Adult learners in Western Victoria are set to benefit from the launch of a Ministerial Statement that invests in more targeted courses to reduce adult illiteracy and innumeracy and make it easier for Victorians to get jobs.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education, and Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney officially launched the Ministerial Statement on The Future of Adult Community Education in Victoria 2020–25 at Parliament House this week.
This is a part of the Labor Government’s push to reduce illiteracy and innumeracy among the Victorian community.
According to the most recent estimations, there are 650,000 Victorians with the lowest levels of literacy and 970,000 Victorians with low levels of numeracy.
The Labor Government will introduce new training for teachers in adult community education so they have the skills and expertise to address the rate of illiteracy and innumeracy in Victoria.
Local employers will also work with adult community education providers to make it easier for students to get jobs when they finish their course.
Providers including Community Hub Colac, Marrar Woorn Neighbourhood House Apollo Bay, Anglesea Community House and Winchelsea Community House will play a key role in delivering on the statement’s objectives by giving local adult learners the literacy, numeracy, employability, digital and entry-level vocational skills they need to get back into education and training.
They will ensure people living in the Polwarth electorate have access to ongoing education and training opportunities that increase their chances of success, their confidence and their feeling of self-worth for their contributions to their communities.
The statement is available in full at: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/training/providers/learnlocal/Pages/min-statement-adult-education.aspx.
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education, and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Illiteracy and innumeracy create significant barriers in a person’s life. These new courses will make it easier for people to fulfil their ambitions – in life and in their career.”
“Through adult community education, people gain the confidence to overcome isolation, create meaningful connections with others and feel valued for their contributions in their communities.”