Premier

Labor Government Backs $1.8 Million Learn Local Funding Boost

04 August 2015

Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert has today announced an important funding increase that will benefit community learning organisations across Victoria.

Mr Herbert said the increase through the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board, would see funding rise by nearly $2 million to $17.8 million, to deliver pre-accredited training programs in 2016.

This means that from January 1 next year, the hourly pre-accredited subsidy rate will rise from $7.19 per hour to $8.20.

This is only an interim measure, to correct the funding inequity in Victoria. The VET Funding Review, which is already underway, will determine a fairer, more equitable funding model for training in the state.

Under the previous Liberal Government, funding for pre-accredited programs didn’t increase, despite Learn Local organisations facing rising cost pressures to continue to deliver high-quality training.

Mr Herbert said the Andrews Labor Government was establishing Victoria as the Education State to help ensure all Victorians had access to training and education opportunities, including Learn Local organisations.

ACFE Board Acting Chair Ron Wilson said the higher hourly subsidy rate is a critical element of the ACFE Board’s strategy to support Learn Local organisations to deliver quality education and training that engages with learners who face disadvantage.

There are more than 300 Learn Local organisations in Victoria, which deliver high-quality education and training in community-based settings to adults of all ages.

To find your nearest Learn Local, go to learnlocal.org.auExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert

“Pre-accredited training provides disadvantaged learners with opportunities to get off the treadmill of unemployment and back on the footpath to work or further study.”

“This decision, supported by an additional $1.8 million in Andrews Labor Government funding, will help address the cost-pressures facing Learn Local organisations to continue to provide high-quality training opportunities.”

Quotes attributable to Acting ACFE Board Chair Ron Wilson

“This increase in hourly subsidy rates aligns with the ACFE Board’s strategy to support Learn Locals to better engage with learners who have faced disadvantage by providing pre-accredited programs that enable people to get on the pathway to work or further study.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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