Adult Learners Week marks 30 years of celebrating lifelong learning

Australia is celebrating 30 years of empowering adults through education, connection and opportunity, as the Albanese Government reiterates its commitment to delivering adult community education that builds foundation skills such as literacy, numeracy, language and digital skills.

Adult Learners Week starts today with events across the country recognising the importance of lifelong learning – in both formal and informal settings – in Australians’ lives.

This year’s theme, Celebrate Learning Together, highlights the personal, social and professional benefits of adult education – including enabling participation in further education and training, employment, and the broader community.

According to the OECD, around three million working-age Australians have low literacy or numeracy skills, impacting their ability to fully participate in work and community life, while a recent survey by the Australian Industry Group revealed nearly 90 per cent of Australian businesses are suffering productivity issues due to low levels of language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy among workers.

Through the National Skills Agreement (NSA), the Albanese Government is partnering with states and territories to support Australians to access foundation skills training in their communities, investing $142 million to improve training quality and access.

To mark the 30th anniversary of Adult Learners Week, Adult Learning Australia has introduced the STAR (Student Teaching and Relationship) Award, recognising outstanding adult learners who mentor and support their peers.

For more information and to find events occurring right across the country, visit: www.adultlearnersweek.org/events

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“Adult Learners Week is an important reminder that learning is for everyone, at every stage of life.

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring Australians can access the skills they want – including foundation skills like literacy, numeracy and digital literacy that help open doors to work and community participation.

“Through foundation skills and programs like Free TAFE, our Government is breaking down the barriers holding Australians back from fully participating in our society.”

ENDS