The contribution of ACFE for a more inclusive Australia

1. The contribution of ACFE for a more inclusive Australia Rowena Allen Chairperson Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board

3. ACFE’s role post-school

4. ACFE overview • 100,000 learners each year • 8,000 staff and volunteers right across the state • Over 320 not-for-profitLearn Local organisations • 20 years legislated function to support the sector • ACFE Board: 12 members • 8 Regional Offices that support 8 Regional Councils and Learn Local organisations • 2 Adult Education Institutions – CAE and AMES

5. Figure 1 Government funded VET activity in 2010 Learn Local in VET

6. Types of training offered Pre-accredited training Quality assured by ACFE Board Increase confidence and skills Programs of at least 20 hours Pathways to further education and employment 20% of ACE delivery (hours) in this form of training Accredited training A range of courses offered under the Victorian Training Guarantee Around 80% of ACE delivery (hours) in accredited training

7. ACFE overview: qualifications

9. National recognition of community based learning is stronger

10. 2011 Victorian Families Statement “Nothing is more important for the future prosperity of families than a good education, starting in early childhood.” “By making it a priority and getting our education system right, the Government is making the best possible investment in our future…” “In today’s world, having the right skills is increasingly important to securing and keeping a good job.”

12. A small but significant number of Australians face multiple disadvantages 5% of persons aged 18-64 years reported having 3 or more areas of disadvantage, and they... • reported greater difficulty accessing services • were concentrated in disadvantaged locations Social inclusion in Australia: How Australia is faring, 2010

13. Where you live matters... Service access is more likely to be an issue for those living outside major cities. Only 18% of people in major cities reported difficulties compared to 28% in inner regional areas and 39% in other areas which includes outer regional and remote locations Costs, waiting times or unavailability and difficulty accessing transport or the distance needed to travel were common issues cited.

14. A social inclusion approach What is social inclusion? ...a socially inclusive society is one where all individuals have the opportunities, capabilities and resources to participate fully in their community • An effective • social inclusion agenda uses a range of initiatives to: • develop people’s resources • address resourcing gaps • encourage participation to learn, work, engage, have a voice • invest in support systems & reform • measure and evaluate progress

16. Hard to Reach Learners

17. Hard to reach learner profile

18. Outcomes from Learn Local pathways Learner Satisfaction Increased Income • Ratings of course quality consistent at around 95 per cent • 83 per cent learners achieve their study goals • $8,316 – $12,829 for males (in 2007 dollars) • $1,336 – $2,205 for females (in 2007 dollars) Labour Force improvement Labour Force Transitions • Among unemployed ACE learners – • 68 per cent gained skills to get a job • 58 per cent obtained a job. • 63 per cent of females undertaking ACE study were in full time or part time employment compared to 52 per cent for women with less than ACE level education. • Among employed learners – • 73 per cent study helped with work tasks • 61 per cent taught them skills to help them get a better job • 47 per cent helped get a new job, and • 26 per cent study helped them to set up or run a business

19. What would the VET system look like without ACE? • Less support for hard to reach learners • More limited pathways from informal to informal learning • Fewer local learning options • Missed opportunities for locally developed training to meet local needs

20. Inclusion through adult literacy training for improved work pathways Mark’s pathway from Waverley Adult Literacy Program to employment

21. Inclusion through industry partnerships Continuing Education Bendigo working with Care beyond Measure

22. Inclusion through university pathways Partnerships between Learn Local organisations and universities

23. Inclusion through community learning GEST’s Renew and recycle Program helping local disadvantaged community members

24. Challenges and opportunities for ACE Seeking greater recognition of the contribution of the sector in general, and to social and economic outcomes Recognition  funding Enhancing learner pathways more systematically than at present Supporting Learn Local organisations to deliver in a training market