A new strategy will ensure disadvantaged adult learners have access to education in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to help them become job-ready.
The NSW Adult and Community Education (ACE) strategy launch was announced on 27 September, with plans to deliver vital education and training designed to equip disadvantaged learners and prepare them for entering the skilled workforce.
The Federal Government’s support for the 2024-2028 strategy will see a $22.8 million investment over five years and forms part of the National Skills Agreement’s commitment to the delivery of foundational skills.
The funding will help develop work-readiness skills for these learners and expands on the NSW Government’s $24.2 million annual investment in the adult and community education sector.
The NSW Adult and Community Education sector plays a pivotal role in enabling access to opportunities for learners who have experienced barriers in their education journey.
Key initiatives will support disadvantaged learners in building skills in business services, information technology and foundational skills, with a focus on the English language, reading, writing, numeracy, and digital skills.
The four-year strategy’s cornerstones include:
- Strengthening the capability of adult education teachers through targeted support programs, recruitment and professional development
- Enhancing learning pathways through flexible, high-quality and relevant courses that meet the diverse needs of learners and communities
- Optimising learning pathways for anyone who requires additional support
- Outreach Support Officers connecting disadvantaged community members with educational opportunities, providing support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.
Foundational skills build career potential
“All Australians deserve to have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to meet their career potential and the demands of daily life,” says Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles.
“This investment in adult community education will complement the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, providing targeted support to priority groups who may find it difficult to engage with mainstream education.”
The NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, called the new ACE strategy a “win-win” that would deliver “skills and empowerment to individuals, while enabling a new portion of our community to bolster our skilled workforce”.
“ACE training can also provide a valuable first step, enabling people to take up further training opportunities such as apprenticeships and traineeships,” says Whan.
“With the support of the Federal Government through the National Skills Agreement this strategy will deliver increased funding certainty to the community education sector and build partnerships across government and community to deliver pathways to employment for our students.”
