Victoria’s most vulnerable learners will have better access to the literacy, numeracy and digital skills they need for further study or employment opportunities, thanks to the Victorian Government. Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today announced the details of a $1.25 million investment in crucial skills training during a virtual visit to The Centre for Continuing Education, a Learn Local organisation in Wangaratta.



The funding will enhance new literacy, numeracy and digital skills training and allow more people to enrol with Learn Local providers and take a step towards securing jobs or further qualifications. As part of the investment, Learn Locals will receive Digital Adjustment grants to improve digital access in regional and rural Victoria. The investment will also support lead practitioners in literacy and numeracy to support Koorie learners across the state. A state-wide campaign will promote pre-accredited training as a pathway to employment and further training for the most vulnerable people in our communities with culturally and linguistically diverse learners to also be targeted. Learn Local providers make a huge difference in their communities by delivering pre-accredited training and programs. They help people from all ages and all walks of life, who need extra support to turn their lives around. Learn Locals have a strong presence in local communities across the state and are often the first point of call for people looking to reskill, they also have strong links with migrant communities and support people with English as a second language.



The $1.25 million in funding is part of a wider $163 million package of targeted investments announced by the Victorian Government this week that will make it easier for people to retrain so they can get work in sectors that need more skilled workers. The package will expand the government’s signature Free TAFE program and aims to get more Victorians impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly women and young people, into training for jobs in industries that will drive the state’s economic recovery.



Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney: “The Learn Local sector makes an invaluable contribution to the broader Victorian community and this funding will allow it to help more vulnerable people affected by the pandemic to gain skills and get jobs.”



Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes: “We’re supporting Victorian workers to gain the essential skills they need to help us rebuild from coronavirus including here in Wangaratta.”



Quote attributable to the Chairperson, Adult Community and Further Education Board, Maria Peters: “The Learn Local sector continues to support learners during a period of enormous change and challenge, they continue to help Victorians to believe in themselves as learners and their capacity to be involved in education, to succeed and make positive contributions to their communities”.