Adult Learners’ Week A Chance To Recognise Victoria’s Local Education Providers

Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert has today welcomed the start of Adult Learners’ Week, a week that shines the spotlight on the work of Learn Local organisations right across Victoria.

Victoria is home to more than 300 Learn Local organisations, often small, community based learning hubs which help more than 50,000 Victorians each year to develop new skills, and pursue their goals of getting work or going on to further education.

In 2016 the Andrews Labor Government, through the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board, will increase the hourly pre-accredited subsidy rate from $7.19 per hour to $8.20 per hour.

This means investment in pre-accredited training will increase by nearly $2million to $17.8 million, up from $16 million this year.

Adult Learners’ Week culminates with the Learn Local Awards, which celebrate the best and brightest of the Learn Local sector, including finalists who have turned their lives around thanks to training at Learn Locals.

One of last year’s Learn Local finalists, Wendy Dyckhoff, will be featured at this year’s awards.

Separated from her family aged six, Wendy spent her childhood in an orphanage and was only encouraged to use her voice in prayer. As an adult, her speaking and literacy skills were so poor, she struggled to communicate in everyday situations.

A computer course at Dallas Neighbourhood House gave her confidence, and set her on a path to further study. She has gone on to advocate for Forgotten Australians and to write about her life, including submissions to inquiries into child abuse.

Wendy used part of the money she won at last year’s awards to track down and reconnect with her brother and sister who she had not seen in half a century.

Wendy is just one of the tens of thousands of people who use Learn Locals every year, each with their own unique story to tell.

Adult Learners’ Week runs from September 1 to 8.

Quotes Attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert

“This year’s Adult Learners’ Week is a great opportunity for Victorians to explore the skills and opportunities offered at Learn Locals in their communities.”

“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.”

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