New scholarships to boost vital skills

Labor is backing Victorians to improve their language, literacy and numeracy and digital skills.

Ministers Giles and Brooks have announced the $4.5 million Adult Community Education (ACE) Scholarships Program.

The scholarships will boost the adult and community education workforce by helping more Victorians train as teachers to support adults with foundation skills.

The scholarships range from $500 to $20,000 and can be used for course fees and other expenses such as books, internet access and living expenses.

Foundation skills, including language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills are essential for work and participating in the community. 

However, one in three Victorians have a low level of literacy that makes it difficult for them to find and keep work. 

To improve this, we need more teachers who can help adults to develop their foundation skills. 

Labor believes no one should be left behind because of low levels of reading, writing or other essential skills, which is why we’ve introduced these new scholarships.

The scholarships will enable teachers to undertake specialist training on how to teach these essential skills to adults. 

This will support better outcomes for Victorian communities, businesses and the economy.

The scholarships cover courses and qualifications offered at Park Orchards Community House & Learning Centre, Chisholm Institute, Charles Sturt University and Victoria University.

This $4.5 million investment is jointly supported by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments as part of the National Skills Agreement, delivering up to $30 billion through a five-year agreement between the Commonwealth and states and territories to strengthen and grow vocational education and training (VET) in Australia.

For more information on the scholarship, and learn about how to apply, visit vic.gov.au/ace-scholarships-program

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

“Foundation skills are essential to help people in their workplace, to help those looking for work, and to build confidence and skills out and about in the community. That’s why we’re delivering this funding to ensure more teachers can reach more students, where they need it. 

“Labor is the party of skills, and the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are focused on ensuring that every Victorian can access the skills and training they need to set themselves up for the future.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE, Colin Brooks:

“We proudly back adult education so Victorians can get the skills they need for the secure job they want.”

“We’re supporting educators to teach vital skills like reading and writing – because Labor believes no one should be left behind.”

ENDS