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This strategy aims to empower disadvantaged learners and equip them with the skills necessary to enter the skilled workforce.
The Strategy is supported by a Federal Government investment of $22.8 million over five years, focusing on developing foundational skills for some of the state’s most vulnerable learners.
The new funding forms part of the National Skills Agreement commitment to enhance foundational skills. It is designed to build work-readiness among learners and complements the NSW Government’s ongoing annual investment of $24.2 million in the Adult and Community Education sector.
This sector plays a crucial role in offering learning opportunities to individuals who have encountered barriers in their education journey. It provides a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters growth. The new strategy aims to bolster learners’ confidence and skills, facilitating their transition into further education or the workforce.
Key initiatives under the strategy include building skills in information technology, business services, and foundational areas such as English, reading, writing, numeracy, and digital literacy. The sector will benefit from strategic partnerships, particularly with Community Colleges Australia, to expand opportunities and address existing challenges.
The four-year strategy is built around these key cornerstones:
The NSW Department of Education will annually assess the strategy’s progress and report on its outcomes.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles highlighted the importance of foundational skills in daily life and career development.
“All Australians deserve to have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to meet their career potential and the demands of daily life.”
He added, “The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together under the National Skills Agreement to improve access to training for Australians held back by the lack of essential foundation skills.”
Giles also pointed out that the Albanese Government has invested $436 million to redesign and expand the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, providing free foundational skills training across Australia.
He noted, “This investment in Adult Community Education will complement the SEE program, providing targeted support to priority groups who may find it difficult to engage with mainstream education.”
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NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The Adult and Community Education sector, funded by the NSW Government, plays a critical role in providing tailored opportunities for learners who have faced barriers to education.”
He also emphasised the importance of the strategy in fostering innovation, improving adult literacy, and helping disadvantaged individuals connect with employment opportunities.
He called the strategy a “win-win,” empowering individuals and bolstering the skilled workforce.
Additionally, he remarked that ACE training can serve as a stepping stone to further training opportunities like apprenticeships and traineeships, with the strategy providing “increased funding certainty” to the sector through partnerships with the Federal Government.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
