls
  • Small talk with colleagues
  • Checking you understood an instruction
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Australian workplace norms

Habits that nobody writes down: first names, feedback, time, breaks and asking for help.

  • How teams and managers usually work
  • Giving and receiving feedback
  • Being on time and calling in sick
  • Asking for help or more time
  • Respect, inclusion and speaking up
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Safety basics

Work health and safety at work: your rights, your duties and how to report a hazard.

  • Your rights and duties for safety
  • Spotting and reporting hazards
  • Safety training on your first day (an induction) and safety signs
  • What to do if you are injured
  • Where to find official information
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Teamwork

Working well in a team: sharing work, solving problems and handling disagreement.

  • Roles in a team
  • Sharing ideas and building on others
  • Disagreeing politely
  • Working with people from many backgrounds
  • Online tools teams use
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Interview practice

Practise real interview questions and get plain, kind feedback.

  • Common interview questions here
  • Answering with the STAR method
  • Talking about overseas experience
  • Video and phone interviews
  • Questions to ask the employer
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Formats

Ways to take part

Choose the format that suits you. Employers and community groups can ask about programs for a group.

Small group online

Live sessions with a facilitator and a small group, from home.

Workshops

In-person workshops for community groups, employers and organisations.

One to one

Individual sessions focused on your goals, for example before an interview.

Workplace culture explorer

What would you do?

Short situations from everyday working life. Choose an answer to see plain guidance. Workplaces differ, so these are common habits, not strict rules.

Scenario 1 of 7

Your manager asks for feedback

In a team meeting, your manager asks: "What could we do better on this project?"

What would you do?

  • Think again. Staying quiet is common when you are new, but here managers usually ask because they want ideas. Silence can look like you have no view.

  • Good choice. Try: "One idea: could we check the numbers with the client earlier?" Specific, polite and helpful is the usual style.

  • Can work. This is fine, especially if you need time to think. Make sure you do send them, the same day if you can.

Scenario 2 of 7

Calling in sick

You wake up with a fever. You are due at work at 9am.

What would you do?

  • Good choice. Tell them early, say you are unwell and when you expect to be back. You may be asked for a medical certificate or other evidence, so check your workplace policy.

  • Think again. Most workplaces prefer you to stay home when you are sick, so others do not get sick. Many employees have paid sick leave. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains leave.

  • Think again. Leaving it late makes it hard for your team to plan. Contact your manager as early as you can.

Scenario 3 of 7

You did not understand an instruction

Your supervisor explains a task quickly and asks: "All good?"

What would you do?

  • Think again. Many people do this, and it can lead to mistakes. Asking questions is normal here and shows you care about doing it right.

  • Good choice. Try: "So first I update the list, then send it to Sam. Which folder does it go in?"

  • Can work. This can work, but your supervisor is the best person to ask. A quick question now saves time later.

Scenario 4 of 7

What do I call my manager?

It is your first day. Your manager says: "Hi, I'm Jo."

What would you do?

  • Good choice. In many workplaces here, people use first names with everyone, including managers. If you are not sure, listen to what others say.

  • Can work. This is polite, and some workplaces prefer it. If they introduced themselves with a first name, it is usually fine to use it.

  • Think again. This is not wrong, but using a person's name is friendly. It is fine to ask: "How would you like me to address you?"

Scenario 5 of 7

An invitation after work

Your team is going out for a drink on Friday. You do not drink alcohol.

What would you do?

  • Good choice. Social events are about spending time together, not about alcohol. Soft drinks, juice or food are normal choices.

  • Can work. This is fine. You never have to go. A friendly reply helps your team feel comfortable inviting you next time.

  • Think again. You do not need to explain. "I'll have a lemonade, thanks" is enough. Your choices are your own.

Scenario 6 of 7

You made a mistake

You notice you sent a customer the wrong price yesterday.

What would you do?

  • Think again. This can make things worse if the customer has already seen it. It is usually better to be open.

  • Good choice. Try: "I made an error on the price for this customer. I can call them today to correct it." Being open about a mistake builds trust.

  • Can work. Waiting may be too late. Tell your supervisor soon, in person or by message.

Scenario 7 of 7

You see a safety hazard

There is a spilt liquid on the floor near the kitchen at work.

What would you do?

  • Good choice. Everyone at work has a part in safety. Report hazards the way your workplace asks.

  • Think again. Safety is everyone's responsibility. Even if you cannot clean it, warn people and report it.

  • Can work. Telling someone helps, but make sure it is reported, so it gets fixed.

Questions

Questions about the programs

Still unsure? Call 1800 266 160 or email info@caqa.com.au.

Who are the programs for?

People who are new to Australia, or new to working here, who want to feel confident at work. Employers and community organisations can also ask about group programs.

Do I need perfect English?

No. Sessions use plain English, and you can ask questions at any time.

What does it cost?

Ask us. We will explain the options, formats and any costs before you decide.

Is this about my culture being wrong?

No. Every culture has its own workplace habits. The programs explain common habits in Australian workplaces, so you can choose how to work with them.

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Interested in a program?

Tell us which program interests you. Our team will contact you within one business day with formats and next dates.

Send an enquiry Call 1800 266 160