We are dedicated to supporting Victorians to access foundation skills training through adult community education. The National Foundation Skills Strategy 2025–35 and the Victorian Bilateral Implementation Plan set a shared direction for the Commonwealth and Victorian governments under the National Skills Agreement.
This direction cements the importance of access to quality foundation skills training for adult learners to develop the foundation skills they need to participate confidently and fully in work, education and training, and the broader community.
Victoria’s Bilateral Implementation Plan under the National Skills Agreement includes agreed investments to improve foundation skills training capacity, capability, quality and accessibility. As part of this, the Victorian Government secured $15.2 million for adult community education in Victoria:
- $4.8 million for accredited literacy and numeracy delivery by adult community education providers who are also Registered Training Organisations.
- $4.5 million for scholarships in advanced qualifications and professional development for adult community education teachers.
- $5.9 million for pre‑accredited training for digital skills delivered by Learn Local providers.
This strengthened investment acknowledges that a person with low literacy and numeracy faces barriers to participation in social and community life, employment, and education and training. At the same time, 88% of companies are affected by low literacy and numeracy skill levels (The Australian Industry Group’s workforce and skills survey, 2024).
Adult community education and adult community education providers play a crucial role in Victoria’s education system. There are opportunities to better integrate adult community education into the broader skills system, such as through the Victorian Digital Skills Compact – a shared commitment to equip Victorians with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.
I look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated Learn Local providers and key delivery partners to strengthen the system and ensure adult community education supports learners and communities to achieve their goals.
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