- Published:
- Wednesday 30 April 2025
The Allan Labor Government investment in Learn Locals across Victoria is giving Victorians more education and employment opportunities so they can take up rewarding careers in the care sector.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today unveiled the Keysborough Learning Centre’s redesigned community education and work-readiness program that starts with learning foundational skills and ends with finding a rewarding job.
More than 90 students have completed or are nearing completion of their qualifications through the program, and almost 80 per cent have already gone on to secure jobs in aged care – a result that shows the impact of the Labor Government’s investments in Learn Locals across Victoria.
Keysborough Learning Centre has revamped the vocational training it provides, in partnership with industry, to deliver work-integrated training. This includes a simulated workplace for vocational students to train in, with equipment and devices loaded with the tools and software used in the sector.
The Supported Pathway to Employment began in 2023 and provides a clear training pathway and practical work-like experience for learners from diverse cultures who mostly speak languages other than English.
The first step on the pathway is to support learners with core foundation skills. It also offers pre-vocational courses such as Occupational English for Aged Care Workers or Digital Essentials. The courses in this first step are funded by the Labor Government through the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board.
Participants then go on to complete a vocational Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging or Disability).
The third stage of the program is funded by the City of Greater Dandenong. It provides support to get a job in the care sector through mentoring and advocacy, opportunities for work-ready training or volunteering, and connections with local employers.
There are more than 200 Learn Locals operating across Victoria, offering tailored support in a range of courses from numeracy and literacy to digital skills and employability.
Almost 30,000 Victorians each year are supported by Learn Locals to overcome barriers to training and access essential skills for life and work.
To find out how a Learn Local can help you, visit learnlocal.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
“Learn Locals are providing real-world work experience, combined with the core foundations skills for learners to successfully transition to further training or a rewarding job.”
“Keysborough Learning Centre is a fantastic example of why Learn Locals are so important – they’re places where the learners can secure a real ticket to work through community education and partnerships with employers.”
Quote attributable to Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
“This program is opening doors for people in our community who speak languages other than English—helping them build skills, confidence and careers in care, while meeting the growing demand for compassionate support workers.”