The Andrews Labor Government is investing in more targeted courses to reduce adult illiteracy and innumeracy and make it easier for Victorians to get jobs.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney launched the new initiatives in a Ministerial statement at Parliament today.
They are part of the Labor Government’s push to reduce illiteracy and innumeracy in the Victorian community.
According to the most recent estimates, there are 650,000 Victorians with the lowest levels of literacy and 970,000 Victorians with low levels of numeracy.
The Labor Government will introduce new training for teachers in adult community education so they have the skills and expertise to address illiteracy and innumeracy in Victoria.
Local employers will also work with adult community education providers to make it easier for students to get jobs when they finish their course.
The Adult, Community and Further Education Board will drive the implementation of these and other vital initiatives to improve adult community education in Victoria.
The Labor Government has conducted extensive consultation with the sector, TAFEs, employers, unions and other sector partners, who played a critical role in mapping out the future for adult community education in Victoria.
The Ministerial statement is available at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“Illiteracy and innumeracy create significant barriers in a person’s life. These new courses will make it easier for people to fulfil their ambitions – in life and in their career.”
“Through adult community education, people gain the confidence to overcome isolation, create meaningful connections with others and feel valued for their contributions in their communities.”
Quote attributable to Adult, Community and Further Education Board Chairperson Maria Peters
“Adult learners and the wider Victorian community will benefit from this roadmap. It outlines an important strategy to give people the skills they need for life.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020